Our Mission
We contribute to the freedom and liberation of girls and women from violence and to empower our community through training and education programs.
Our Mission
Since 1979, BWSS has provided counselling and healing spaces for those who have experienced abuse.
To help women build strength and resiliency, we work on institutional and systemic advocacy, legal advocacy and law reform, youth engagement and we operate two social enterprises: My Sister’s Closet and Strategic Interventions in British Columbia. In addition, we support men by urging them to own their role in ending violence against girls and women.
Goals
To provide education, advocacy and support services to assist all women and girl survivors of violence.
To work towards the elimination of barriers to our services for Indigenous women, Black women, women of colour, Immigrant and Refugee women, sex workers and/or sexually exploited women and girls, women with disabilities and women of all ages, classes and cultures.
To offer support groups for women survivors of violence and abuse.
To provide training throughout British Columbia, Canada and internationally.
To do educational and prevention work on the issue of violence against women and girls.
To develop and exchange information and materials on violence against women and girls.
To advocate for change in social systems so that they are accountable, effective and accessible for women and girl survivors of violence.
Statement of Philosophy
BWSS is a feminist organization. We believe that violence against women and girls does not take place between two people individually, in isolation, but in a social context, and is rooted in the oppression of women.
Further, we believe that violence against women and girls is the result of a world view which supports the right of some people to oppress others. That right is granted by the privilege of status associated with gender, race, religion, class, sexual orientation, age and physical ability.
Purpose
To provide education, advocacy and support services to assist all women and girl survivors of violence.
To work toward the elimination of violence against women and girls.
To work from a feminist perspective (one that promotes equality for all women).
You can help us continue to offer these life-saving services
We responded to 52,649 requests for service from 2023 - 2024.
100% of your donation will go toward ending domestic, sexual, and intimate partner violence
