Isolation from friends, family, community support, and resources is used by abusive partners to cut off survivors from support networks as a power and control mechanism.
Support groups have the power to provide emotional support, and education, challenge systemic oppression, address injustices, and affect individual and social change.
At BWSS, several different groups run at different times of the year, some are closed groups and some are drop-ins.
Crisis Line Toll-Free 1-855-687-1867, 604-687-1867, or send an email to intake@bwss.org
Here is the list of groups running this autumn:
Healing Connections Support Group
For over 40 years, the Healing Connections Drop-In Support Group meets every Tuesday at the BWSS confidential offices in Vancouver, from 12 pm to 2 pm.
The group provides a safe place to connect with each other in order to alleviate isolation, share information, raise awareness and heal.
Trained facilitators support discussions ranging from:
• Criminal system
• Power and control
• Cycle of violence
• Resources
• Coping tools
• Emotional support
• Building connections
For more information, call BWSS Intake and
Advancing Women’s Awareness Regarding Employment (AWARE) Groups
Financial abuse along with emotional and physical abuse, manipulation, intimidation, and threats are all aimed at getting and maintaining control over another person. The AWARE program at BWSS helps survivors move out of the cycle of trauma and violence through employment. Employment counsellors support survivors to identify their skills, and interests and develop personal and career goals one on one and through workshops.
AWARE hosts two workshops:
Monthly Series Presentations are a series of 12 workshops facilitated by the AWARE Employment Program team and with guest speakers and is an open group and Life Skills and the Job Search Process is a closed group.
For more information email claudia@bwss.org or call BWSS Intake and Crisis Line Toll-Free at 1-855-687-1867, 604-687-1867
Securing Housing Workshop Series
Domestic violence is the leading cause of homelessness for women.
The current housing crisis with unaffordable housing and a lack of housing options exasperate the already difficult situations for women and their children who likely already fear leaving.
This means that every day we advocate for women to keep their housing and support them to secure housing when they flee. We also address the issue through our Securing Housing Workshop series.
A range of topics are covered on how to obtain and maintain housing in Metro Vancouver and cover a range of important topics including:
- Emergency housing options
- Tenant rights and responsibilities
- Landlord expectations and responsibilities
- Applying for housing
- Effective communications skills for tenancies
- Budgeting and planning for housing expenses
- Maintenance dos and don’ts
- Safety and pests
- Housing resources and support
To register email housingadvocate@bwss.org or call Leanne, at 236-858-9730.
Wildflower, Women of Turtle Island Drum Group
Wildflower, Women of Turtle Island Drum Group is a hand drum group, to heal from trauma, find our voices and stand strong in our power through drumming and singing.
The group meets every Tuesday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Bring your own drums and rattles. Some will be provided on-site.
For more information, contact Michelle, at 604-687-1867.
Thrive
A time for sex workers of all types to create connections, community, and nurture empowerment in a supportive, non-judgmental space.
• Open to all self-identified women, femmes, and transfeminine people who are active in Thrive program at BWSS.
• The Thrive group is strength-based, trauma-informed, and self-directed by the needs of participants.
• We will share experiences, and gain emotional support, practice cultural humility, and meet like-minded persons.
If you already are accessing THRIVE program sign up by calling Leia at 236-877-2538 or by email leia@bwss.org.
For new intakes call Leia at 236-877-2538
