Stopping Violence against Women
Violence against women is a social problem that transcends class, culture and socioeconomic conditions. Without supports like child care, housing, training and legal aid that help them live independently, many women return to abusive partners.
We know that domestic violence is a key factor that prevents women from achieving economic independence. It also has long-term, intergenerational implications, and children who witness abuse are much more likely to be aggressive.
The YWCA will continue to raise awareness of the effects of violence in society and to educate youth about the behaviours and attitudes that are fundamental to healthy relationships. We will fight for reforms and supports that enable women to make a successful transition to economic independence.
Resources and Publications
Stopping the Violence
A guide for women facing domestic violence and includes resources, facts, tips and information, as well as some guidelines on how to help if you know someone who is being abused.
Custody and Access Brochure
This brochure is a guide for women who are facing custody and access issues. It reflects current legislation, policies and procedures that affect women and children in British Columbia. Available in seven languages.
Mothers Without Legal Status in Canada - Handbook
This free downloadable booklet explains the experiences of mothers without legal status and how service providers can best help them.
Mothers Without Legal Status in Canada – Research Report
This report describes the experiences of mothers without status and makes recommendations for change in the Canadian legal and immigration systems.
Court-Related Abuse and Harassment
This research report, written by YWCA Legal Educator Andrea Vollans, documents how men use the legal system to further abuse and torment their ex-partners.
YWCA Programs and Services
Munroe House and Arbour House is a second-stage transition house for women and their children who have left abusive relationships.
The Children Who Witness Abuse program is offered at Munroe house and uses one-to-one counselling, workshops and art/play therapy to help children identify their feelings and express them in a healthy way.
The Violence Outreach Program at YWCA Crabtree Corner, located in the Downtown Eastside, provides support for women who experience violence in their relationships.
The Legal Education Program offers one-to-one legal support, education on a wide range of legal topics and provides specific resources and referrals.
Our youth programs like Boys 4 Real, Welcome to My Life, That's Just Me and Camp Fun Girl combine interactive discussions and fun activities to teach boys and girls self-awareness, confidence and mutual respect, as well as how to recognize healthy relationships. Armed with these skills, we hope that youth of the next generation will help stop the cycle of violence.
Week Without Violence is a nationwide violence prevention initiative organized by YWCA Canada to unite Canadians against the violence that exists in our communities. Find out about YWCA Metro Vancouver's Week Without Violence campaign.
Articles and Links
Ten things men can do to prevent gender violence
How to talk to teens about consent
