In Case of Emergency...

Recent media coverage has underscored the strained relationships between police services and members of the public they are sworn to protect. If you have reason to distrust emergency services personnel but are faced with a crisis worthy of dialling 9-1-1, there are steps you can take that may increase your safety.

In Canada, it is legal to record a conversation you are a part of without consent of the other party, and it is legal to photograph or video record emergency personnel in the course of their duties. Laws are different in other jurisdictions, and it is up to you to ensure you comply with the law while also maintaining your safety. Recording wrongdoing does not prevent its occurrence, but the presence of video recording equipment (including smartphones) may motivate better behaviour for those appearing on camera. In the worst case scenario, smartphones which upload to cloud services can collect evidence to be used in complaints or prosecution. Keep in mind the recording of any emergency personnel must not interfere with their ability to carry out their duties, and it must not pose a safety concern to you or to anyone else.

Winnipeg Police Non-Emergency Line: 204.986.6262

tbdp.ca Resources:

Street Harassment: What it is, what it isn’t, and how to deal with it.

The ABCs of Intervention

Nine Real Self Defence Tips That Don't Include The Words "Always" and "Never."

External Resources:

The Best Defence Program is not affiliated with any of the services below but we have verified them to the best of our ability. If a link is broken or the resource is unreliable, please send us an email and advise us of any issues you've encountered.

Klinic Crisis Line: 204.786.8686 (toll-free 1.888.322.3019)

Sexual Assault Crisis Line: 204.786.8631 (toll-free 1.888.292.7565)

Manitoba Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1.877.435.7170 (1-877-help170)

Ka Ni Kanichihk: "Ka Ni Kanichihk (pronounced Ga Ni Ganichick) means 'those who lead' in the Ininew (Cree). Ka Ni Kanichihk provides a culturally safe environment where the greatness and gifts of all peoples are honoured and where our cultural practices and values are practiced and Indigenous people can 'just be who we naturally are.'"

Kids Help Phone - for young people in Canada ages 5 to 20, Kids Help Phone is a 24/7, free professional counselling and referral service, and they’re completely anonymous and confidential. Available at kidshelpphone.ca or 1-800-668-6868, their counsellors are non-judgemental and here to help.

Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata provides "culturally relevant preventative & supportive programs for Aboriginal people."

The Manitoba Human Rights Commission.

Onashowewin Justice Circle "provides diversion services for the Manitoba Crown Attorney's Office. However, we have an 'Open Door' policy and if we are able, we can see about supporting others who are in conflict with the law or those who feel that they need to make positive changes in their life."

Rainbow Resource Centre - for members of the LGBTT* [Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Two-Spirit, and Queer] community and those who are questioning their sexual orientation and gender identity. Services include adult and youth counselling services; resources, referral, and general information; education services for service providers and corporate sectors on sexual orientation and gender identity; adult and youth community and volunteer programming. Call (204) 474-0212 or e-mail info@rainbowresourcecentre.org

Manitoba Health Crisis and Non-Crisis Regional Contacts

ChildFind - assist in the search for missing children

Preventing School Shootings - from the (US) National Criminal Justice Reference Service

StopSexWithKids.ca - a website dedicated to combating the sexual exploitation of children.

CyberTip.ca - report the online sexual exploitation of children at this website.

Author and advocate Louise McOrmond-Plummer's website is replete with resources around the subject of intimate partner sexual violence (IPSV)

Lundy Bancroft is an author, workshop leader, and consultant on domestic abuse and child maltreatment.

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