British Columbia

Canadian Centre for Men and Families facilities are mental health and social service hubs that provide a wide variety of front-line programs and services in their communities.

Healthy Boys, Men, Families, Communities.
The Canadian Centre for Men and Families is British Columbia’s hub for boys, men, fathers and families. We proactively foster healthy boys and men by filling critical gaps in men’s services that reduce male suicide, empower fathers undergoing separation and divorce, and help boys and men heal from trauma. We support, empower and advocate for men before, during and after a crisis, in a safe, open, inclusive and supportive environment.

We are thrilled to announce a major expansion of our Canadian Centre for Men and Families British Columbia branch.

Our commitment to supporting fathers and families grows with a range of valuable programs designed to provide guidance, education, and community support. We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming sessions.

Our Team

CCMF BC includes a team of highly motivated staff and volunteers that bring a variety of experiences and backgrounds to our work. Click here to learn more about our people.

Legal Webinar
The second Tuesday of each month, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
We’re excited to welcome Andrew Liggett from Sea to Sky law firm, a seasoned family law lawyer who will be hosting monthly legal webinars to help men better understand their legal rights and options.

SOFA BC – Survivors of False Allegations
Every second Thursday, starting March 27, 2025, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
(SOFA Ontario runs from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM, you are invited to join anytime)

This peer support group provides a welcoming and non-judgmental environment with practical resources and shared experience for survivors of false allegations and their loved ones. Those who have been falsely accused or wrongfully convicted can find companionship, support, and understanding. You are welcome to share as much or as little about your experience as you like.

MPSG – Men’s Peer Support Group
Every Tuesday from 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Peer support groups are composed of individuals who share a common condition or circumstance. In the case of our PSG: marital separation and divorce, intimate partner violence/abuse, parental alienation, parenting, navigating the legal system, and dealing with cultural biases against men/boys. PSGs are focused on providing mentoring, emotional and social support, information, education, and practical help to each other. The expression of mutual caring and concern provides a powerful environment for reclaiming hope, healing and building resilience.

Psychotherapy
CCMF is working in partnership with Daniel Dorogi RCC, CCC, CPC, to offering online secure and confidential videoconference treatment and support to persons 17+ years of age. Click here for full details.

Legal Consultation
Daniel J. Forbes, Barrister & Solicitor, is offering up to 30 minutes of free consultation with an experienced criminal defence lawyer for persons accused of criminal offences.

Topics may include:
– Appearing professional and respectful in court.
– Understanding the different steps in the criminal process in British Columbia.
– How to get a lawyer through Legal Aid, Rowbowtham Applications, or Private Retainers.
– How to represent yourself using self-help resources for persons without lawyers.
– How to preserve and present evidence in criminal cases.
– Advice on possible defences that may apply to your case.
– Understanding the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
– Understanding the possible consequences for criminal convictions: discharges, fines, probation and jail.
– When and how to negotiate with police and prosecutors.

This consultation will NOT cover topics outside the scope of criminal law, such as:
– Family law, such as emergency protection orders and child custody.
– Divorce law, such as exclusive use of property or division of property.
– Immigration law, such as visa or residency eligibility or removal from Canada.

Additional programs in development
– Legal Clinics
– Counselling
– Father oriented Programming

To register for any of our programs, please visit the following link: https://menandfamilies.org/program-registration/

A full list of programs available across the country is posted at the above link.

We are excited to see our community grow stronger together. Stay tuned for more updates and details on how to register for each program. If you have any questions or would like to participate, please reach out to us. We look forward to seeing you!

CCMF BC has researched community resources available to men and boys in British Columbia. We are available to assist you in accessing these services provided by third parties.

1) Housing
Men and families fleeing abuse in BC can apply through BC Housing’s Housing Registry, http://housingapplication.bchousing.org/, and, if relevant, the Supplemental Application Form https://www.bchousing.org/publications/Housing-Registry-Supplemental-Application-Form.pdf for people fleeing domestic violence or abuse. The gender-specific Priority Placement Program is for women, but the general registry and fleeing-abuse supplement are available to eligible men, women, and families.

To apply, the person completes the Housing Registry application and then submits the supplemental form if they are fleeing abuse. BC Housing says the supplementary form can be completed by a qualified third-party verifier such as a doctor, nurse, counsellor, social worker, MCFD worker, victim services staff, or staff from a safe home/transition house; the verifier does not need to be “registered” with BC Housing.

BC Housing’s process allows the applicant or verifier to submit the form by upload, mail, fax, or in person, and the Housing Registry office can help with updates and questions. The main Housing Registry contact is 604-433-2218 in Metro Vancouver or 1-800-257-7756 elsewhere in BC.

If funding is approved through housing programs, payment is usually made to the housing provider or landlord rather than directly to the client, depending on the program and housing arrangement; BC Housing’s registry itself is an application system, not a direct cash benefit.

CCMF does not have to be a BC Housing “verifier” if another qualified professional can complete the supplemental form, but CCMF staff can act as the verifier if they know the client’s circumstances and are acting in a professional capacity. For rental assistance programs, BC Housing notes that the Rental Assistance Program does not require a third-party verifier.

2) Legal Aid

Legal Aid BC offers family law help for people with low income, including advice and, in serious cases, representation. For free family legal advice, income limits depend on household size, and people with urgent safety issues may qualify for more immediate support through duty counsel or a family lawyer referral pathway

A man leaving abuse can contact Legal Aid BC even if he has not yet started court. Legal Aid BC explains that serious family problems may include situations where you need an immediate court order for safety or where the other parent is threatening to remove children from BC.

The usual starting points are Legal Aid BC’s online intake, and the family law pages, where a person can check eligibility and service options. Main resources include the “Do I qualify financially for free family legal advice?” page and the “Serious family problems” page.

If legal aid is approved, payment is generally made directly to the legal service provider or lawyer, not to the client. CCMF does not need to be the verifier for legal aid, though CCMF can help clients gather documents, explain urgency, and connect them to intake.

Useful links: Legal Aid BC family advice eligibility https://legalaid.bc.ca/services/do-i-qualify-advice
and Serious family problems https://legalaid.bc.ca/services/family-problems.

3) BCeID
“Personal BCeID has retired (BCeID registration page noting retirement) , but Basic and Business BCeID remain in use for participating BC government services.”

If seeking specific services from the BC government website it is suggested to use the current login or identify method required for accessing specific services. If a client already has questions about a past BCeID account or related access issues, the published help contact is 1-888-356-2741 or 604-660-2355.

Because BCeID is retired, there is no current funding application process through BCeID itself and no payment destination tied to it. CCMF does not act as a verifier for BCeID, because this is an identity access service rather than a benefits program
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For website wording, a short note such as “BCeID has retired; check the individual program page for the correct sign-in method” would be accurate and less confusing for clients.

Below are specific program pages because different services may now use BCeID, BC Services Card Login, or another login method https://www.bceid.ca/ :
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/government-id/bcservicescardapp
https://digital.gov.bc.ca/design/digital-trust/online-identity/bceid/?swpmtx=2b6eafe74542ba87a77ec797d249faa3&swpmtxnonce=1a44798f48
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/k-12/support/transcripts-and-certificates/studenttranscripts-services-help/basic-bceid
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/programs/grant-application-claim-payment-status
https://www.bceid.ca/aboutbceid/faqs.aspx
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/farming-natural-resources-and-industry/electricity-alternative-energy/transportation/renewable-low-carbon-fuels/transportation_fuels_reporting_system_bceid_user_guide.pdf
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/services-for-government/information-management-technology/identity-services-program/bceid-authentication-service
https://id.gov.bc.ca/account/login
https://www.bceid.ca/directories/bluepages/

4. Supervised Visits
Supervised visits are usually arranged because of family safety concerns, court orders, child protection concerns, or agreement between the parties; they are not automatically ordered by a court in every case. In BC, supervised access services may be provided by government-linked agencies, but many private services are fee-for-service.
If the family is working with MCFD (Ministry of Children and Families Development (https://mcfd.gov.bc.ca/),
some supervised access services may be available through referrals, but private agencies can also accept self-referrals or lawyer referrals depending on their intake rules. Specific agencies, such as Access Family Services (https://www.accessfamily.ca/) and Eclipse Counselling & Family Services (https://www.eclipsecounselling.net/), appear to operate as private fee-for-service providers based on their public websites and intake processes.
A practical process for clients is to confirm whether there is a court order, parenting agreement, or child safety concern; ask the lawyer or family justice professional what wording is needed; and then contact a supervised access provider directly to complete intake. Fees are usually paid by the parent using the service unless a court order or agency funding arrangement says otherwise [user-provided information].
CCMF is not usually the verifier for supervised visits unless a provider specifically accepts a professional reference or intake summary from CCMF. If a court or MCFD case is involved, the safest route is to coordinate with the lawyer, MCFD worker, or the access provider before booking sessions.
Helpful BC legal background is available in Legal Aid BC’s separation and divorce materials, which explain parenting, protection, and court steps.

5) Additional Counselling
BC has several counselling and crisis supports for people affected by abuse, including immediate support through crisis lines and referrals through victim services and health supports. For urgent emotional support, BC’s Mental Health Support Line is 310-6789, and the suicide crisis line is 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) or 9-8-8 across Canada.
For people affected by violence, VictimLink BC at 1-800-563-0808 can connect clients to local victim services and related counselling resources. BC also maintains a victim services and violence against women program directory that lists counselling and outreach services.
Where counselling is funded through government programs or CVAP (Community Victim Assistance Program), payment is often made directly to the counsellor or service provider rather than to the client. That reduces out-of-pocket cost for the client when an approved service is available.
CCMF is not usually the verifier for publicly funded counselling unless the program asks for a professional referral or confirmation of circumstances. For website wording, it is best to say that clients can call VictimLink BC, 310-6789, or 9-8-8 depending on whether they need service navigation, emotional support, or crisis response.
Useful link: BC crisis and information lines https://www.bccrisislinenetwork.ca/
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6) Social Assistance
BC’s Social Development and Poverty Reduction (SDPR) system has special rules for people fleeing abuse, including faster processing when a person discloses abuse during intake and supplements for moving, transportation, living costs, and crisis needs. The policy is gender-neutral and applies to eligible applicants and recipients who are fleeing abuse.
If a person is already receiving income assistance, disability assistance, or hardship assistance, they may qualify for a Transportation and Living Costs Supplement or a Crisis Supplement if the emergency meets program criteria. In urgent situations, ministry approval is generally needed before costs are incurred, but reimbursement may be considered after the fact in exceptional circumstances.
These supplements are usually paid to the client, although the ministry may issue payments in another way when needed to cover the approved cost. CVAP (Community Victim Assistance Program) is separate from SDPR and is not the same as a social assistance supplement program.[16][17][1]
CCMF does not need to be the verifier for SDPR supplements if the client already is in the intake process and discloses fleeing abuse, because the ministry can assess eligibility directly and speed up the process. For clients who are employed but still need help during a crisis, the right starting point is often SDPR intake, VictimLink BC, or the local Ministry office to ask about whether the client qualifies for hardship, crisis, or move-related supports.[18][16]
Useful link: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/policies-for-government/bcea-policy-and-procedure-manual/general-supplements-and-programs/moving-transportation-and-living-costs
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7) CVAP – Crime Victim Assistance Program
The Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP) helps victims, immediate family members, and some witnesses who have been physically or psychologically harmed by violent crime in BC, including intimate partner violence. A person does not need to wait for charges to be laid or for a conviction before applying.
CVAP can provide benefits such as counselling, protective measures, transportation, and relocation support, and where possible it pays service providers directly. For protective measures, the program can reimburse security devices up to $3,000 and relocation expenses up to $7,000.
Applications are time-limited in most cases: within two years if the crime occurred on or after January 1, 2024, or within one year for earlier cases, with some exceptions. The main contact is 604-660-3888 in the Lower Mainland, 1-866-660-3888 toll-free, or cvap@gov.bc.ca..
CVAP is separate from, and not the same as SDPR (Social Development Poverty Reduction) supplements, so a person may be eligible for one, the other, or both depending on the situation. CCMF does not have to be the verifier for CVAP, but a victim service program or other supporting professional can help document the claim and connect the client to the right forms.
Useful links:https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/justice/criminal-justice/bcs-criminal-justice-system/if-you-are-a-victim-of-a-crime/victim-of-crime/financial-assistance-benefits or CVAP – Gov.bc.ca.

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8) Community Victim Services
BC’s victim services system includes local victim services programs, outreach services, and specialized supports that can help men and families fleeing violence. Many of these services are free and can help with safety planning, emotional support, court preparation, referrals, and navigating CVAP or other supports.
The easiest entry point is usually VictimLink BC at 1-800-563-0808 (https://victimlinkbc.ca/), which can refer the person to a local program and explain what supports are available nearby. Some services are police-based and offer faster access after a police report, while others are community-based and may accept self-referrals.
For men, the best approach is often to ask directly whether the local program serves male victims and whether it can support intimate partner violence, parenting issues, or court navigation. If the client is in immediate danger, call 911 or a crisis line should be used first. Community-based victim service programs provide services primarily to victims of family and sexual violence. Each community service may provide services differently.
CCMF does not need to be the verifier for a person to speak with VictimLink BC or a community victim service program, but CCMF can help with referral letters, safety planning, and documentation if a program requests it. Where money is attached to a victim service benefit, payment is usually made to the provider rather than the client, depending on the program.
Useful link: Victim services – Criminal justice system – https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/justice/criminal-justice/bcs-criminal-justice-system/services-and-resources/important-phone-numbers/victim-help-and-support

9. Family Law Path
For a man fleeing abuse who wants separation and divorce in BC, the first legal step is usually separation, and divorce is the legal process that ends a marriage. A person can live in the same home and still be separated if they are no longer living in a marriage-like relationship.
If safety is an issue, the person should consider legal advice quickly, especially if they need an urgent court order, parenting order, protection order, or to stop the other parent from removing children from BC. Legal Aid BC has publications and court guides on safety planning, protection orders, children’s safety, money after leaving abuse, and the criminal court process.
For divorce, BC Supreme Court is generally the court used, and one spouse must have lived in BC for at least 12 months before applying. Most people wait until they have been separated for at least one year, unless adultery or cruelty is relied on.
A practical path to consider for you, may be: make a safety plan, get legal advice, secure housing and income supports, collect important documents, and then work on parenting, support, property, and divorce issues in the proper order. The path forward may be different for each individual.
For urgent family violence situations, Legal Aid BC and BC court resources are the most useful starting points.

10. Other BC supports
Other BC supports that may help include crisis lines, HealthLink BC at 8-1-1, BC 211, victim services, and Indigenous-specific crisis lines where relevant. These services can help with immediate safety, referrals, counselling, and local program navigation.

For website use, the most important numbers to highlight are 911, VictimLink BC at 1-800-563-0808, the BC Mental Health Support Line at 310-6789, the suicide crisis line at 1-800-SUICIDE, and BC 211 where appropriate.

These are often the fastest routes for men and families in crisis.
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/justice/criminal-justice/bcs-criminal-justice-system/if-you-are-a-victim-of-a-crime/victim-of-crime/victim-services-directory
https://www.bchousing.org/publications/Housing-Registry-Supplemental-Application-Form.pdf
https://legalaid.bc.ca/services/do-i-qualify-advice
https://www.bchousing.org/housing-assistance/women-fleeing-violence/priority-placement-program
https://www.bchousing.org/publications/Housing-Registry-Application-Form.pdf
https://legalaid.bc.ca/services/family-problems
https://legalaid.bc.ca/apply-online
https://www.bceid.ca/register/
https://info.legalaid.bc.ca/guide/guide-living-together-or-living-apart/divorce-ending-marriage
https://info.legalaid.bc.ca/find-resource/pdf-subject/2
https://supremecourtbc.ca/family-law/overview/separation-and-divorce/separation-and-divorce-introduction
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/mental-health-substance-use/crisis-and-information-lines

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Crisis Lines

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/justice/criminal-justice/bcs-criminal-justice-system/understanding-criminal-justice/key-parts/victim-services
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/policies-for-government/bcea-policy-and-procedure-manual/general-supplements-and-programs/moving-transportation-and-living-costs
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/policies-for-government/bcea-policy-and-procedure-manual/general-supplements-and-programs/crisis-supplement
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/policies-for-government/bcea-policy-and-procedure-manual/case-administration/persons-fleeing-abuse
https://www.sfu.ca/pact-project/helpful-tools.html
https://www.jibc.ca/provincial-crisis-lines
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/mental-health-substance-use/virtual-mental-health-supports%23gethelp
https://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/infosheet/coping-with-mental-health-crises-and-emergencies
https://www.bccrisislinenetwork.ca/contact.html
https://legalaid.bc.ca/sites/default/files/2021-06/2021-06-03 Legal_Aid_BC_Intake_and_Resources_Binder_materials.pdf
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/vehicle-safety-enforcement/information-education/register-bceid
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/employment-business-and-economic-development/investment-capital/venture-capital-programs/how_to_obtain_a_bceid.pdf
https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/loo66/loo66/161_2002
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/law-crime-and-justice/criminal-justice/bc-criminal-justice-system/if-victim/publications/cvap-victim-benefits.pdf
https://api2.legalaid.bc.ca/resources/pdfs/pubs/Now-Youre-Talking-eng.pdf
https://info.legalaid.bc.ca/questions/separation-and-divorce