Responding to Complex Presentations of Violence against Women Interfacing with the Law

In this webinar series put on jointly by Battered Women Support Services and Courthouse Libraries, some of the issues when responding to complex presentations of violence against women interfacing with the law will be explored.

Some of the most challenging situations when supporting violence against women survivors occurs when interface with legal systems is ineffective at addressing and working with the complexities of the situation. Criminal, immigration and family law issues are a reality for women who experience violence and have particular significance for Indigenous, Refugee, Immigrant and women with precarious immigration status.  For instance, women survivors of violence experience increased vulnerability:

• when they are arrested for allegedly perpetrating domestic violence,
• when they are incarcerated for criminal convictions arising out of post trauma coping behaviour before, during and post release, impacting Indigenous women disproportionately , and/or when,
• they have precarious immigration status or are refugees or recent immigrants as well when they are self-representing in family law situations.

Webinar Series 1 – When Battered Women are Arrested
A.      Aimed at Lawyers (for 1 hr CPD credit) – Mar 7 Tues 12:30-1:30pm
B.      Aimed at front-line workers/advocates – Mar 21 Tues 10:00am-11:30am
C.      Aimed at law enforcement – Mar 28 Tues 12:30-1:30pm

Webinar Series 2 – Violence Against Women – Refugee and Immigration Law Issues Relating to Deportation
A.      Aimed at front-line workers/advocates – Mar 15 Wed 10:00am – 11:30am
B.      Aimed at Lawyers (for 1 hr CPD credit) – Mar 15 Wed 12:30pm -1:30pm

For more information about the webinar series, email Angela at director@bwss.org

Women’s Economic Empowerment

The Women’s Economic Empowerment Workshops at BWSS equip women survivors of violence, with a range of information from fundamentals of money and financial management principles to financial planning.

When: Four Friday’s Starting February 24^th to March 17^th from 10am to 1pm
Where: Workshops will be held at BWSS office – confidential Vancouver location

Session 1- Economic Empowerment Vs. Disempowerment, Safety Planning, Options
Session 2- Fundamentals of Economic Empowerment and Management
Session 3- Developing and Working towards Economic and Financial Goals
Session 4- Building Financial Foundations and Safety Nets for the Future

• Light refreshment will be provided
• Bus tickets available

Download the poster here

For more information or to register call 778-628-1867 or email Michele@bwss.org

The Women’s Economic Empowerment Workshops are funded by G&F Financial and My Sister’s Closet a social enterprise of Battered Women’s Support Services.

Standing on Points of Power: A Group for Black Women

Black Women coming together to share and celebrate their Blackness.

A healing space to process shared cultural experiences without shame or misinterpretation.

Though we are sure that the life experiences of Black Women may include some trauma and situations of abuse, the choice to disclose these things are completely up to the participant and not a requirement or focus of the group.

We ask Women to come in a spirit of celebration and community and represent themselves however they feel most comfortable.

Standing on Points of Power is co-facilitated by Theresa Thomas, Women’s Counsellor at BWSS and Amarachi Chukwu, Volunteer Group Facilitator.

Standing on Points of Power drop-in group is currently welcoming participants for the group starting on Thursday, February 23, 2017 from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm at BWSS East Vancouver offices. For more information about the group contact, Angela 604.808.0507 or Theresa Theresa@bwss.org

Download the poster here

Self-Possession for Black Women in Coast Salish territory

The history of Black people in Vancouver is storied, rich and complex and though representing less than 1% of the population, Black people’s presence rallies for visibility 40 years after the destruction of Vancouver’s only Black neighbourhood “Hogan’s Alley”.

In commemoration of February as Black History Month 2017, BWSS presents “Standing on Points of Power – Self-Possession for Black Women” group.  Standing on Points of Power drop-in group will illuminate the presence of Black Women in Vancouver by creating a unique space where Black Women can unapologetically come together with a positive regard, and respectful consideration, of their shared lived experiences, as Black women.  Though we are sure that the life experiences of Black Women may include some trauma and situations of abuse, the choice to disclose these things are completely up to the participant and not a requirement or focus of the group.

Participants of the group will be surrounded and supported by women who have a common and distinctive shared ancestral history without the need to censor their selves, or perform for others. This network of women will come together to bear witness and create a healing space each in other’s lives, struggles, and transformations. We ask Women to come in a spirit of celebration and community and represent themselves however they feel most comfortable.

Standing on Points of Power is co-facilitated by Theresa Thomas, Women’s Counsellor at BWSS and Amarachi Chukwu, Volunteer Group Facilitator.
“It’s difficult being a part of a population group that is viewed as so strong all the time; it makes it impossible to connect to, or even to know when to, ask for support” said Theresa Thomas, “being a Black woman my strength is born out of necessity, but that does not mean I want to or I’m okay ignoring my humanity”

“There is strength in vulnerability, inspiration in seeing ourselves mirrored in diverse ways, freedom in sharing our experiences without fear of dismissal, beauty in celebrating ourselves as flawed and human and power in being authentically yourself without pressure to perform” said Amarachi Chukwu, “The healing and growth that stems from this empowerment is a privilege, one that is not often afforded to women who wear Black skin.”

“Vancouver as a city is unique in its success at virtually eliminating Black people’s presence, cultural, social and political voice through a city policy.” said Angela Marie MacDougall, BWSS Executive Director. “Through Standing on Points of Power, our primary goal is to redress this invisibility and support Black Women loving and delighting in our Blackness!”

Standing on Points of Power drop-in group is currently welcoming participants for the group starting on Thursday, February 23, 2017 from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm at BWSS East Vancouver offices. For more information about the group call Angela, email director@bwss.org or email Theresa, Theresa@bwss.org

On February 7^th 2017 from 7am to 8am on Democracy North, Angela Marie MacDougall hosted Black Futures 2017, discussions on themes and concerns of the African diaspora in western Canada.
Angela’s guests included Adeline Bird and Alexa Joy to discuss “What is Black Space?” and Anthonia Ogundele and Stephanie Allen to discuss “Are there any Black people in Vancouver?” Recognition, Honouring, Access and Inclusion.

Angela was also joined by Theresa Thomas, Woman’s Counsellor at BWSS and co-facilitator of  “Standing on Points of Power – Self-Possession for Black Women” to discuss the new support group at Battered Women’s Support Services.

Press play to listen to Black Futures 2017

Angela also joined Minelle Mahtani host of Sense of Place on Roundhouse Radio to talk about Battered Women’s Support Services celebrating Black History Month by presenting, in part, “Standing on Points of Power –Self Possession for Black Women” Group.

Listen here

Over 18,000 people attended the Women’s March on Washington in Vancouver with 673 marches worldwide, and at least 3.3 million people. Those are impressive numbers. It’s hard not to be inspired by that. And now it’s up to us to continue the work for change.  Join BWSS to Help End Violence against Women.

Continue your involvement to work for change! Battered Women’s Support Services is part of the February 14th Women’s Memorial March organizing committee. And each year our staff and volunteers join together to participate at the March. The 27th Annual Feb 14th Women’s Memorial March taking place on Tuesday Feb 14th, 2017 beginning at 10:30 am at the Carnegie Community Centre Theatre in Vancouver, Coast Salish Territories. Attend and spread the word.

Another active step you can take is joining Battered Women’s Support Services (BWSS) Violence Prevention and Intervention Training. This training is for women who want to volunteer on the BWSS Crisis & Intake Line and has been offered for almost 40 years. The topics covered in the training are intense and require personal exploration and the impact is significant. This is a direct action step for women can take to work for change through supporting women on our Crisis & Intake Line and support groups.

The most recent training, Fall 2016,  20 women complete the training who have now started answering calls on our crisis and intake line. Through training women gain personal growth, healing, empowerment, leadership skills, and many describe the training as transformative. Women who volunteer with BWSS also support our work in the community, attending community events, tabling and marching. Volunteers from the Crisis & Intake line have shared, since the training, their leadership skills have increased and they feel more confident to take an active political stand around women’s issues.

Women who call our crisis line get the information, resources and most importantly the support they need that can ultimately help them heal. Women who access support groups are supported not only by the facilitators but they also build connections, trust and support with one another.

The Spring 2017 training begins March 24th –to receive more information about this transformational training program and volunteer work or to find out how to apply please contact Claudia at 604-687-1868 ext. 304 or email intake@bwss.org

Let’s continue to come together and take action for change.