Since 1995 the third week in April has been proclaimed by the provincial government Prevention of Violence Against Women Week.
The SC Prevention of Violence Against Women In Relationships Coordinating Committee (VAWIR), which is comprised of criminal justice system and other agencies, has been meeting regularly for the past 20 years. The VAWIR committee works to increase the community's response to violence against women while actively promoting community awareness through education and identifying gaps in government policy.
Unfortunately, cases of abuse continue to be an issue on the Sunshine Coast.
In 2011 the Yew Transition House provided shelter to 57 women and 27 kids and responded to 593 calls, while the Sunshine Coast RCMP responded to 174 reports of situations involving both verbal and physical altercations.
Violence against women takes many forms. It can be verbal abuse, hitting, choking, restraining, confinement, emotional, financial, sexual assault, threats, stalking and murder. Often abuse starts as more-subtle name-calling, demeaning comments, isolation from family and friends, and over time, escalates to more serious threats to destroy property, and physical harm. Abusers will also use the family court system to continue to manipulate and control a woman.
The RCMP investigate all allegations of domestic violence and where appropriate forward charge recommendations to Crown counsel.
Women experiencing abuse can contact these free confidential services offered by Sunshine Coast Community Services Society:
Yew Transition House at 604-885-2944 (24 hours a day) offers shelter and support for women and their children fleeing abuse.
Women's Outreach at 604-741-5246 for support and advocacy to all women experiencing abuse.
Women's counseling at 604-885-5881 ext. 250 for counselling for women subjected to current or past abuse.
Community-based Victim Services at 604-885-0322 for support, information and advocacy to women and men experiencing relationship violence, harassment, or sexual assault.
RCMP-based Victim Services at 604-885-5554 for information, emotional support, referrals and assistance through the criminal justice system for victims and witnesses of crimes and other tragedies.
Thyme Second Stage Transition House at 604-885-4241 offering affordable housing and support for up to one year for women and children fleeing violence.
Family Justice Services at 604-740-8936. While assuring the safety and well being of all family members, this service provides a range of dispute resolution options to assist parents/parties in reducing conflict.
RCMP emergency 9-1-1. The RCMP utilizes specialized training and policy and investigates all allegations of domestic violence.
Mental Health and Addiction Services at 604-885-6101 offers individual and group therapy to women who are experiencing mental health as a result of abusive relationships.
B.C. Community Corrections at 604-740-8937 provides supervision to men charged with or convicted of domestic violence, and provides access to specialized programs to help develop skills essential in maintaining a relationship free of violence.
Public health nurses in Sechelt at 604-885-5164 and in Gibsons at 604-886-5600 provide support to any woman affected by violence. Emergency contraception is also available.
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