31 Things British Columbia Can Do Right Now to End Violence Against Women

7. Address the feminization of poverty with a provincial anti-poverty plan

Poverty disproportionately impacts women–particularly indigenous women, women with disabilities, immigrant and refugee women and other marginalized groups. Single mothers are drastically over-represented among people living in poverty and 64% of minimum wage earners are women.  Poverty rates for single mothers nearly tripled from 1980 to 2006, so that today more than 35% of single mothers live in poverty, compared to 9.3% of two parent families and 12.7% of men. Among seniors, women are twice as likely to live in poverty.

BC needs to:

• design and commit to a real anti-poverty plan to address our shocking levels of child and family poverty;
• legislate for pay equity in work sectors traditionally dominated by women, such as nursing and home care;
• provide adequate social assistance rates and living wages that adjust for inflation;
• provide quality, affordable family housing, and
• provide universal daycare.

Women in British Columbia have waited too long already. That is why we are offering 31 things that BC’s new Provincial Office of Domestic Violence (PODV) can push for right now to increase safety for women and to bring us closer than we have ever been to ending violence against women once and for all. We are calling for 31 social, economic and legal changes, none of which are unachievable in this province. Some would require very little financial investment, and each of them will save resources in the long term given the high costs of violence against women.

For more information:

1. Call violence against women what it is

2. Audit for compliance with BC’s Violence Against Women in Relationship policy

3. Address the immediate financial and housing needs of women fleeing violence

4. Enhance access to justice for women – invest in family, immigration and poverty law legal aid services

5. Make addressing women’s inequality a core learning objective for all BC students

6. Add sexual violence by police to the mandate  of the Independent Investigations Office

7. Address the feminization of poverty with a provincial anti-poverty plan

8. Push to add gender and sex to the hate crime provisions of Canada’sCriminal Code

9. Bring back regional coordination committees for women’s safety

10. Join the call for a national inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women

11. Do not let immigration status stand in the way of women’s safety

Follow @EndingViolence to learn more about #31Things British Columbia Can Do Right Now to End Violence Against Women

31 Things British Columbia Can Do Right Now to End Violence Against Women

6. Add sexual violence by police to the mandate  of the Independent Investigations Office

BC has taken an important step in creating the Independent Investigations Office (IIO) to investigate cases involving death or serious harm at the hands of police. Unfortunately, the IIO does nothing to ensure the safety of women who have been sexually assaulted by police officers, or to protect partners who have experienced violence at the hands of officers. Society and the police recognize that there are conflicts of interest when an insular group of people investigates itself and sexual violence should not be treated differently. There is also a need for a mechanism for women who are victims of violence, abuse or harassment at the hands of a police officer, either inside or outside of an intimate relationship, to report that violence without going to the local police force.

Women in British Columbia have waited too long already. That is why we are offering 31 things that BC’s new Provincial Office of Domestic Violence (PODV) can push for right now to increase safety for women and to bring us closer than we have ever been to ending violence against women once and for all. We are calling for 31 social, economic and legal changes, none of which are unachievable in this province. Some would require very little financial investment, and each of them will save resources in the long term given the high costs of violence against women.

For more information:

1. Call violence against women what it is

2. Audit for compliance with BC’s Violence Against Women in Relationship policy

3. Address the immediate financial and housing needs of women fleeing violence

4. Enhance access to justice for women – invest in family, immigration and poverty law legal aid services

5. Make addressing women’s inequality a core learning objective for all BC students

6. Add sexual violence by police to the mandate  of the Independent Investigations Office

7. Address the feminization of poverty with a provincial anti-poverty plan

8. Push to add gender and sex to the hate crime provisions of Canada’sCriminal Code

9. Bring back regional coordination committees for women’s safety

10. Join the call for a national inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women

11. Do not let immigration status stand in the way of women’s safety

Follow @EndingViolence to learn more about #31Things British Columbia Can Do Right Now to End Violence Against Women

31 Things British Columbia Can Do Right Now to End Violence Against Women

5.Make addressing women’s inequality a core learning objective for all BC students

Apart from the fact that anti-violence work is urgent and relevant everywhere in our society, it is especially vital in secondary schools, where the highly gendered nature of violence is often obscured by all-encompassing terminology. The term ―bullying for example, can mask sexism, racism, homophobia, and violent crimes like sexual assault. Failing to name forms of violence for what they are makes them, and their victims, invisible. Zero tolerance policies can further alienate victims and leave bystanders feeling helpless, because they are armed with knowledge of the problem but not the solution. By educating emerging generations, it is possible to replace harmful belief systems with a focus on equality, dignity, and respect for all women. This education could address gender inequality from many angles by emphasizing the systemic and intersectional reality of oppression and by encouraging the development of skills required to stand-up in the face of oppression. By teaching young people that women are valuable, we can send the message that violence against them is unacceptable.

Women in British Columbia have waited too long already. That is why we are offering 31 things that BC’s new Provincial Office of Domestic Violence (PODV) can push for right now to increase safety for women and to bring us closer than we have ever been to ending violence against women once and for all. We are calling for 31 social, economic and legal changes, none of which are unachievable in this province. Some would require very little financial investment, and each of them will save resources in the long term given the high costs of violence against women.

For more information:

1. Call violence against women what it is

2. Audit for compliance with BC’s Violence Against Women in Relationship policy

3. Address the immediate financial and housing needs of women fleeing violence

4. Enhance access to justice for women – invest in family, immigration and poverty law legal aid services

5. Make addressing women’s inequality a core learning objective for all BC students

6. Add sexual violence by police to the mandate  of the Independent Investigations Office

7. Address the feminization of poverty with a provincial anti-poverty plan

8. Push to add gender and sex to the hate crime provisions of Canada’sCriminal Code

9. Bring back regional coordination committees for women’s safety

10. Join the call for a national inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women

11. Do not let immigration status stand in the way of women’s safety

Follow @EndingViolence to learn more about #31Things British Columbia Can Do Right Now to End Violence Against Women

31 Things British Columbia Can Do Right Now to End Violence Against Women

4. Enhance access to justice for women – invest in family, immigration and poverty law legal aid services

Over the past decade, legal aid in BC has been drastically reduced, compromising access to justice and the rule of law. Family law services have been particularly restricted, with dire consequences for many women. Without publicly funded legal advice and representation, women are compromising their rights in order to avoid costly trials or having to self-represent against an abusive, and possibly represented, former partner. If BC is serious about tackling violence against women, women must have access to the supports they need, which requires a fully funded legal aid system.

Women in British Columbia have waited too long already. That is why we are offering 31 things that BC’s new Provincial Office of Domestic Violence (PODV) can push for right now to increase safety for women and to bring us closer than we have ever been to ending violence against women once and for all. We are calling for 31 social, economic and legal changes, none of which are unachievable in this province. Some would require very little financial investment, and each of them will save resources in the long term given the high costs of violence against women.

For more information:

1. Call violence against women what it is

2. Audit for compliance with BC’s Violence Against Women in Relationship policy

3. Address the immediate financial and housing needs of women fleeing violence

4. Enhance access to justice for women – invest in family, immigration and poverty law legal aid services

5. Make addressing women’s inequality a core learning objective for all BC students

6. Add sexual violence by police to the mandate  of the Independent Investigations Office

7. Address the feminization of poverty with a provincial anti-poverty plan

8. Push to add gender and sex to the hate crime provisions of Canada’sCriminal Code

9. Bring back regional coordination committees for women’s safety

10. Join the call for a national inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women

11. Do not let immigration status stand in the way of women’s safety

Follow @EndingViolence to learn more about #31Things British Columbia Can Do Right Now to End Violence Against Women

Every year people around the world gather together on International Women’s Day to honour and celebrate the achievements of women and to move forward women and women’s rights to equality on the global agenda.

We at Battered Women’s Support Services (BWSS) continue to strengthen the collaborations in the community, bring awareness and organize others to join the efforts of ending violence against girls and women.

We invite you to join us for International Women’s Day celebration events to honour women!

West Coast LEAF’s Annual 26th Equality Breakfast

Tuesday, March 5th, 2013

Honour our collective achievements, inspire and be inspired, catch up with old friends and meet new ones, and raise money for West Coast LEAF’s upcoming projects in the areas of legal education, law reform, and litigation.

This year, West Coast LEAF will host author, actor, and activist Carmen Aguirre as our special guest. Aguirre’s first book, Something Fierce: Memoirs of a Revolutionary Daughter, won CBC’s 2012 Canada Reads award. Her extensive oeuvre includes 20 plays, many exploring her experience as an exile and activist. Through her work Aguirre has helped raise awareness in Canada and abroad about Pinochet’s violent regime, which extended from 1973 to 1990 and included the torture and internment of many Chilean citizens. Fierce, funny, and unforgettable, Aguirre continues to inspire and unite her audiences.

Check out the event poster here.

For more information about 2013 Equality Breakfast, please visit here.

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Women’s Collective: Celebrating women in Politics and Activism

March 5th, 6th, 7th & 8th 2013

In honor of International Womens Day, Capilano University Women’s Collective will be hosting a panel of women involved in politics and/or activism to share their stories. We will join the discussion to celebrate gains and accomplishment of women through history and define the ways to ensure equality between women and men in the community.

Tuesday – March 5th – 11:30-1:00pm

(LB 195, CSU Lounge):

“Women in Politics and Activism Panel”

Join us as we Feature, Celebrate, and Learn from Women involved in politics and activism. Free Refreshments

• Angela Marie MacDougall, BATTERED WOMENS SUPPORT SERVICES
• Barinder Rasode, SURREY CITY COUNCIL
• Ellen Woodsworth, WOMEN TRANSFORMING CITIES
• AJ Klein, TANKER FREE BC
• Anne Catherine Bajard, JUSTICE EDUCATION SOCIETY
• Miriam Palacios, OXFAM CANADA

Wednesday – March 6th – 11:30-12:45pm

(LB 195, CSU Lounge)

“Open Women’s Collective Meeting”

All students are welcome to attend our bi-weekly meeting

Thursday – March 7th – 11:30-2:00pm

(Birch Building, Cafeteria):

“Caf-tivities”

Learn about Women and Gender Issues, Suffragettes, and Prominent Women around the world. Play Games, Win Cool Prizes.

Friday – March 8th – 11:30-2:30pm

(LB 195, CSU Library Lounge):

“IWD celebration & card making”

Meet other students as we celebrate IWD and make cards for the women in our lives

Location:

195 – 2055 Purcell Way
North Vancouver, BC

Free event, open to all students.

***

International Women’s Day Media Event

Friday March 8th, 2013

Central City Foundation (CCF) along with its partners, the Vancouver Women’s Health Collective (VWHC), BC Women’s Hospital and Health Centre and Battered Women’s Support Services (BWSS) is hosting an event to celebrate acts of courage and determination of women who make extraordinary contributions to the community.

This is an event to mark International Women’s Day by celebrating the Women’s Health and Wellness Centre in the Downtown Eastside and the collaborative programs run out of it that illustrate the idea of neighbours helping neighbours.

Friday March 8, 2013

Time: 9:30 am – 10:30 am

Location: Women’s Health and Wellness Centre

29 West Hastings Street Vancouver

***

Powerful Voices: Women Rising Up

Friday March 8th, 2013

This year, Battered Women’s Support Services is collaborating with Amnesty International, BC Council for International Cooperation, and Oxfam Canada, not only to celebrate International Women’s Day, but to continue raising awareness about the important role that women play in the struggle for equality.

Inspired by the prominent role that women are taking on the Idle No More movement and the role that our sisters play at the global level, we are coming together at the event: Powerful Voices : Women Raising UP.

International Women’s Day Celebration

An evening of music, art and a panel discussion!

Moderator: Angela Marie MacDougall

Featuring panellists: Fatima Al-Samak, Elizabeth Johnson and Marlene George

Friday March 8, 2013

Reception: 6 pm Event 6:30 pm

Admission by donation

Vancouver Public Library- Main Branch

Alma Van Dusen Room

Space is limited, please RSVP on Eventbrite

Refreshment will be provided

***

On March 8th, events are held around the world to celebrate the advancements we have made, and raise awareness for what we still have yet to accomplish.

For the last two years, YWiB SFU has planned an extraordinary day by inviting our community to celebrate this special day. This year, My Sister’s Closet, a social enterprise of BWSS taking part in the conference to come together with young women and professionals to share their stories and be a part of this important event.

The conference featured key note speakers and panellists and an expo which showcased entrepreneurs, start-ups and local non-profits.

The conference will be held on Sunday, March 10th.

Location: SFU Woodwards

149 W Hastings St  Vancouver

You can purchase tickets here.

31 Things British Columbia Can Do Right Now to End Violence Against Women

3. Address the immediate financial and housing needs of women fleeing violence

When a woman flees a violent or abusive situation, whether for a night or for a lifetime, there are often immediate financial needs that must be met to ensure safety for her and for her children. Women survivors of violence should be not be dually burdened with surviving on the streets. Accessible transitional housing, crisis grants, short term income assistance, child care and transportation may be the deciding factors in whether or not a woman and her children can escape a dangerous situation. BC’s VAWIR policy should be updated to explicitly address protocols for financial assistance workers, transition houses and BC Housing. The Residential Tenancy Act should also be amended to ensure that women are not locked into an abusive relationship out of fear of the costs associated with breaking a lease.

Women in British Columbia have waited too long already. That is why we are offering 31 things that BC’s new Provincial Office of Domestic Violence (PODV) can push for right now to increase safety for women and to bring us closer than we have ever been to ending violence against women once and for all. We are calling for 31 social, economic and legal changes, none of which are unachievable in this province. Some would require very little financial investment, and each of them will save resources in the long term given the high costs of violence against women.

For more information:

1. Call violence against women what it is

2. Audit for compliance with BC’s Violence Against Women in Relationship policy

3. Address the immediate financial and housing needs of women fleeing violence

4. Enhance access to justice for women – invest in family, immigration and poverty law legal aid services

5. Make addressing women’s inequality a core learning objective for all BC students

6. Add sexual violence by police to the mandate  of the Independent Investigations Office

7. Address the feminization of poverty with a provincial anti-poverty plan

8. Push to add gender and sex to the hate crime provisions of Canada’sCriminal Code

9. Bring back regional coordination committees for women’s safety

10. Join the call for a national inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women

11. Do not let immigration status stand in the way of women’s safety

Follow @EndingViolence to learn more about #31Things British Columbia Can Do Right Now to End Violence Against Women