World Elder Abuse Day - June 15 | |
“It will take the eyes and ears of all of us to stamp out elder abuse and let seniors live in safety.” Isobel Mackenzie, BC Seniors Advocate | |
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Did you know that one in twelve seniors in British Columbia experience abuse? The mistreatment can be by a spouse or partner, family member, caregiver, friend or trusted individual in the person’s life.
Elder abuse and intimate partner violence (IPV) share common risk factors and can be committed by the same perpetrators, using the same means. Like IPV, signs of elder abuse can present in different ways, ranging from subtle forms of mistreatment to severe physical harm. Abusive behaviors can be similar, including physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, financial exploitation, and neglect. Older adults who experience intimate partner violence may be at higher risk of experiencing elder abuse. They face compounded vulnerabilities due to ageism, gender-based violence, and potentially diminished physical or cognitive abilities. The combination of these factors can make them more susceptible to abuse from their intimate partner as well as from other sources.
Our 50+ Program, including counselling and support groups, addresses the way that elder abuse and IPV can intersect. Recognizing the cycle of violence that can exist within a family is important to try and break the cycle and support survivors to move forward.
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Responding to Elder Abuse
- Abuse is never the fault of the person being abused
- If an older adult tells you they are being abused or hurt, believe them
- If you suspect abuse, check it
- Before you act consider the rights and privacy of the older adult
Support is always available. Anyone experiencing abuse, or concerned about someone they know who may be experiencing abuse, can call our confidential 24-hr Crisis and Information Line for support and resources: 250.385.6611
If you are concerned about the wellbeing of a senior you can contact Seniors First BC: Seniors Abuse & Information Line (SAIL) at 1-866-437-1940.
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There is space available in our 50+ Program!
Discover personalized support tailored for individuals aged 50 and over who have experienced relationship violence. Our individual sessions and community groups offer a diverse range of education and support, including:
- Recognizing signs of intimate partner violence and abuse
- Understanding underlying dynamics of intimate partner violence and abuse
- Exploring psychological and emotional impacts of intimate partner violence and abuse
- Developing a customized safety plan to support your well-being
- Building on supports and resources
- Exploring personal creativity
- Honouring your own values, hopes, needs, and strengths
- Celebrating self-awareness and self-compassion
- Learning new healing strategies
- Developing skills to confidently navigate relationships
- Connecting with supportive community
Contact Cassidy for more information: 778-700-6205 | cassidys@vwth.bc.ca
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News from our Emergency Shelter | |
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We have a new service available for Shelter residents. A Public Health Nurse began bi-weekly visits in May. She is available to speak with any resident about anything health-related, including primary care, dental care, nutrition, immunizations etc. The Public Health Nurse will be available to the shelter program on an ongoing basis and staff are very excited to have this service available for residents.
Shelter staff are also excited about three NEW groups at the Shelter:
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Learning Steps – is a psycho educational support group to provide learning and topics around self-care, boundaries, respectful communication, intimate partner violence etc. The group looks forward to welcoming guest speakers and special presentations.
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The Village – is a once-a-week parenting group where families come together to share their knowledge with each other and discuss a specific topic each week that is of interest to the group. Childminding is offered so that parents can focus on the discussion.
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Cooking Workshop – is hosted once a month by our Food Co-Ordinator who, with Shelter residents, will prepare a meal that is cost effective and healthy to teach new skills in the kitchen, and add a dish to participants’ repertoire.
In addition, there is a renewed focus at the Shelter on providing opportunities for social activities – every Friday staff lead an activity for residents such as going to the beach, rock painting, tie-dying, cupcake decoration, movie nights etc. These Friday activities are times that the house residents can connect and come together in a positive way.
Thank you to our committed donors who continue to support groups and activities like these at our Shelter, making such a positive difference to our residents’ experience.
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Goddess Run Challenge Fundraiser | |
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The Goddess Run June Challenge has begun! Thank you to VWTH Counsellor Michelle who has registered for the Challenge month to raise funds for Victoria Women’s Transition House. Michelle has to complete four “virtual” runs during this month and along the way will enjoy the motivation of the Goddess Run community. Watch our social media to see how Michelle is challenging herself, and what’s keeping her going through the month of June. You can help Michelle reach her fundraising goal by making a donation online.
Donations over $10 will receive a tax receipt.
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Serve the City
May 2023
For more than a decade, the Saanich Baptist Church has supported the Victoria Women’s Transition house on their annual day of service, “Serve the City.” This year they helped get our Emergency Shelter ready for summer, inside and outside. They dusted blinds, painted fences, power washed the patio and helped brighten up the Shelter environment for all its residents. Thank you to all the volunteers who participated in “Serve the City”!
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Our public education campaign about technology-facilitated gender based violence was shared through digital media and on the sides of buses this May. Did you spot one of our bus sides? We had feedback from the community that the images had provoked conversation about new topics, specifically between parents and youth, and increased awareness about abuse through new methods. The campaign costs were covered thanks to a grant from the Department of Justice Canada for Victims & Survivors of Crime Week.
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It’s Pride month!
You’ll find VWTH volunteers and staff hosting a booth at Victoria’s Pride Festival on Sunday, July 9 – come and say hi if you are joining in the fun!
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Pancake Breakfast at Huntingdon Manor
This will be the fifth year that the staff at Huntingdon Manor and Pendray Inn & Tea House have hosted their Canada Day Pancake Breakfast with proceeds coming to VWTH – THANK YOU!
On Saturday, July 1, from 8 am to 11 am, guests can indulge in a Pancake Breakfast by donation, featuring mouthwatering pancakes served with a variety of toppings, while enjoying views of the Inner Harbour from the picturesque gardens of Huntingdon Manor at 309 Belleville Street. It's the perfect way to start your Canada Day celebrations and show some community spirit!
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Spring Fundraising Campaign | |
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Thank you to everyone who has already made a donation to our Spring fundraising campaign; we continue to seek donations. Funds raised help support our Emergency Shelter, counselling and support services for women and their children. Last year we received over 3000 calls to our 24/7 Crisis and Information Line and provided safe accommodation at the Shelter for 208 women and children fleeing violence and abuse. Currently we are only at 36% of our Spring fundraising goal of $75,000. Can you help?
Our clients say
“I learned that home is supposed to be somewhere I can relax and recharge, not a place with fighting and quarrels. I enjoyed my stay here and all the staff members were very willing to help whenever I needed it.”
“When I first arrived, I was scared and felt everything was my fault. I leave feeling much more confident and with knowledge of how abuse has impacted my emotional and physical well-being.”
“Staying here gave me a safe, private space to reflect on the abuse I’ve experienced throughout my life, particularly from my home situation I escaped more recently with my abusive partner. I’m able to understand how these events have affected me better and move on from a lot of it. I believe this will help me recognize and avoid abusive people/relationships in the future.”
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Here are some articles that we recently shared on social media:
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Victoria Women’s Transition House Society collaborates, advocates and educates to address and prevent intimate partner violence and abuse of women and children through supportive shelter, housing, counselling and other community-based services.
Victoria Women's Transition House Society is a registered charity.
Our charitable registration number is: 10817 3501 RR0001.
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Stay Connected with us on social media: | |
It is with much respect to the Lekwungen and SENĆOŦEN speaking peoples of the WSÁNEĆ, Esquimalt, and Songhees Nations, on whose traditional territories the Victoria Women’s Transition House Society is located, that we make this acknowledgment with the expressed shared hope to live in communities free of intimate partner violence. | | | | |
