At Salal Sexual Violence Support Centre, we are committed to providing compassionate, survivor-centered support to everyone who reaches out to our crisis line.

Our staff and volunteers reflect the communities we serve, including people who are impacted by sexual violence, racism, transphobia, homophobia, xenophobia, and other forms of systemic violence.

We recognize that the world feels very heavy right now and many people contact us while experiencing intense emotions, including anger, distress, and overwhelm. These responses are valid and often connected to experiences of harm.

At the same time, we are committed to maintaining a space that is safe for both callers and the people providing support.

We do not tolerate abusive behaviour toward our team. This includes:

• Yelling, harassment, or threats
• Harmful or demeaning language
• Demands to prove being a survivor of sexual harm 
• Racism, transphobia, homophobia, xenophobia, or other forms of hate speech

We understand that pain can shape how people show up.
And we are clear that harm toward others is not something we can hold.

If a call becomes abusive, we may:

• Name what is happening and invite a shift in tone
• Set a clear boundary
• End the call if the behaviour continues

This approach is grounded in care for you, and for the people supporting you.

You are always welcome to call back when you are able to engage in a way that supports a respectful conversation.

Maintaining these boundaries allows us to continue offering support in a way that is sustainable, trauma and violence informed, and safe for everyone involved.