We currently have over 100 fully trained crisis line team members available to provide support and information for:

Community resources and referrals to transition houses, lawyers, medical services

Safety planning

Information on specific support groups for Black, Latina, LGBTQIA2S+ and Indigenous women

Legal remedies including protection orders

Support and referrals for immigrant women

We also provide immediate emotional support and practical assistance to help you cope more effectively should you be experiencing a crisis. We offer immediate, short-term help to survivors of violent intimate relationships, childhood sexual abuse and adult sexual assault.

If you or someone you love is in need of support, please contact our Crisis Line:

Call toll-free: 1-855-687-1868
Metro Vancouver: 604-687-1867

Email: intake@bwss.org

Learn More >

BWSS provides long-term individual Stopping the Violence counselling for women who are currently experiencing violence and/or who are survivors of violence including childhood sexual abuse or adult sexual assault. BWSS also provides support to women survivors of Indian Residential Schools and/or foster care.

Additionally, BWSS is committed to offering drop-in, closed and specialized support groups to women dealing with violence and its effects. BWSS support groups provide a safe place for women to connect with each other in order to alleviate isolation, share information, raise awareness, heal by developing coping and recovery skills and plan for a life free from violence.

• Support Groups
• Counselling
• Indigenous Women’s Programs
• Women’s Safety and Outreach Program
• Career Exploration
• Latin American Women’s Program
• Programa para Mujeres Latino Americanas
• YOUth Ending Violence
• Violence, Media Representations and Families media literacy program

Battered Women’s Support Services offers culturally appropriate services run by Indigenous women for Indigenous women.

The Indigenous Women’s Program offers direct services through drum groups, counselling, and different ceremonies such as full moon and sweat lodge ceremonies. We are decolonizing and healing from the trauma of colonization, the effects and intergenerational effects of residential schools, the loss of our children, and living life in a patriarchal society.

By using holistic practices through traditional medicines and ceremonies, we are healing from these traumas and reclaiming our rightful roles as strong Indigenous women in our community, finding our voices and standing strong in our power.

Learn more about the Indigenous Women's Program here >

Call toll-free: 1-855-687-1868
Metro Vancouver: 604-687-1867

BWSS recognizes that despite its absence in common media and anti-violence information, same gender and same sex abuse is widespread and prevalent.

It is a reality in our communities and may be confusing to identify. BWSS is committed to facing this reality and providing relevant services and support for lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, queer, transgender, two-spirit, and non-binary survivors of violence.

Resources for LGBTQ2S and non-binary survivors of violence >

Call toll-free: 1-855-687-1868
Metro Vancouver: 604-687-1867

BWSS Victim Services Program provides direct services, legal assistance and systems based information, crisis intervention, safety planning, advocacy, court accompaniment and referrals to women and female youth survivors of violence in intimate relationships and/or criminal harassment.

The core services in the program are assessment and safety planning, lethality and risk assessment, and the provision of general information to women regarding the criminal justice system including crisis intervention, emotional support, assistance with filling out Crime Victim Assistance Program Forms and Victim Impact Statements. Additionally we provide information on the status of police investigation and information on the role of the various players in the justice system and the practicalities of testifying as a witness, including court preparation and witness orientation. We also provide referrals and systemic advocacy for women who are navigating the Canadian legal system.

Learn more about the Victim Services program here >

Call toll-free: 1-855-687-1868
Metro Vancouver: 604-687-1867

The BWSS Advancing Women’s Awareness Regarding Employment Program (AWARE) helps women move out of the cycle of trauma and violence through employment and economic development.

This program recognizes and addresses unique barriers facing women and supports women who have experienced violence and abuse to move towards independence and self-reliance.

Learn more about AWARE here >

One of the many ways we meet the needs of women in our community is through social enterprise. This includes our Retail Program and our thrift boutique, My Sister's Closet with two locations, 3958 Main St., Vancouver and 1830 Commercial Dr., Vancouver. Clothing and accessories for all genders are donated to our boutique and the proceeds go to fund the services and programs BWSS offers.

My Sister's Closet provides volunteer experience which often increases esteem, confidence, and employability. Local artisans are also supported by having their creations sold at My Sister’s Closet. The boutique provides a safe and welcoming space for community to engage with BWSS and join our efforts in ending violence against girls and women.

Learn more about My Sister's Closet here >

Shop online here >