POLICE ASSOCIATION OF NOVA SCOTIA 81 GET HELP WITH FAMILY VIOLENCE continued... Who can help? Help Lines There are many telephone services (sometimes called crisis lines) that you can call for free 24 hours a day without giving your name. The person who answers the phone will listen to you and can help you make important decisions to stay safe and to keep your children safe. Look in your phone book or on the internet for phone numbers. If you choose not to call for help right away, then keep a list of these phone numbers in a safe place you can get to easily. Legal Services Legal help may be available from a lawyer or a legal aid office. Contact a lawyer referral service, a legal aid office or a public legal education and information association to find out where you can get legal help and if you can get help free of charge. Hospital If you have serious injuries, you should go to a hospital. Hospitals have emergency staff who are there to help you if you are hurt or having a health emergency. They may also have special knowledge about family violence. It is best for you to tell the doctors and nurses the truth about what happened. If you are not a Canadian citizen, you may still have access to health care. If you are legally entitled to be in Canada - as a refugee, a permanent resident or a sponsored spouse - you may be entitled to free health coverage after three months under provincial or territorial health insurance. Refugee claimants may have access to health care coverage from Citizenship and Immigration Canada. Tourists or temporary visitors can buy health insurance. For any questions regarding your health coverage, see your province's or territory's health information website or call your provincial or territorial health service. You may also go to the website of Citizenship and Immigration Canada. Police Many police officers are trained to respond to family violence. Many police services across Canada have special domestic assault units with police officers and other professionals who will listen and try to help you. The police can also refer you to victim services. Check the first few pages of your telephone book for the phone number. Shelters If you or your children are in danger, a shelter can give you temporary help and somewhere safe to stay. Staff there have special training to deal with family violence victims and can give you advice on what to expect and how to stay safe and keep your children safe. Religious Organizations If there is someone at your place of worship whom you trust, tell them what is happening.
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