Prevention of Violence Against Women Week 2015

#BecauseYouCan

Battered Women’s Support Services (BWSS) is committed to taking action and preventing violence against women.  Each year we commemorate Prevention of Violence Against Women Week held during the third week of April.  This year, during Prevention of Violence Against Women Week (April 12-19 2015), BWSS features the following events:

You Could Do Something to End Violence Against Women – Bus Shelter Ads

Violence against women in intimate relationships is a learned behaviour so BWSS has launched an awareness campaign drawing attention on the effects witnessing abuse has on children.  You Could Do Something To Prevent Violence Against Women bus shelter ads are positioned around the Vancouver, BC. People are invited to share photos of the ads through social media with the hashtag #BecauseYouCan.

BWSS-Shelter-Poster-1117_FINAL(Download the poster here.)

Posted with the support of the City of Vancouver.

YOUth Ending Violence Volunteer Training Program

Youth are powerful agents for change and BWSS successful Youth Ending Violence trains young women and young men to facilitate workshops on dating and sexual violence prevention. BWSS Youth facilitators learn differences between healthy and abusive relationships, dynamics of abuse, learn where and how to obtain help, understand the impact of media and social media on youth in dating relationships and how to be an empowered bystander.  BWSS Youth Ending Violence program reaches 2,000 youth annually.

Boys Will be Boys: Fighting Sexism in Media and Journalism

Saturday, April 11, 2015

The Jian Ghomeshi scandal shocked the country, but maybe we needed to be shocked. Despite all the gains made over decades for women’s rights and gender equality, even our trusted public broadcaster had failed us.

Newsrooms have long been a man’s world, and while women are occupying positions as journalists, editors, producers, and broadcasters more than ever before, it’s clear that sexism, sexual harassment, and even sexual assault remains a problem in the industry. Whereas women remained silent for years, fearing they’d lose their jobs and ruin their careers if they spoke out about the misogyny they experienced working in media, they are finally beginning to speak out, buoyed by the courage and righteous anger of their female colleagues.

This panel features four prominent and courageous women who are experts on the issue of gender discrimination, violence against women, and sexism in the media. They will address the history of this insidious problem, the current climate, and the real-life impact of sweeping sexist practices and behaviour under the rug.

This is a conversation Canada needs to have. Join us.

Speakers:

Angela Marie MacDougall

Meghan Murphy

Laura Robinson

When: Saturday, Apr 11, 2015, 2–4 p.m.

Where: Room 7000, SFU Vancouver (Harbour Centre)

Admission: Free and open to all adults, but please Register.

Creative Cafe Day – #BecauseYouCan Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls

At My Sister’s Closet located at 1092 Seymour Street (at Helmcken) in Downtown, Vancouver

April 15, 2015 from 12 pm to 6 pm

Community sharing their talents all to support ending violence.

Live Music

Sidewalk Art

Face Painting

Local Women Artisan Creations Featured

Tarot Card Readings

Spirit Bear coffee and tea

BWSS International Womens Day - POSTER_APR15

#BecauseYouCan Blog

Once again, we have convened a few serious feminist writers to contribute to our blog Ending Violence this year featuring violence prevention along with an old concept with a new name “A First Responder”.  Ending Violence Blog is at www.bwss.org/endingviolence

Taking a trip down Prevention Week memory lane

Creating Transformation – Community Engagement in Prevention of Violence Against Women – 2014

https://www.bwss.org/creating-transformation-community-engagement-in-prevention-violence-against-women/

The Bro-Code

https://www.bwss.org/the-bro-code-episode-7/

Prevention of Violence Against Women Week 2013 – It’s in your hands

https://www.bwss.org/take-action/workers-activists/training/upcoming-training/prevention-of-violence-against-women-week/

Gender Violence in the Workplace

https://www.bwss.org/gender-violence-in-the-workplace/

20 Ways Youth Can Prevent Violence Against Girls & Women

https://www.bwss.org/gender-violence-in-the-workplace/

End the Silence: 15 Ways Men Can Be Empowered Bystanders

https://www.bwss.org/end-the-silence-15-ways-men-be-an-empowered-bystander/

Info-graphic: https://www.bwss.org/end-the-silence-15-ways-men-can-be-empowered-bystanders/

How Does She Resist? Prevention of Violence Against Women Week–April 15–21, 2012

https://www.bwss.org/how-does-she-resist-prevention-of-violence-against-women-weekapril-1521-2012/

Prevention of Violence Against Women Week – April 18 – 25, 2011

https://www.bwss.org/prevention-of-violence-against-women-week-april-18-25-2011/

Prevention of Violence Against Women Week – April 18 – 25, 2010

https://www.bwss.org/prevention-of-violence-against-women-week-april-18-25-2010/

National Crime Victims Awareness Week April 22 – 28, 2012 Taking Action to End Violence Against Girls and Women

https://www.bwss.org/national-crime-victims-of-crimes-awareness-week-april-22-to-28-2012-taking-action-to-end-violence-against-girls-and-women/

National Crime Victims Awareness Week 2012 – Violence, Women & Access to Justice

https://www.bwss.org/national-crime-victims-awareness-week-2012-violence-women-access-to-justice/

National Crime Victim Awareness Week 2012 – Court Related Abuse and Harassment

https://www.bwss.org/national-crime-victim-awareness-week-2012-court-related-abuse-and-harassment/

National Crime Victims Awareness Week – April 10 – 17, 2011

https://www.bwss.org/national-crime-victims-awareness-week-2011/

National Crime Victim’s Awareness Week – Start the conversation, take action, end violence

https://www.bwss.org/national-crime-victims-awareness-week-start-the-conversation-take-action-end-violence/

 

You could do something to End Violence Against Women

images

The Bro-Code ~ Episode 7

Battered Women’s Support Services (BWSS) and BCIT Radio Arts and Entertainment Students have collaborated to deliver The “Bro-Code” Radio Project for Prevention of Violence Against Women Week 2014. The “Bro-Code” is a seven episode radio drama that discusses sexual violence against women. The radio project was inspired by “Don’t Be That Guy” campaign which originated with Sexual Assault Voices of Edmonton (SAVE) and explores men’s role in ending sexual violence.

The seven episodes feature the talent of three student writers and twelve student voice actors who dramatize complexities and dynamics in effect within youth culture around sexual violence. By speaking to youth the radio drama is well placed as girls and young women between the ages of 15-24 are the most likely victims of sexual assault.

“As someone who has experienced sexual violence first hand, I felt this was a great and creative way to help the issue. The series is entertaining, relatable, and educational hopefully it will help change the misogynistic attitudes of young men.” said Jenny Cooney, Producer.

We expect this project will help illuminate real choices for individuals about preventing sexual violence and the community the courage needed to get a handle on and reduce the incidence of profound rape culture.

Listen the second episode of The Bro Code below.

Let’s foster and ethos in Canadian society that urges men to support their female equals.

Episode Description: Ben realizes that Carol was a victim of rape and now fully supports her. He then stands up to all of his friends who condone and support misogynistic and violent behavior against women. Zack gets what he deserves.

Written and Produced By:
Jenny Cooney
James Hutchison
Jill Pasquayak

Music:
Dan Johnson

Episode 7 Cast:
Ben-Sam Mitchell
Carol-Bronwyn Henderson
Zoe-Brooklyn Driediger
Zack-Andy Cole
Ms. McLintock
Travis- James Hutchison

Listen The Bro-Code’s past episodes here:

The Bro Code ~  Episode 1

The Bro Code ~  Episode 2

The Bro Code ~  Episode 3

The Bro Code ~  Episode 4

The Bro Code ~  Episode 5

The Bro Code ~  Episode 6

Thank you for BCIT students for creating The Bro Codes radio spots to support youth cultural shifts, safer spaces and social change.

Find more information:

Creating Transformation, Prevention of Violence Against Women Week events here.

BCIT students and Battered Women’s Support Services Collaborate to Prevent Violence Against Women

If you could do something to end violence against girls and women, wouldn’t you?

images

 

 

The Bro-Code ~ Episode 6

Battered Women’s Support Services (BWSS) and BCIT Radio Arts and Entertainment Students have collaborated to deliver The “Bro-Code” Radio Project for Prevention of Violence Against Women Week 2014. The “Bro-Code” is a seven episode radio drama that discusses sexual violence against women. The radio project was inspired by “Don’t Be That Guy” campaign which originated with Sexual Assault Voices of Edmonton (SAVE) and explores men’s role in ending sexual violence.

The seven episodes feature the talent of three student writers and twelve student voice actors who dramatize complexities and dynamics in effect within youth culture around sexual violence. By speaking to youth the radio drama is well placed as girls and young women between the ages of 15-24 are the most likely victims of sexual assault.

“As someone who has experienced sexual violence first hand, I felt this was a great and creative way to help the issue. The series is entertaining, relatable, and educational hopefully it will help change the misogynistic attitudes of young men.” said Jenny Cooney, Producer.

We expect this project will help illuminate real choices for individuals about preventing sexual violence and the community the courage needed to get a handle on and reduce the incidence of profound rape culture.

Listen the second episode of The Bro Code below.

Let’s foster and ethos in Canadian society that urges men to support their female equals.

Episode Description: Ben starts to get suspicious about what happened between Carol and Ben. Zoe doesn’t believe that Carol got raped and instead blames her for drinking and flirting with Zack. Ben’s mom tells him to get his old ideas of women out of his head and to foster the proper mindset that supports his female equals.

Written and Produced By:
Jenny Cooney
James Hutchison
Jill Pasquayak

Music:
Dan Johnson

Episode 6 Cast:
Ben-Sam Mitchell
Carol-Bronwyn Henderson
Zoe-Brooklyn Driediger
Zack-Andy Cole
Ben’s Mom-Melissa Montgomery

Listen The Bro-Code’s past episodes here:

The Bro Code ~  Episode 1

The Bro Code ~  Episode 2

The Bro Code ~  Episode 3

The Bro Code ~  Episode 4

The Bro Code ~  Episode 5

Thank you for BCIT students for creating The Bro Codes radio spots to support youth cultural shifts, safer spaces and social change.

Find more information:

Creating Transformation, Prevention of Violence Against Women Week events here

BCIT students and Battered Women’s Support Services Collaborate to Prevent Violence Against Women

If you could do something to end violence against girls and women, wouldn’t you?

images

 

The Bro-Code ~ Episode 5

Battered Women’s Support Services (BWSS) and BCIT Radio Arts and Entertainment Students have collaborated to deliver The “Bro-Code” Radio Project for Prevention of Violence Against Women Week 2014. The “Bro-Code” is a seven episode radio drama that discusses sexual violence against women. The radio project was inspired by “Don’t Be That Guy” campaign which originated with Sexual Assault Voices of Edmonton (SAVE) and explores men’s role in ending sexual violence.

The seven episodes feature the talent of three student writers and twelve student voice actors who dramatize complexities and dynamics in effect within youth culture around sexual violence. By speaking to youth the radio drama is well placed as girls and young women between the ages of 15-24 are the most likely victims of sexual assault.

“As someone who has experienced sexual violence first hand, I felt this was a great and creative way to help the issue. The series is entertaining, relatable, and educational hopefully it will help change the misogynistic attitudes of young men.” said Jenny Cooney, Producer.

We expect this project will help illuminate real choices for individuals about preventing sexual violence and the community the courage needed to get a handle on and reduce the incidence of profound rape culture.

Listen the second episode of The Bro Code below.

Let’s foster and ethos in Canadian society that urges men to support their female equals.

Episode Description: We see the party from Zack’s misogynistic point of view. His friends begin to realize he treats women poorly and start to turn against him.

Written and Produced By:
Jenny Cooney
James Hutchison
Jill Pasquayak

Music:
Dan Johnson

Episode 5 Cast:
Ben-Sam Mitchell
Carol-Bronwyn Henderson
Zoe-Brooklyn Driediger
Zack-Andy Cole
Dave-James Hutchison
Mike- Tim Main
Josh- Brendan Williams

Listen The Bro-Code’s past episodes here:

The Bro Code ~  Episode 1

The Bro Code ~  Episode 2

The Bro Code ~  Episode 3

The Bro Code ~  Episode 4

Thank you for BCIT students for creating The Bro Codes radio spots to support youth cultural shifts, safer spaces and social change.

Find more information:

Creating Transformation, Prevention of Violence Against Women Week events here

BCIT students and Battered Women’s Support Services Collaborate to Prevent Violence Against Women

If you could do something to end violence against girls and women, wouldn’t you?

images

Prevention of Violence Against Women Week – April 18 – 25, 2011

Urban Women’s Anti-Violence Strategy

UWAVS2001

Sexual violence, it seems, is the one crime where we blame the victim and not the perpetrator. Frequently, women who are attacked are told, “You should have been more careful,” or, “You shouldn’t have put yourself in that situation.” Routinely women who have been raped are asked the questions “WHAT were you wearing?” “What did you drink?” “Who were you with?” “Why couldn’t you sense a potential attacker?” Research tells us that sexual violence perpetration is a heavily gendered crime. Approximately 98-99% of sexual violence – reported to police or anonymously reported in research – is perpetrated by men.  And we don’t ask the question “Why do men rape?”

Recently, there have been several instances where public officials have publicly exposed victim blaming sentiments and have faced consequences:

In Toronto, Students and staff at Osgoode Hall Law School are demanding an apology and explanation from the Toronto Police Service after one of their officers suggested women can avoid sexual assault by not dressing like a “slut. http://www.torontolife.com/daily/informer/city-sindex/2011/02/17/toronto-cop-reportedly-tells-students-to-avoid-sexual-assault-by-not-dressing-%E2%80%9Clike-a-slut%E2%80%9D/

In Winnipeg, protesters call for resignation after judge allows victim blaming sentiments inform his sentence of a convicted rapist http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBxodavkiJc

In Manitoba ‘No woman asks to be raped’: Victim slams judge’s decision
http://news.nationalpost.com/2011/02/25/no-woman-asks-to-be-raped-victim-slams-judges-decision/

In Vancouver, BC, Women Respond to Comments by Reverend Ric Matthews of First United Church

http://vancouver.mediacoop.ca/newsrelease/6496

In Surrey, BC, Green Party Candidate resigns over rape comment

http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/politics/article/974569–green-party-candidate-resigns-over-rape-comment-on-facebook

The New York Times was blasted by readers after this article:
Cleveland Texas Rape Case

Igniting a response with analysis like this :

MS Blog

Forcing the New York Times to print this :

Without Balance

In the US, an alliance of men have spoken out against victim blaming and issued a call to other men

http://www.kevinpowell.net/blog/2011/04/men-speak-out-about-sexist-coverage-of-rape-a-call-to-action/

This year, Urban Women’s Anti-Violence Strategy an alliance between Vancouver Rape Relief and Women’s Shelter, Act II Safe Choice, Women Against Violence Against Women (WAVAW), YWCA Munroe House and Battered Women’s Support Services (BWSS) have teamed up again to focus on sexual violence against girls & women.

To participate in the conversation and to take action check out BWSS Battered Women’s Support Services Facebook page BWSS Facebook Group and follow us on Twitter here Ending Violence

Prevention of Violence Against Women Week – April 18 to 25, 2011.

Urban Women’s Anti-Violence Strategy

Over the years, Vancouver and the province of British Columbia has experienced a death by a thousand cuts as services and the network of support for women survivors of violence are being dismantled. Further the pursuit of liberation and equality for women remains elusive as systemic policies and practices are regressing while violence against girls and women continues as an epidemic.

In 2009, in unprecedented form, the feminist women’s organizations in Vancouver joined together to raise awareness by holding events and mobilizing direct action during Prevention of Violence Against Women Week in April.

We’re working to provide critical and essential support services, while working to end violence against girls and women.

To join our work email us at endingviolence@bwss.org.

Urban Women’s Anti-Violence Strategy 2010 Death Does NOT Become Her

Urban Women’s Anti-Violence Strategy 2009 Critical and Essential Services