What is a Safe Haven?
A Safe Haven is a business, public or community establishment that agrees to assist women and children in the community who are fleeing violent or frightening situations – e.g., a woman leaving an abusive partner, a teenager witnessing violence, or a child being bullied or followed.
The Safe Haven sticker in the window of a store or agency indicates that this is a place where people can use the phone to call for help and wait there until help arrives. A list of phone numbers for local resources, police, ambulance and taxi services is provided.
Staff at Safe Haven locations understand the purpose of the program and are encouraged to respect confidentiality.
Participation in the Safe Haven program is the community’s way of saying that violence will not be tolerated here.
Where does Safe Haven operate?
| Area | Contact | |
| Nelson to Balfour | The Advocacy Centre 250.352.5777 |
|
| Lower Slocan Valley | The Advocacy Centre 250.352.5777 |
|
| Kaslo | North Kootenay Lake Community Services 250.353.7691 |
|
| Salmo | Salmo Community Services 250.357.2277 |
Safe Haven Manual
In partnership with the West Kootenay Women’s Council, the Advocacy Centre has created a Safe Haven manual. It is designed to help any rural Canadian community set up a Safe Haven program in their area. The project was funded by the The National Crime Prevention Strategy.
The Safe Haven Manual is available in PDF format here.
The Advocacy Centre 