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BWSS Launches New Campaign to Empower Survivors of Domestic Violence in Upcoming BC Election

Oct 7, 2024 | Battered Women's Support Services

We encourage you to engage the campaign “Reclaiming Our Vote” and help break the silence for survivors.

MEDIA ADVISORY 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BWSS Launches New Campaign to Empower Survivors of Domestic Violence in Upcoming BC Election 

Vancouver, BC — Battered Women’s Support Services (BWSS) has launched a vital new campaign aimed at empowering survivors of domestic violence to exercise their voting rights safely and effectively in the upcoming BC election. This campaign provides practical voting tips and guides on safe ways to participate, including voting by mail (request by Oct. 13), advance voting (Oct. 10-13 and Oct. 15-16), and voting on Election Day (Oct. 19).

Each election season, survivors of intimate partner violence face unique challenges that can prevent them from voting, including concerns over privacy, intimidation, and the fear of retaliation from abusive partners. BWSS’s campaign tackles these barriers head-on, providing survivors with the resources they need to make informed, empowered choices about voting.

BWSS Executive Director Angela Marie MacDougall emphasized the importance of voting access for survivors: “Survivors of domestic violence should be able to engage safely in every part of the political process, including voting, without fearing retribution. It’s essential for them to have a clear understanding of how voter information is used so they can make choices that keep their safety front and centre.

She added, “On average, a woman in Canada is killed every six days due to intimate partner violence and coercive control is often a dangerous predictor of femicide. We know that voting can be perceived as an act of defiance against relationship control. Our goal is to highlight these barriers, to provide information on how survivors can participate in the process, to vote and take that powerful step safely.”

The campaign highlights specific barriers survivors face, including:

  • Isolation from election information: Abusive partners may cut off survivors from essential election materials and deadlines, limiting their access to information.
  • Intimidation and threats: Abusive partners may use coercion, threats of violence, or control over financial and social resources to dictate or restrict voting.
  • Privacy concerns: Survivors may hesitate to register to vote out of fear that their information could expose their location or intentions to an abusive partner or ex-partner.

BWSS encourages all survivors to utilize available resources to protect their privacy, participate safely, and make their voices heard in the democratic process.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Angela Marie MacDougall
Executive Director, BWSS

Visit the Campaign

BC Election Update: Key Platforms and Policies

Oct 5, 2024 | Battered Women's Support Services

As we approach the provincial election on October 19, all major political parties are outlining their platforms, focusing on key issues like housing, health care, public safety, and more. These policies will have a lasting impact on gender equality and the well-being of women, victim-survivors, and marginalized communities. This election is a pivotal moment to ensure that the voices of those most affected by inequality are heard.

For many British Columbians, this election is a crucial opportunity to participate in shaping the future. While voter registration has increased, voter turnout has steadily declined, falling from 71.5% in 1996 to just 53.86% in 2020, according to Elections BC. This decline underscores the importance of engaging with the political process, particularly for those whose rights and needs are often overlooked.

For victim-survivors of intimate partner violence, the barriers to voting can be profound. Coercion, isolation, and fear are often used by abusive partners to silence victim-survivors and prevent them from exercising their democratic rights. Voting, for many victim-survivors, is more than a civic duty—it’s an act of reclaiming their voice and asserting their independence in the face of ongoing control. This election presents a vital opportunity for policies that will support victim-survivors’ safety, empowerment, and access to resources.

At BWSS, we are committed to ensuring that the voices of victim-survivors and all marginalized individuals are heard during this critical election. We encourage you to stay informed about the platforms of all political parties and to engage with your local representatives about the issues that matter most—housing security, health care access, safety, and support for victim-survivors of violence. By using your voice and casting your vote, you can help create a future where women’s rights and safety are prioritized.

Below is a summary of the key announcements relevant to BWSS’s work. Additionally, BWSS will be sharing further information to support you in participating in this crucial election. Stay tuned for our upcoming voter information resources, which will help guide you through the registration process and provide the tools you need to make an informed decision at the polls.

 

BC Green Party Platform

The Greens are focused on expanding access to health care and mental health services, including the establishment of 93 community health centers and coverage for six mental health visits per year under the provincial medical plan. They’ve committed to making all vaccines free for British Columbians and emphasized climate action by increasing the carbon tax for high-pollution companies and phasing out gas production.

Notably, their platform includes a special task force to investigate missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit individuals. Additionally, they would require supervised consumption sites in all public hospitals, aiming to tackle the toxic drug poisoning crisis.

Housing is a key focus, with $650 million annually for municipal infrastructure to support new developments, along with $250 million for child care expansion. The platform also proposes an 18% tax on corporate profits over $1 billion to address wealth disparity.

 

BC NDP Platform

New Democrat leader David Eby’s “An Action Plan For You” outlines $2.9 billion in new investments by 2027, prioritizing families, youth, and seniors. Key pledges include expanding transition housing and a plan to protect the jobs of women fleeing intimate partner violence. There were also promises to restrict firearm access to offenders who had a history of stalking or domestic violence. Other proposals included a $1,000 grocery rebate per household, building 300,000 affordable homes, and ensuring access to a family doctor for all British Columbians.

The NDP aims to enhance community safety by increasing police powers to fight gang activity and pledges to provide mental health counselors in every public school. Eby has also committed to ending “no-pet” clauses in purpose-built rental units, supporting tenants’ rights.

 

BC Conservative Platform

While the BC Conservatives have not yet released their full platform, leader John Rustad has made several key statements, hinting at the party’s direction. Rustad has emphasized economic reforms, including ending ICBC’s monopoly on vehicle insurance to introduce competition. He has also committed to eliminating the province’s $9 billion deficit within two terms and requiring voter approval for new taxes.

Rustad has criticized ICBC’s no-fault model for accident victims, pledging to allow individuals with severe injuries to sue for damages. His party also plans to reduce bureaucratic obstacles by introducing a minister responsible for “red tape reduction.”

We expect more detailed policy announcements soon and will keep you updated as the Conservative platform develops.

 

What’s Next?

With the election approaching on October 19, we’ll continue to track key announcements from all parties, particularly on issues tied to housing, health care, and safety. Stay tuned for further updates, and look out for BWSS’s voter information resources to help guide you through the registration process.

Remember, advance voting will be available from October 10-13 and October 15-16, or you can vote on Final Voting Day, Saturday, October 19, 2024.

As an organization dedicated to ending violence in all its forms, BWSS stands in solidarity with victims and survivors. For resources on safety, accessing support, and taking action against gender-based violence, visit our website.

You are not alone.

If you or someone you love is in need of support, please contact the Battered Women Support Services Crisis Line:

Call toll-free: 1-855-687-1868 Metro Vancouver: 604-687-1867 Email: EndingViolence@bwss.org

BC Election Update: Recent Policy Announcements Impacting Housing, Public Safety, and Women’s Rights

Sep 27, 2024 | Battered Women's Support Services

As the October 19 British Columbia provincial election approaches, key policy announcements on housing, public safety, and healthcare have emerged, all of which will significantly impact women and families across British Columbia.

This blog addresses the challenges victim-survivors face during election periods, along with a brief update on recent developments in the current election.

Victim-survivors’ rights to vote will be silenced in the upcoming election

“When I was in an abusive relationship, my abusive partner told me that I didn’t need to vote.” 

In Canada, the right to vote is fundamental, yet for many victim-survivors of intimate partner violence, this right is overshadowed by fear and control.

Victim-survivors of intimate partner violence experience unique obstacles when voting, including isolation from essential election information and materials, intimidation, coercive control, and violence for expressing their voting preferences, as well as privacy concerns related to voter registration.  

At BWSS, we want to ensure victim-survivors of intimate partner violence can make their voices heard during the BC provincial election and the Canadian federal election in 2025, without fear of retaliation from an abusive partner.

Victim-survivors of violence—whether intimate partner violence or sexualized violence—continue to bravely share their stories, making visible what has been rendered invisible.

As one domestic violence survivor described, “When I was in an abusive relationship, my abusive partner told me that I didn’t need to vote.”

Abusive partners may intimidate victim-survivors with physical or sexual abuse if they vote, or don’t vote in a specific way. Examples of this type of retaliation date back to when women achieved the right to vote in Canada. Since the early 1900s, women have cited ‘objections of husband’ as a reason for not voting, including the threat of divorce if they voted or didn’t vote according to their husbands’ wishes. 

Upcoming Election 

In this provincial election, we want to ensure that victim-survivors have access to the electoral process and feel empowered to participate safely and have their voices heard.

Isolation is one of the common tactics of power and control that abusive partners use against victim-survivors, isolating them from their family, friends, employment, and community. It is a calculated choice by the abusive partner, intended to make it harder for victim-survivors to disclose or report the abuse while increasing their emotional and physical reliance on the abusive partner for basic needs and practical support. Abusive partners’ use of coercive control includes restricting and monitoring victim-survivors’ access to the external world via phone, internet, email, and social media.  

During election times, isolation is a key factor for victim-survivors experiencing intimate partner violence who are considering voting. In a tangible way, isolation prevents victim-survivors from gathering or receiving election information, voter registration details, candidates, and party platforms. Ultimately, through isolation, abusive partners can enforce their political control over victim-survivors of intimate partner violence, effectively silencing their voices. 

For many British Columbians, the upcoming provincial election is a key moment to ensure their voices are heard. Although voter registration has increased, according to Elections BC, voter turnout has declined since 1996, dropping from 71.5% to 53.86% in 2020. 

There are likely numerous reasons why people don’t make it to the polls. For victim-survivors of intimate partner or domestic violence, those reasons are uniquely tied to the dynamics of the abuse experienced in the relationship. For instance, isolation is a key feature of an abusive relationship and is interwoven with control, meaning that victims of domestic violence are isolated by their abusive partners and prevented from exercising their right to vote.  

Domestic violence victims and survivors have the right to participate and deserve to participate in all aspects of our province’s and country’s political processes without fearing further abuse or violence from an abusive partner. It is also essential that survivors have the information they need regarding how their voter information is collected and used to help them make informed decisions about their safety. 

As we approach the upcoming elections, we must recognize and address the significant challenges and oppressive violence that victim-survivors face in Canada. We will continue to provide vital information and resources to ensure that all women and femmes’ voices are heard and their rights are upheld. 

Recent Policy Announcements

Housing: Relief Plans for Renters and Homebuyers

  • John Rustad (BC Conservatives) has introduced “Rustad Rebates,” aimed at alleviating housing costs. If elected premier, Rustad promises to exempt up to $3,000 per month in housing costs from BC income tax. This will start at $1,500 per month and gradually increase over the next three years.

  • David Eby (BC NDP) has revealed the Opening Doors to Homeownership plan, which will help first-time homebuyers purchase homes at 60% of market value. The province will finance 40% of the purchase price, with the contribution repaid after 25 years or when the home is sold. This plan is designed to combat rampant speculation and make homeownership more accessible to families.

Both plans aim to address BC’s housing affordability crisis, though their approaches differ in their focus on tax relief versus affordable ownership options.

Public Safety: Conservative Focus on Crime Prevention

Public safety remains a key pillar of the BC Conservatives’ platform. Rustad has pledged to increase funding for police forces, apply a “zero tolerance” policy for violent repeat offenders, and appoint judges who prioritize victims’ rights. The focus on tough-on-crime measures could have significant implications for how we address violence and safety in our communities.

Reproductive Health: NDP’s Continued Support for Women’s Rights

Women’s reproductive health remains a cornerstone of the NDP’s platform. Premier David Eby has promised to expand access to birth control, abortion pills, and one round of IVF treatment for families starting next year. This is in addition to ongoing efforts to connect more BC residents with family doctors and nurse practitioners. Eby’s healthcare plan also proposes allowing pharmacists to test and prescribe treatments for common conditions, potentially alleviating strain on the healthcare system.

Looking Ahead

As the election draws closer, it’s essential to keep a close watch on how these policy announcements will affect women, families, and marginalized communities. At BWSS, we remain committed to advocating for structural reform that prioritizes women fleeing violence.

As an organization dedicated to ending violence in all its forms, BWSS stands in solidarity with victims and survivors. For resources on safety, accessing support, and taking action against gender-based violence, visit our website.

You are not alone.

If you or someone you love is in need of support, please contact the Battered Women Support Services Crisis Line:

Call toll-free: 1-855-687-1868
Metro Vancouver: 604-687-1867
Email: EndingViolence@bwss.org

BWSS Joins Latin American, Colombian, Immigrant, Refugee, and Labour Communities in Demanding Justice for Vanessa Renteria

Sep 25, 2024 | Battered Women's Support Services

Vanessa R 2024

(Photo: Facebook)

With a heavy heart, we share an update on the RCMP killing of Vanessa Renteria in Surrey, BC. Vanessa was an Afro-Colombian refugee and mother of a young daughter, seeking safety and a new life here in Canada. The devastating loss of Vanessa has left her community, friends, and family with numerous questions, and we stand with them in demanding answers.

The initial information circulated to the public was the RCMP public account of the events that occurred on the day of the shooting. We know that, outside of the RCMP narrative, there is more information regarding what happened, including the context around her life and questions more broadly about Vanessa’s safety.

You may have seen our statement regarding the RCMP killing of Vanessa Renteria. We are organizing a press conference on Thursday, September 25, 2024, at 9:45 am to address the many concerns surrounding the incident. Below is a round-up of critical updates and media coverage.

Media Releases

BWSS Press Release: Anti-Violence Organization condemns the RCMP killing of a woman in Surrey, BC
Many questions emerge as Battered Women’s Support Services (BWSS) joins members of Afro-Latino community in Metro Vancouver, Canada and in Buenaventura, Columbia in condemning the Surrey RCMP killing of a young Afro-Latina mother.

Surrey RCMP Press Release: BC RCMP notifies IIO BC of an incident in Surrey
On September 19, at approximately 4:40 a.m., Surrey RCMP received a report of a disturbance at a residence. Officers arrived and found a woman barricaded in a room, reportedly holding a weapon next to a young child. Two other adults present at the residence were safely removed by the attending officers. At approximately 5:30 a.m., during interactions with the woman, an officer fired their weapon, striking her. Officers and Emergency Health Services, who were already outside the residence, immediately provided medical assistance; however, the woman died at the scene. There were no reported injuries to the child.

IIO Media Release: IIO is Investigating a Police-Involved Shooting in Surrey (2024-221)
The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of BC is investigating a police-involved shooting incident that occurred in Surrey. The IIO was notified of the incident shortly after it happened and has commenced an investigation. Initial investigative steps will aim to confirm the details of the incident and assess whether the force used by police was necessary, reasonable, and proportionate given the circumstances.

Articles

Vancouver Sun: Police killing of mother in Surrey condemned: ‘Her daughter was the light of her eye’
Angela-Marie Macdougall, executive director at BWSS, questioned if the police understood Vanessa’s social and cultural context. Recently moved to Vancouver, Vanessa had just received her permanent residency and was seeking to leave her husband while caring for her 18-month-old daughter.

MacDougall stated, “When I think about women barricading themselves and their children, they’re doing that for their safety.” She highlighted the rise in fatal police shootings in Canada and noted, “To flee police violence (in Colombia) and then to die by police violence in a country that’s supposed to be safe … Black and Indigenous people are not safe from police violence.”

Valencia’s family described her as a kind, thoughtful mother, emphasizing her love for her daughter. The National Union of Transport and Logistics Workers of Colombia, of which Vanessa was a member, called for an independent investigation into the incident.

CTV News: Woman shot by B.C. police was Colombian refugee with young daughter, advocate says
Authorities have not confirmed if a weapon was recovered at the scene or if the toddler was present during the shooting, and it remains unclear who reported the initial disturbance to police. The B.C. RCMP stated they would not answer questions while the incident is under investigation by the Independent Investigations Office. CTV News reached out to the B.C. RCMP regarding the use of de-escalation tactics and the presence of an interpreter but has yet to receive a response.

Gaston Ntabaza stated, “Police carry a lot of tools and resources, and we don’t see how someone who doesn’t have a gun would have to be killed. We just want justice to be done accordingly.”

MacDougall expressed, “In 2024, we expect that the RCMP would have the skills to de-escalate a situation and use proper practices when confronting people that are not speaking English to prevent lethal violence against a mother with her child present.”

Surrey Now-Leader: Surrey mom shot dead by police was ‘kind, caring’: advocacy group
The Surrey RCMP stated that any questions about the incident should be directed to the IIO. An IIO spokesperson noted as the investigation is still in its early stages, “there are no further details I can provide at this time beyond what is in our media release.” The IIO could not confirm that Renteria was the victim due to legislation that prohibits them from doing so except in rare cases.

Chilliwack Press: B.C. mom shot dead by police was Colombian newcomer: advocacy group
The woman has been identified by the SNTT de Colombia, a Colombian labour union, as Vanessa Renteria Valencia. The union, on social media, is calling for an investigation into her death and sending condolences to her loved ones.

CityNews Everywhere: Group condemns RCMP after fatal shooting of young mom in front of her child
BWSS called the RCMP-involved shooting “unacceptable.” Angela-Marie Macdougall, executive director at BWSS, stated, “Since we believe RCMP are trained to use the least lethal option when dealing with difficult situations, we expect that they will.” She noted that police often escalate situations to the point of using lethal violence.

Macdougall also pointed out that there are still unanswered questions regarding the woman’s living situation, mentioning that she had expressed concerns and was seeking to obtain housing independent of her husband, wanting to “take a break.”

Global News: Fatal police shooting of Surrey mother shakes community
Church pastor Gaston Ntabaza stated that Valencia’s husband called 911 after an argument, seeking help to calm her down, insisting she had no weapon and posed no threat to their one-year-old child. He remarked, “They have a lot of resources they can use to de-escalate the situation,” emphasizing that she deeply loved her baby and could not have become a predator.

Neighbours reported hearing commands like “drop the knife” and “drop the scissors,” noting that the situation lasted at least 30 minutes before the shots were fired. Neighbour Keegan Marhall expressed concern, stating, “Police have a lot of tools they could use, and I think shooting a mother dead holding her baby while her whole family is there was a little bit excessive force.”

Valencia’s pastor mentioned that she had experienced a mental health crisis the day before her death, leading friends to call 911 to report her thoughts of suicide.

CTV News: Woman dead, toddler uninjured following B.C. police shooting, watchdog says
The RCMP did not specify if officers recovered a weapon from the home. An IIO spokesperson stated that she could not confirm whether the child witnessed the shooting, as the investigation is still in its “very early stages.”

Vancouver Island Free Daily: B.C. police fatally shoot woman barricaded in room with child, weapon

Vancouver Sun: B.C. crime news: Woman shot by police in Surrey

Vancouver Is Awesome: Woman dies, watchdog notified after police shooting in Surrey, B.C.

CityNews Everywhere: Police watchdog called in after woman dies following being shot by officer

DailyHive: Woman “reportedly holding weapon next to young child” killed by Surrey RCMP

X (Formally Twitter)

Demanding Justice for Vanessa

As a community, we must continue to push for answers and hold those responsible accountable. Vanessa’s story reflects the broader crisis of police violence, especially against women of colour and those fleeing traumatic situations. We will continue to advocate whenever state violence impacts members of our communities.

We encourage you to stay informed, engage in community discussions, and follow BWSS for updates on how we will continue to support Vanessa’s inner-circle and pursue justice.

Please contact us if you have any questions or wish to get involved in advocacy efforts. Together, we honour Vanessa’s life by demanding the truth.

As an organization dedicated to ending violence in all its forms, BWSS stands in solidarity with victims and survivors. For resources on safety, accessing support, and taking action against gender-based violence, visit our website.

You are not alone.

If you or someone you love is in need of support, please contact the Battered Women Support Services Crisis Line:

Call toll-free: 1-855-687-1868
Metro Vancouver: 604-687-1867
Email: EndingViolence@bwss.org

Criminalizing Coercive Control webinar replay and highlights

Sep 20, 2024 | Battered Women's Support Services

Criminalizing Coercive Control: Analysis, Updates and Reflections on Legislating Coercive Control in Canada.

Criminalizing Coercive Control webinar

Analysis, Updates and Reflections on Legislating Coercive Control in Canada.

This webinar, held on July 17, 2024, invited discussion and input on potential impacts of the pending legislative changes and options for post-legislative policies and practices.

We thank all the participants for joining us in this webinar.

Criminalising coercive control has raised a lot of critical issues in our work to end gender based violence.

We know that gender-based violence does not only take place between two individuals in isolation, but, rather, in a social context and a world view that systemically reinforces the power of some people to oppress others, including through gender, race, ability, citizenship, sexuality, and more.

BWSS continues to work to deepen the understanding of gender-based violence, beyond the narrative of the perfect victim, and to break barriers and exclusions in the delivery of anti-violence programs and services.

BWSS is committed to all victims and survivors of gender-based violence.

Watch the full replay below or skip through to selected highlights.

Invited Panelists

Pamela Cross

Pamela Cross

Canadian feminist lawyer and women’s advocate

Emilie Coyle Executive Director Canadian Association of Elizabeth Societies

Emilie Coyle

Executive Director
Canadian Association of Elizabeth Societies

Agnes Huang

Agnes Huang

Family Lawyer

Deepa Mattoo

Deepa Mattoo

Barrister and Solicitor
Executive Director, Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic

Summer-Rain

Summer Rain

Manager, Justice Centre at BWSS

Moderator

Angela Marie MacDougall

Angela Marie MacDougall

Executive Director
Battered Women’s Support Services

Before the webinar, we asked participants “Should coercive control be criminalised?”

  • Yes 60% 60%
  • No 8% 8%
  • Not sure 31% 31%

After the webinar, we asked participants “Do you think criminalizing coercive control will make a difference for victims survivors in Canada”?

  • Yes 33% 33%
  • No 27% 27%
  • Not sure 40% 40%

Navigate Webinar Recordings:

Full Webinar

8:10 Legislative Process

15:08 Deepa Mattoo

26:11 Summer Rain

29:00 Agnes Huag

33:00 Pamela Cross

39:15 Deepa Mattoo

47:07 Summer Rain

49:46 Emily Coyle

57:55 Agnes Huang

1:16:50 Pamela Cross

1:20:02 Angela Marie MacDougall

1:23:22 Emilie Coyle

1:29:30 Deepa Mattoo

1:37:11 Pamela Cross

1:39:18 Agnes Huang

Full webinar replay: Criminalizing Coercive Control

Analysis, Updates and Reflections on Legislating Coercive Control in Canada.

Highlight #1

At 8:10, Angela Marie MacDougall inquiries about the legislative process, prompting Pamela to explain how a bill is passed starting at 9:35. Pamela provides a detailed explanation of the bill drafting process from 10:45 to 14:06.

Highlight #2

Angela questions Deepa Mattoo about the preparations for their House of Commons submission and Deepa’s feelings during the process, with the discussion spanning from 15:08 to 18:21.

Highlight #3

From 26:11 to 27:04, Summer Rain elaborates on the use of coercive control to manipulate legal and health systems against women, detailing how abusers exploit these systems.

Highlight #4

Agnes Huang discusses the implications of criminalizing coercive control on family law, focusing on potential risks and negative impacts from 29:00 to 32:10.

Highlight #5

Pamela Cross contrasts strategies effective in family law with those unsuitable for criminal law, discussing their differences from 33:00 to 36:46.

Highlight #6

Deepa Mattoo emphasizes the importance of recognizing gender dynamics in violence, highlighting the typical patterns between male abusers and female victims, especially marginalized women, and the lack of training among enforcement bodies. The discussion occurs from 39:15 to 43:43.

Highlight #7

From 47:07 to 49:29, Summer Rain addresses the impact of coercive control in family courts, particularly on women of color, Indigenous women, and immigrant women, discussing the unique challenges they face.

Highlight #8

Emilie Coyle builds on this by discussing how coercive control adversely affects individuals with criminal records from 49:46 to 50:29.

Highlight #9

Agnes Huang further explores coercive control’s impact on family law, outlining the complexities and fairness challenges it introduces from 57:55 to 1:04:13.

Highlight #10

Pamela Cross examines a case involving the deaths of three women, discussing how jurors’ insights into the justice system changed their perceptions from 1:16:50 to 1:18:50.

Highlight #11

Angela Marie MacDougall reflects on the impact of coercive control laws on UK women over the past decade, discussing its effects from 1:20:02 to 1:22:43.

Highlight #12

Emilie Coyle discusses the trauma experienced by victims who report violence or assault, from 1:23:22 to 1:27:52.

Highlight #13

Deepa Mattoo highlights the disproportionate effect of violence on marginalized communities and the inadequacy of protections, from 1:29:30 to 1:33:04.

Highlight #14

Pamela Cross briefly compares historical and current laws, focusing on their differences and implications from 1:37:11 to 1:38:06.

Highlight #15

Agnes Huang critiques existing laws, arguing that they often lead to complacency and fail to address real-life challenges, from 1:39:18 to 1:42:28.

Second Hand September with My Sister’s Closet

Sep 16, 2024 | Battered Women's Support Services

What is Second Hand September?

Second Hand September is a global initiative encouraging people to shop second-hand to combat the environmental impact of fast fashion. Since 2019, it has inspired thousands to reduce waste, reuse, and restyle sustainably.

My Sister’s Closet (MSC) is eco-thrift boutique dedicated to fashion for social change. By shopping and donating with MSC, you’re actively reducing waste, taking a stand against climate change, and supporting a fairer world. Every purchase helps fight the climate crisis and supports survivors of violence.

We invite you to join us!

Ways to Support

 

Shop at My Sister’s Closet

Shop from our eco-thrift boutique, offering carefully selected, quality items for women, men, and children.

 

Donate Pre-loved Clothing

Donate your gently used clothing to help sustain the thrift movement and extend the life cycle of fashion.

 

Volunteer with Us

Volunteer to be part of a community that works toward systemic change in the face of gender-based violence.

About My Sister’s Closet

My Sister’s Closet is a social enterprise of Battered Women’s Support Services (BWSS), where 100% of proceeds fund supporting survivors of gender-based violence.

Since 2001, MSC has been central in providing advocacy, education, and essential support to women facing violence. As an eco-thrift boutique, MSC combines sustainability with a commitment to ethical consumption, using fashion to challenge environmental degradation and exploitative industry practices.

Supporting MSC during Second Hand September means directly funding services for women impacted by violence, while also making a conscious choice to reduce fashion waste and fight climate change. Every purchase reduces waste, supports survivors, and contributes to our broader goal of ending violence against women.