Should I Break Up?: A Guide to Safety, Reflection, and Empowerment

When facing the difficult decision of whether to end a relationship—especially one marked by unhealthy or abusive dynamics—it’s important to acknowledge your feelings, fears, and hopes.

You know your situation best, including how you feel about your partner. It’s completely valid to have mixed emotions, even love, toward someone who has hurt you.

But one thing is clear: your safety and well-being are non-negotiable priorities. Whatever choice you make, you are not alone. We’re here to offer support without judgment and help you create a safety plan if needed.

Staying Together

It’s okay if you decide to stay in your relationship right now. The key is being honest with yourself about your reasons for staying and realistic about the potential for change.

  • While some unhealthy relationships can improve with time, effort, and professional help, abuse cannot be “fixed” by love or patience alone.
  • You can only control your own actions, not your partner’s.

If you feel you need to stay for now, prioritize your safety:

  • Plan your transportation home in advance when attending events with your partner.
  • Avoid being alone with your partner in private spaces; instead, choose public places or group activities.
  • Let someone you trust know where you are and when you expect to return if you’re meeting your partner.

Your safety matters. You deserve to feel secure and respected in every interaction.

Preparing for a Breakup

Leaving a relationship, even an unhealthy or abusive one, is rarely simple or easy. It’s okay to feel scared, uncertain, or even heartbroken. These feelings don’t make your choice wrong—they make you human.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

  • Fear of loneliness is normal. Your partner may have been a significant part of your daily life. Find ways to fill your time with activities, hobbies, or reconnecting with friends.
  • You might miss them. Even if the relationship was harmful, it’s natural to miss the good moments. Write down your reasons for leaving and revisit them when doubt creeps in.
  • Reclaiming control takes time. If your partner has been controlling, adjusting to independence might feel overwhelming. Be kind to yourself and seek support from trusted friends or family.
  • Your fear is valid. If you feel unsafe, trust your instincts. Use tools like an interactive safety plan to think through risky situations.
  • Identify emergency contacts and local support resources, including those outside of law enforcement if that feels safer for you.

Breaking Up Safely

Ending an unhealthy or abusive relationship isn’t the same as ending a healthy one. Your safety must come first.

  • Do not break up in person if it feels unsafe. It’s okay to end things via phone, text, or email if face-to-face contact feels dangerous.
  • Choose a public place if you do meet in person. Have a trusted friend or family member nearby and keep your phone charged and accessible.
  • Be clear and firm. You don’t owe your ex repeated explanations. Stick to your decision and avoid being drawn into debates.
  • Inform trusted friends or family about your breakup plans. If you suspect your ex might show up at your home or workplace, let someone know.
  • Stay inside and don’t answer the door if your ex comes to your house unexpectedly. Keep your phone close for emergencies.
  • Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong or unsafe, act on those feelings without hesitation.
  • Ask for help. Reach out to advocates, counselors, or trusted individuals who can guide and support you.

Your safety is not an overreaction. It’s essential.

After the Breakup: Prioritizing Your Safety and Healing

Ending an abusive relationship doesn’t always mean the end of risk. Take proactive steps to protect yourself:

  • Stay strong. If old memories resurface, remind yourself why you made this choice.
  • Lean on your support network. Share your concerns with trusted friends, family, or counsellors.
  • Make adjustments at school or work. Talk to teachers, supervisors, or counsellors about any safety concerns.
  • Avoid isolation. Stay in well-populated areas and avoid walking alone or wearing headphones in public.
  • Update your privacy settings on social media. Block or restrict your ex if necessary, and ask friends to avoid sharing your whereabouts.
  • Document threats or harassment. Save messages, emails, or voicemails in case they’re needed for legal action.
  • Memorize emergency contacts. Have important numbers ready in case you lose access to your phone.

Reclaim Your Joy

Healing takes time, but every step you take is a step toward a healthier, happier future.

  • Rediscover hobbies you love.
  • Reconnect with old friends.
  • Explore creative outlets like art, writing, or music.
  • Take care of your physical and emotional health.

Every ending creates space for something new—something better. You deserve safety, love, and respect, whether in a relationship or on your own.

You are not alone, and your story isn’t over. We’re here, whenever you need us.

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’s Support Services Crisis Line:

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

BWSS Response to the BC Government’s Mandate on Gender-Based Violence as an Epidemic

The BC Government’s recognition of gender-based violence (GBV) as an epidemic in its recent mandate letters signals an overdue acknowledgment of the pervasive crisis faced by women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals. While this recognition is necessary, it is not sufficient. Battered Women’s Support Services (BWSS) calls for bold and immediate action to address the structural inequalities and entrenched systems that perpetuate this violence.

Gender-Based Violence as an Umbrella Term

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a pervasive crisis in British Columbia and across Canada. It claims the lives of women and gender-diverse individuals while leaving countless others to grapple with enduring trauma. Far from being a series of isolated incidents, GBV is a systemic issue rooted in patriarchy, colonialism, and intersecting oppressions. It manifests in various forms—intimate partner violence, sexual violence, and systemic violence against LGBTQ+ individuals and Indigenous women—all of which carry distinct implications. Understanding these different forms is essential to identifying the root causes and advancing meaningful solutions.

The BC Government’s Mandates on Gender-Based Violence

The BC Government has outlined two key mandates aimed at addressing gender-based violence. These mandates provide a foundation for action but must be paired with urgency, accountability, and survivor-centred implementation: 

1. Work with partners to address the national epidemic of gender-based violence as it relates to our province, and work with stakeholders to ensure that government programs and initiatives reflect the interests and concerns of people with lived experience.
2. Work with the Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs and the Attorney General to ensure that we are meeting our targets on delivering accessible transition housing for women fleeing violence, and that the justice system is responsive to the needs of survivors of gender-based violence. 

While these mandates represent important commitments, they must lead to tangible changes that prioritize safety, equity, and justice for all survivors.

A Transformative Approach to Ending Gender-Based Violence

BWSS is taking action for a future where systemic barriers are dismantled, and survivors of gender-based violence have the support and resources they need to thrive. The government’s mandates must reflect a deeper commitment to structural change that addresses the root causes of violence. Survivors deserve more than promises—they deserve action.

Here are some of the major key problems and our recommendations on how to address these problems:

Accountability in Public Safety and Justice

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a preventable tragedy that significantly impacts public safety, particularly in urban areas like Metro Vancouver, where diverse communities face unique challenges. IPV continues to claim the lives of women in British Columbia, highlighting the urgent need for immediate action. The staggering statistics on women killed by intimate partners underscore the necessity for systemic changes to address the gaps that perpetuate abuse and protect perpetrators. IPV not only undermines public safety but also imposes a significant economic burden, with an estimated cost of $1 billion annually in healthcare, policing, justice, social services, and lost productivity. Addressing IPV is not just a social issue but a public safety imperative that demands comprehensive intervention to prevent further tragedies. 

BWSS is calling on the government to address this public safety crisis through the following actions: 

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1. Expanded Survivor-Centered Services: Increase capacity to meet rising demand, particularly for survivors who do not report to police.

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2. Justice Pathways: Improve enforcement of protection orders and expand legal advocacy to support survivors navigating complex legal systems. 

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3. Community-Based Prevention and Education: Launch public awareness campaigns, youth education programs, and prevention initiatives to reduce community violence.

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4. Accountability for Law Enforcement: Conduct a coroner’s inquest every time a woman is killed after receiving or seeking a protection order. 

Safe Place to Live: Housing Subsidies

The current housing system fails to support women leaving abusive relationships, leaving many with no choice but to return to abuse or endure invisible homelessness, such as living in their cars. Today, the escalating housing crisis adds urgency to their work. For women fleeing violence, finding safe, affordable housing is often an impossible task, forcing many to return to unsafe situations or live in precarious conditions. Existing programs have lengthy waitlists, eligibility barriers, and limited second-stage housing options. Immediate intervention is needed to prevent prolonged exposure to violence and homelessness. Stable housing enables women to rebuild their lives, pursue education, secure employment, and break free from the cycle of poverty and violence. Housing is essential for safety, dignity, and freedom, and women fleeing violence deserve more than temporary solutions—they need the security to thrive. 

BWSS is advocating for bold action to expand rent subsidies specifically for women and children fleeing violence. This initiative aims to provide a clear pathway from crisis to stability, enabling survivors to rebuild their lives with dignity. The proposal aligns with the province’s commitments to affordability and safety, addressing the urgent housing crisis. With median rents in Metro Vancouver reaching $3,000, targeted support is essential for women to move from victims to survivors. A portable rent subsidy program would help bridge the gap between what women can afford and high market rents, enabling them to live safely and independently. 

The BWSS Solution: A Portable Rent Subsidy Model – BWSS proposes a rent subsidy model specifically for women-led households fleeing violence. This model would: 

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1. Bridge the Rent Gap: Subsidize the difference between market rent and what women can afford.

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2. Promote Stability: Provide 3–4 years of support while women pursue education and employment.

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3. Ensure Choice and Safety: Empower women to choose housing that meets their needs while ensuring anonymity and independence.

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4. Free Up Transitional Housing: Enable smoother transitions along the housing continuum, creating space in shelters and second-stage housing for other women in crisis.

Addressing Economic Uncertainty

Canada sends nearly 75% of its exports to the United States, making disruptions—such as Trump’s threat of 25% tariffs on key Canadian exports—a significant risk to jobs, livelihoods, and overall economic stability. These impacts are especially harmful to women and marginalized communities, as economic downturns often lead to cuts in essential services like shelters, counselling, and gender-based violence (GBV) prevention programs, which are critical for survivors. Financial stress and job losses, particularly for women in precarious employment, increase the risk of intimate partner violence (IPV). The combination of economic instability, nationalist rhetoric, and resource insecurity creates a precarious situation for women and gender-diverse individuals, highlighting the need to prioritize gender equity in Canada’s economic and diplomatic strategies. 

BWSS’ Policy and Strategic Recommendations: 

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1. Diversify Trade Partners: Prioritize full implementation of agreements like CETA and CPTPP. 

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2. Protect Social Services Funding: Safeguard funding for GBV prevention programs, even during economic downturns. 

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3. Address Water Security: Classify water as a protected natural resource, not a tradable good, in future agreements. 

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4. Strengthen Indigenous Consultation: Ensure Indigenous voices are central in decisions about trade, resource extraction, and water governance. 

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5. Cross-Border Feminist Solidarity: Build coalitions with U.S.-based feminist movements to counter divisive rhetoric. 

A Call to Action

To truly address gender-based violence, the BC Government must move beyond recognition and take decisive action. This requires not only the commitment to funding and policy changes but also a shift toward addressing the root causes of violence—patriarchy, colonialism, and intersecting oppressions. BWSS is urging the government to prioritize survivor-centred approaches, ensuring that essential services remain accessible and responsive to the needs of those affected by violence.

The time for change is now. The intersection of economic instability, inadequate housing, and systemic violence against women and gender-diverse individuals demands a comprehensive, multifaceted response. By acting boldly to expand rent subsidies, protect funding for vital services, and prioritize gender equity in all policies, the BC Government with the support of community leaders like BWSS, can take a significant step toward ending gender-based violence and building a more just, equitable society. The safety and well-being of survivors depend on our collective commitment to breaking the cycle of violence and offering meaningful, sustainable support.

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’s Support Services Crisis Line:

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

Should I Date?: A Guide to Self-Reflection and Healthy Choices

At BWSS, we hear from women who access our programs wondering if they’re making the right decision about dating—whether it’s about a specific person or dating in general.

The truth is simple: only you can decide what’s best for you!

Healthy relationships—romantic or otherwise—are built on trust, open communication, respect, and equality. But it’s also perfectly okay to choose to stay single. Society may pressure people to be in relationships, but every individual is unique, with their own wants, needs, and goals. Trust your instincts and make choices that feel right for you.

We’ve already written about whether to work on a relationship or break up, but if you’re considering starting something new, remember: every relationship deserves a clean slate. If past issues linger, it might not be fair to either of you to move forward.

Be honest—with yourself and your potential partner. And remember, you can always reach out to us anytime. Meanwhile, here are some self-reflective questions to guide your decision.

Me, Me, Me! (Self-Reflection Questions)

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Am I happy with who I am, and do I understand my own value?

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What gender(s) am I attracted to? Do I feel romantic or sexual attraction, or am I asexual/aromantic?

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Do I know what I want from a relationship (casual, monogamy, open relationship, etc.)?

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Am I choosing someone specific, or just the idea of being in a relationship?

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Do I have the time to commit to a relationship alongside school, work, family, and hobbies?

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Am I comfortable with physical distance or long-distance relationships?

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Am I emotionally prepared to handle rejection?

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Have I healed from past traumas enough to fully commit to someone new?

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Can I trust myself to respect and maintain healthy boundaries in a relationship?

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Do I have clear emotional and physical boundaries, and can I communicate them?

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Are my expectations of a relationship realistic?

The Potential Partner

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How would my support system (family, friends, counsellor) feel about this relationship?

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Could I be friends with this person if the romantic aspect didn’t work out?

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Are my instincts sending me any red flags?

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Can I trust this person? Do they respect me, my boundaries, and my autonomy?

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What kind of labels would I be comfortable using for this relationship?

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What time and effort am I willing to put into this relationship?

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If someone I love wanted to date someone exactly like this person, would I feel confident in their safety and happiness?

Big Picture Questions

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What does security in a relationship mean to me?

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Are there health or personal responsibilities I need to disclose?

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What are my goals for this relationship (casual, long-term, co-parenting, etc.)?

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Can I realistically see a future with this person?

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How will responsibilities (financial, household, emotional) be shared?

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If I have children, would I trust this person to care for them and set a good example?

Red Flags and Deal Breakers

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Would I feel safe ending this relationship if I needed to?

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What sacrifices am I willing to make for this relationship?

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Do I know what red flags to look for in controlling or abusive behaviours?

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What are my deal breakers (e.g., dishonesty, disrespect, irresponsibility, substance abuse)?

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Who do I trust to provide advice and support if I have concerns about my relationship?

Final Thoughts

Take your time with these questions. Reflect honestly, trust your instincts, and remember: you deserve a relationship (or a single life!) that makes you feel valued, respected, and safe.

And if you ever need to talk things through, we’re here.

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’s Support Services Crisis Line:

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

Breaking Barriers: Addressing the Housing Crisis for Women Fleeing Violence in BC

Since 1979, Battered Women’s Support Services (BWSS) has worked to end violence against women and gender-based violence. We work directly with victims and survivors experiencing intimate partner domestic and sexualized violence, offering support, advocacy, and healing spaces. Today, the escalating housing crisis adds urgency to their work. For women fleeing violence, finding safe, affordable housing is often an impossible task, forcing many to return to unsafe situations or live in precarious conditions, such as their cars.

BWSS is calling for bold action: the expansion of rent subsidies tailored to the needs of women and children fleeing violence. This measure can create a pathway from crisis to stability, providing a tangible opportunity for survivors to rebuild their lives with dignity.

The Housing Crisis and Women Fleeing Violence

Every day, approximately 200 women fleeing violence in British Columbia are turned away from shelters due to lack of space. Women fleeing violence face a heartbreaking choice: return to abusive environments or risk homelessness. For women living on income assistance or earning minimum wage, the staggering costs of private rental housing are entirely out of reach. With the average rent for a two-bedroom unit in Vancouver exceeding $3,500 per month, safe housing remains unattainable for many.

Did you know? 50% of women leaving abusive relationships face poverty or economic instability. It’s time to break this cycle with rent subsidies and employment support solutions. Every woman deserves safety and stability. Systemic inequities in housing disproportionately impact women fleeing violence. Indigenous women, immigrant women, and single mothers face compounding challenges, with poverty rates as high as 73 percent among Indigenous single mothers. For women fleeing violence, the journey from crisis to stability is fraught with barriers, leaving them trapped in a cycle of temporary solutions without clear pathways to independence.

A Call to Expand Rent Subsidies for Women Fleeing Violence

In BC, roughly 200 women fleeing violence are turned away from shelters and transition houses every day. This shocking statistic highlights a deeper issue: our housing system is failing survivors. For women leaving abusive relationships, the transition from crisis to stability is precarious and often impossible. Many are forced to return to abusive situations or endure invisible homelessness, living in their cars as a last resort to escape abuse.

As British Columbia’s new provincial government cabinet begins its work, BWSS is calling for decisive action: an expansion of rent subsidies tailored for women and their children fleeing violence. This proposal aligns with the province’s commitments to affordability and safety while addressing the urgent housing crisis.

The goal is to turn victims of violence into survivors with a real chance at building stable, independent lives. With median rents in Metro Vancouver reaching $3,000, moving forward without targeted support is nearly impossible. A portable rent subsidy program would bridge the gap between what women can afford and the high market rents, enabling them to live safely and independently.

The Current System Falls Short

BC offers some support through programs like the Rental Assistance Program (RAP) and Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER). However, these programs have:
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Lengthy Waitlists: Subsidized housing waitlists can stretch over two years, which is far too long for women in crisis.
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Eligibility Barriers: Strict criteria exclude many survivors of domestic violence.
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Limited Second-Stage Housing: Temporary housing for up to 18 months is insufficient to meet the growing demand.
Without immediate intervention, women are left with no options, prolonging their exposure to violence or forcing them into homelessness.

The BWSS Solution: A Portable Rent Subsidy Model

BWSS proposes a rent subsidy model specifically for women-led households fleeing violence. This model would:
1. Bridge the Rent Gap: Subsidize the difference between market rent and what women can afford.
2. Promote Stability: Provide 3–4 years of support while women pursue education and employment.
3. Ensure Choice and Safety: Empower women to choose housing that meets their needs while ensuring anonymity and independence.
4. Free Up Transitional Housing: Enable smoother transitions along the housing continuum, creating space in shelters and second-stage housing for other women in crisis.
Benefits of Expanding Rent Subsidies
The proposed rent subsidy program is more than a short-term solution; it’s a critical step toward systemic change:
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Safety and Security: Reduces the risk of women returning to abusive environments or facing homelessness.
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Economic Contributions: Once stabilized, women can pursue employment and education.
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Efficient Service Delivery: Frees up resources in emergency shelters and second-stage housing for other women in crisis.
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Empowerment: Women gain autonomy to rebuild their lives with dignity and independence.
Lessons from Other Jurisdictions
Other jurisdictions have successfully implemented similar programs:
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Section 8 Housing (USA): A federally funded voucher system that allows low-income families to secure private rental housing.
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Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (USA): This credit provides incentives for developers to create affordable housing, though administrative costs are high.
By adapting these models, BC can create a cost-effective, scalable program that meets the needs of women fleeing violence.

Providing a Pathway to Independence

Expanding rent subsidies offers women a clear pathway from crisis housing to long-term stability. When women have access to stable housing, they can focus on rebuilding their lives—pursuing education, securing employment, and breaking free from the cycle of poverty and violence.

Housing is more than a roof over your head; it’s the foundation for safety, dignity, and freedom. Women fleeing violence deserve more than temporary solutions. They deserve the chance to rebuild their lives on solid ground, with the support and security they need to thrive.

It’s time for BC to take bold, decisive action. Expanding rent subsidies for women fleeing violence is not just a policy change—it’s a commitment to equity, safety, and human dignity. As the province’s new government cabinet steps into its roles, let’s ensure that providing safe, affordable housing for survivors is a top priority.

Here’s how you can help

1. Donate Today: Your contributions directly support women transitioning from crisis to safety.
2. Spread the Word: Share this message with your network to help amplify the call for action.
3. Advocate for Change: Join us in urging policymakers to expand rent subsidies and create housing solutions for women fleeing violence.
Women and children escaping violence deserve more than temporary solutions. They deserve the opportunity to rebuild their lives on solid ground, with the safety and stability they need to thrive.

By acting now, we can create a future where no woman must choose between staying with an abuser or facing homelessness.

Join us in making 2025 the year we take meaningful action. Together, we can ensure that Safety Starts at Home.

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’s Support Services Crisis Line:

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

How to Build Healthy Boundaries in Romantic Relationships

Boundaries are essential in every relationship—they define the emotional, physical, and personal space where you feel safe, respected, and valued. But what exactly are boundaries, and how do you set them with your partner?

Simply put, personal boundaries are the limits you set regarding your body, emotions, digital presence, finances, and more. They help clarify what you’re comfortable sharing and what feels off-limits. Healthy boundaries are built on trust, respect, and mutual understanding—and it’s entirely your choice to decide what works for you.

If your partner pressures you to change your boundaries, that’s not okay. You deserve to feel heard, respected, and safe in your relationship.

The Importance of Boundaries

Boundaries empower you to:

  • Define how you want to be treated
  • Express your needs honestly and openly
  • Respect your partner’s limits while honouring your own

Healthy boundaries allow relationships to flourish, creating an environment where both partners feel secure and understood.

Let’s explore the different types of boundaries:

1. Digital Boundaries

Digital boundaries cover your online presence, phone, social media profiles, and digital communication (like texting or posting online).

Ask yourself:

  • Am I okay being tagged in photos or mentioned on social media?
  • Do I want our relationship status to be public?
  • Am I comfortable sharing passwords or access to my devices?

Even in a deeply trusting relationship, you are not obligated to share your passwords or grant access to your accounts.

Clear communication about your digital comfort zones helps set expectations and prevents misunderstandings.

2. Physical Boundaries

Money can be a sensitive topic, and financial boundaries involve decisions about your income, spending habits, and financial responsibilities.

  • You’re not obligated to share details about your income, bank accounts, or credit cards.
  • If you live together, have open and honest conversations about shared expenses and budgets.
  • Financial transparency should always feel safe and voluntary—not pressured or forced.

Trust your instincts. If you’re uncomfortable sharing financial details, that’s perfectly okay.

3. Financial Boundaries

Physical boundaries relate to your body, personal space, and physical intimacy. This includes your comfort with public displays of affection, physical closeness, and how you navigate physical disagreements.

  • Know your comfort zone: Understand what feels safe and comfortable in terms of physical intimacy.
  • Communicate openly: Share your boundaries clearly with your partner.

Arguments can bring intense emotions, but physical harm is never acceptable—in any situation, at any time.

4. Emotional Boundaries

Emotional boundaries protect your feelings, trust, and vulnerability. They help you decide how much of yourself you’re ready to share emotionally with your partner.

  • Take your time when opening up emotionally—it’s a gradual process.
  • Discuss what emotional support looks like for you.
  • Understand that emotional independence is healthy.

Spending time apart, pursuing hobbies, and nurturing friendships outside of your relationship are essential for maintaining emotional balance.

Why Boundaries Strengthen Relationships

It’s easy to worry that boundaries might create distance, but the opposite is true—they build trust, clarity, and respect.

Healthy boundaries allow both partners to:

  • Feel safe expressing their needs and concerns.
  • Grow together without losing their individuality.
  • Support each other’s well-being without overstepping limits.

Final Thoughts on Boundaries

Boundaries aren’t about shutting your partner out—they’re about creating a space where both of you can thrive.

Whether they’re digital, physical, financial, or emotional, boundaries are the foundation of a healthy, balanced, and loving relationship.
Take time to reflect on what feels right for you. Communicate openly. Respect each other’s limits.

When both partners honour each other’s boundaries, they create a relationship built on trust, understanding, and mutual care.

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’s Support Services Crisis Line:

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

Trump’s Rhetoric Against Canada: A New Chapter in an Old Playbook

Evan Vucci/The Associated Press

The escalating rhetoric from Donald Trump toward Canada has sent ripples through the political and economic spheres of both nations. With Prime Minister Justin Trudeau signaling his impending departure from leadership—though still holding office until a successor is chosen—the timing could not be more precarious. Trudeau’s pointed rebuttal on social media—”There isn’t a snowball’s chance in hell that Canada will become part of the United States”—highlights the intensity of the moment.

Yet beyond the viral soundbites, a deeper analysis is required to understand what’s at stake—not only for Canada’s economic and political stability but also for the lives and safety of marginalized groups, particularly women and Indigenous communities.

A Shocking Escalation—or a Predictable Pattern?

Historical Parallels: The Shadow of Manifest Destiny

While Trump’s bombastic rhetoric may feel unprecedented to many Canadians, it echoes deeply rooted patterns of American nationalism and expansionism, most famously embodied in the 19th-century concept of Manifest Destiny. This doctrine asserted that the United States was destined—by God and history—to expand its territory across North America, regardless of the sovereignty of neighboring nations or Indigenous peoples.

Though the language of Manifest Destiny faded from mainstream discourse, its spirit persists in slogans like “Make America Great Again.” For many Canadians, the suggestion of Canada becoming part of the United States feels absurd. However, for regions historically subject to American intervention—Latin America, Southeast Asia, and the Caribbean—this rhetoric serves as a chilling reminder of the power imbalance that continues to shape relationships between nations.

Provocation as Strategy: A Playbook of Chaos

Trump’s approach may seem erratic, but it follows a recognizable pattern: provoke, destabilize, and leverage chaos for negotiation. It’s a tactic that worked in trade disputes during his first term, including the imposition of steep tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum.

The Economic Gendered Impact

It’s important to note that economic shocks caused by trade disputes are not gender-neutral. Women, particularly those employed in industries like manufacturing and agriculture, are often the first to face job losses or wage cuts. Economic vulnerability can increase reliance on abusive partners, reduce access to essential services, and exacerbate already precarious living conditions.

Canada’s Economic Vulnerabilities: A Double-Edged Sword

Interdependence as Both Strength and Weakness

Canada sends nearly 75% of its exports to the United States. This economic integration across key industries—automotive manufacturing, energy, and agriculture—means any disruption, rhetorical or real, can have devastating consequences. Trump’s threat of imposing 25% tariffs on key Canadian exports is not just economic posturing—it’s a genuine risk to jobs and livelihoods across Canada.

The Gendered Fallout of Economic Instability

Economic downturns disproportionately harm women and marginalized communities. When governments face fiscal constraints, funding for essential services such as shelters, counselling programs, and GBV prevention initiatives is often the first to be cut. These services are lifelines for survivors of domestic and sexual violence.

Call for Economic Diversification

Agreements like CETA (Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement) with Europe and CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership) offer pathways to reduce reliance on U.S. trade. However, these agreements remain underutilized. Diversification isn’t just an economic priority—it’s a necessity for gender equity and social resilience.

Colonial Legacies and Structural Vulnerabilities

Canada’s Colonial Foundations: An Ongoing Crisis

Colonialism and imperialism are not relics of the past—they are active forces shaping Canada’s political and economic systems. Policies of displacement, resource extraction, and systemic discrimination continue to harm Indigenous communities, particularly women, girls, and Two-Spirit individuals.

Resource Extraction and GBV: A Deadly Connection

Large-scale resource extraction projects have long been associated with increased violence against women in nearby communities. The arrival of transient, male-dominated workforces, coupled with weakened community oversight, creates conditions ripe for exploitation and abuse.

Efforts to combat GBV cannot be separated from economic and resource policies. Protecting Indigenous women and girls requires robust environmental oversight, community-based safety initiatives, and meaningful consultation with Indigenous leaders.

Blue Gold: The Geopolitics of Water Resources in Canada

Freshwater Reserves in Canada: An Overlooked Vulnerability in the Race to the Bottom

Canada holds about 20% of the world’s freshwater reserves and 7% of its renewable freshwater flow, despite representing only 0.5% of the global population. This resource is increasingly seen as a geopolitical asset—and potential point of contention.

Historical and Modern Water Diversion Plans

Projects like the Grand Canal Project and NAWAPA (North American Water and Power Alliance) proposed redirecting Canada’s water southward. Though unrealized, these projects signal a persistent interest in Canadian water reserves, especially as droughts intensify across the United States.

Water Insecurity and GBV

In Indigenous communities, where water boil advisories are alarmingly common, women often bear the physical and emotional burden of securing clean water. Increased resource extraction or large-scale diversion projects would only deepen these inequalities, leaving women and girls more vulnerable to violence and exploitation.

Climate Emergency and Water Insecurity

As wildfires rage in Los Angeles, smothering skies with smoke, and British Columbia grapples with recurring heat domes that claim lives and strain infrastructure, the climate emergency grows ever more urgent. These events are not isolated—they are symptoms of a global water and climate crisis that policymakers seem paralyzed to address. Amid rising temperatures, depleted reservoirs, and vanishing snowpacks, Canada’s water resources will face unprecedented pressure. Yet, meaningful international collaboration to address these cascading crises feels increasingly out of reach, as political leaders focus on short-term gains instead of long-term resilience.

The Ripple Effect on Efforts to End Violence Against Women

Economic Instability and Intimate Partner Violence

When economies falter, social services often face cuts, shelters lose funding, and families face increased financial stress—all of which heighten the risk of intimate partner violence (IPV). For women in precarious employment, job losses can mean being trapped in abusive relationships.

Nationalist Rhetoric and Gendered Backlash

Trump’s leadership style, marked by divisive and often misogynistic rhetoric, emboldens extremist ideologies. Historically, nationalist movements have reinforced patriarchal norms, portraying feminist, and gender equity initiatives as distractions from “real” national priorities.

Resource Extraction and Vulnerability

Resource projects often exacerbate GBV risks in nearby communities. As Canada navigates economic tensions with the U.S., policymakers must ensure that economic strategies do not come at the expense of women’s safety.

Policy and Strategic Recommendations

1. Diversify Trade Partners:

Prioritize full implementation of agreements like CETA and CPTPP.

2. Protect Social Services Funding:

Safeguard funding for GBV prevention programs, even during economic downturns.

3. Address Water Security:

Classify water as a protected natural resource, not a tradable good, in future agreements.

4. Strengthen Indigenous Consultation:

Ensure Indigenous voices are central in decisions about trade, resource extraction, and water governance.

5. Cross-Border Feminist Solidarity:

Build coalitions with U.S.-based feminist movements to counter divisive rhetoric.

A Call for Resilience and Equity

The intersection of economic instability, nationalist rhetoric, colonial legacies, and resource insecurity creates a precarious landscape for women and gender-diverse individuals in this land now know as Canada. Trump’s threats may seem distant from frontline efforts to end violence against women, but their ripple effects are undeniable.

Policymakers, advocates, and community leaders must recognize these connections. Protecting gender equity must remain central—not secondary—in Canada’s economic and diplomatic strategy.

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’s Support Services Crisis Line:

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