Battered Women's Support Services

Education and Training

At Battered Women's Support Services, education is a key part of our work to end violence against women. Our education and training program is based on a feminist anti-oppression philosophy. We believe that violence in relationships will not end until our society changes its beliefs about women and men and violence. We believe that violence in relationships is connected to and supported by other forms of oppression such as racism and poverty.

Our speakers and trainers use an accessible, non-judgemental popular education model that encourages participation and dialogue.

To get more information, book a presentation or sign up for training, please call 604-687-1868 or email education@bwss.org.

For information in our upcoming FALL 2007 BWSS Violence Prevention and Intervention Training Program click here.

Dating Violence Education

BWSS provides presentations on dating violence to youth in high schools and other settings throughout the Lower Mainland. Our speakers have extensive experience as counsellor/advocates for battered women, and a special interest in working with youth. BWSS also provides training and consultation for those working with youth in the area of dating violence-teachers, school administrators, guidance counsellors or teen peer counsellors.

Presentation topics include identifying abuse and the cycle of violence, developing support systems and safety plans for young women, and peer counselling skills.

We also welcome calls or emails from young women who are interested in delivering dating violence presentations to their peers.

Community and Professional Education

BWSS offers education and training on violence against women and related topics BWSS has developed and delivered thousands of training sessions for groups of all ages and backgrounds. Sessions may be one hour or several days, depending on the needs of the group. Our audiences have included women's groups, healthcare professionals, social workers, probation officers and police.

Training

BWSS offers two training sessions per year for women who are interested in volunteering as counsellor/advocates or support group facilitators at BWSS. The trainings are held at our office in downtown Vancouver. Participants will gain counselling and advocacy skills based on a feminist anti-oppression understanding of violence against women. The training is three to four months long, with sessions once or twice a week; the schedule varies depending on the training group.

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