Latin American Women’s Program

At BWSS, we acknowledge the struggles of Latin American immigrant women who are fleeing violence from their native country, who may have been tortured, or undergone systemic violence and oppression, and have experienced the immigration process. BWSS understands that immigrant and refugee women may not only have immediate needs but often may carry previous trauma that requires support and assistance to integrate into their new society.

This program provides services for women survivors of violence/abuse and whose first language is Spanish. Through this program women can access victim assistance support, long term counselling and a support group in their own language. Our approach is based in an anti-oppression feminist analysis which acknowledges the diverse needs of immigrant and refugee women.

Program Description

• A drop in group for Latina American women survivors of violence/abuse. This group is held every Monday from 10 am to 12 pm
• Individual counselling to Latin American women from a feminist trauma based perspective
• Provides emotional support to address survivors’ unique concerns and needs,
• Supports survivors throughout their participation in the justice process
• Promotes and supports survivors’ needs and rights in the justice system and in the community
• Provides information about the justice system, crime prevention and safety planning
• Supports women to examine the dynamics of an abusive relationship by raising awareness of the tactics of power and control and contributing factors of violence against women in relationships, and by fitting her individual experience into the larger context of violence against women and other forms of inequalities
• Provides information about and support with the child apprehension/child protection system

BWSS Latin American Women’s Progam is funded by Ministry of Housing and Social Development, Ministry of Public Safety & Solicitor General-Crime Prevention Victim Service Division, and The City of Vancouver