Practice Self-Care this February

Valentine’s Day may be widely recognized as a celebration of love, but for many survivors of intimate partner violence, it can also bring difficult emotions and memories.

At Victoria Women’s Transition House (VWTH), we use this day – and the entire month – to centre self-love, care, and healing. Thanks to the generosity of our friends at Thrifty Foods Cloverdale, clients enjoyed special teas, baked goods, and all kinds of treats. On February 12, women and children staying at our Emergency Transition House took part in a self-care day designed to celebrate themselves. Clients participated in restorative activities and craft-making. They also received a makeup bag with self-care items, and little gift bags of Epsom salts.

At VWTH, we strive to remind those we support that self-worth, care, and compassion are essential parts of the healing journey.

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.

Teen dating violence is more common than many people realize, and prevention starts with education, conversation, and building healthy relationship skills early.

At Victoria Women’s Transition House, prevention means creating safe, supportive spaces where youth can learn about boundaries, self-care, healthy relationships, and self-compassion.

This year, our Spring Break Camp, March 16 - 20, 9:30am to 3pm, is for female-identifying youth ages 11–13. Camp helps our youth participants build confidence, enhance their communication skills, and develop a stronger understanding of respect – all key factors in preventing future relationship violence.

Through conversations, art, and fun outings, youth gain tools that empower them to recognize unhealthy behaviours, trust their instincts, and build positive, respectful connections. Prevention isn’t just about responding to violence, it’s about equipping young people with the knowledge and skills to stop it before it starts. 

If you know someone who might benefit from VWTH Spring Break Camp, please reach out to Haylee at hayleew@vwth.bc.ca, or call/text 250-216-1228.

Each February, people across Canada participate in Black History Month events and celebrations that honour the legacy and contributions of Black people in Canada and their communities.

The 2026 theme for Black History Month is: “30 Years of Black History Month: Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations — From Nation Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries.” This theme celebrates three decades of Black History Month in Canada by highlighting the enduring contributions of Black Canadians across time. 

This year Black History Month will be recognized at several events* around Victoria during the rest of February.

1858: Black Routes, Black Roots | BC Maritime Museum | All month 

Follow the journey of the first group of Black immigrants to Vancouver Island as they sailed from San Francisco in 1858. Now through April.

Black Pioneers on the Saanich Peninsula | Sidney Museum | All Month

Learn about one of Sidney’s founding families and the rich Black history of the area at this month-long exhibit.

‍Appreciation Tea | Baumann Centre | Feb. 14 

Celebrate Black elders and mentors who uphold culture, share history, and help raise the next generation. Victoria music icon Louise Rose will perform. 2-4pm.

Ebony Roots Concert | Club KWENCH | Feb. 15

A concert journey that musically narrates the evolving emancipation of the Black community. Celebrate African Descent/Black music, from 300-year-old spirituals to Motown, and everything in between. 2-4pm.

Royal Roads Online Keynote Event | Virtual | Feb. 18 

Yabome Gilpin-Jackson, vice-president, People, Equity and Inclusion at Simon Fraser University, will speak about Black history in Canada in this free virtual keynote event. 11am.

Guided Black History Cemetery Tour | Ross Bay Cemetery | Feb. 22

Learn about the 50+ influential Black pioneers and their descendants buried in Victoria’s historic cemetery. Tickets can be purchased at the start of the tour. 2-4pm.

BC Black History Awareness Society Keynote | Baumann Centre | Feb. 27

Join revered writer and UVic professor Wayde Compton in conversation with graduate student Junie Désil at this free public event, featuring a musical performance by Caleb Hart. 7-9pm.

String of Legacy: Black History Month Closing Night | Ambrosia Banquet | Feb. 28 

Experience a vibrant fusion of music, culture, storytelling, and fine dining in the heart of downtown Victoria. 6-11:30pm. Additional events for UVic students can be found here.

*Source: capitaldaily.ca

Save the date! Mark Saturday, May 2 on the calendar – the third annual VWTH Glow Gala will be returning to Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort. Step into an evening of elegance, creativity and connection at Glow, a glamorous Gala fundraiser for Victoria Women’s Transition House. Celebrate the courage and resilience of women and children impacted by intimate partner violence while raising funds for an important community organization.

Tickets on sale next week!

The Glow Gala includes a full evening of food, drink, entertainment, and philanthropy. Enjoy a welcome beverage and reception; three-course plated dinner; silent and live auctions, with live auctioneer Tony Joe; light entertainment by Victoria vocalist Stephanie Greaves and her band; passionate presentations and videos from clients and front-line workers; and fund-a-need – an opportunity for guests to support an identified program or project at Victoria Women’s Transition House in support of the clients we serve – women and children fleeing intimate partner violence. 

This year we are raising funds for VWTH programs supporting children and families.

For more information, please visit our website.

Stolen Sisters Memorial March

Saturday, February 14

Please join Victoria Women's Transition House and others in the community to honour and remember murdered and missing Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people.

The Victoria Stolen Sisters March will be taking place on Saturday, February 14 at 9:30am, meeting at Centennial Square in downtown Victoria and marching to the BC Legislature.

More details can be found here. 

Fashion Splash

Saturday, February 21

Nomad Market Events is hosting Victoria's premier local designer fashion event, the 12th annual Fashion Splash, at the Victoria Scottish Community Centre, on Saturday, February 21. The event features a runway-style fashion show showcasing the talented local fashion industry here on Vancouver Island.

Victoria Women’s Transition House is excited and honoured to be the beneficiary of the Fashion Splash silent and online auction proceeds.

For more information and to buy tickets, please visit their website. 

Victoria Goddess Run

Sunday, March 8

Victoria Women’s Transition House is proud to be one of the charity partners of the 15th annual Victoria Goddess Run taking place on International Women's Day, Sunday, March 8 at Beaver/Elk Lake. What a wonderful way to celebrate being a strong woman by participating in the Goddess Run!

If you’re looking to set a fitness goal this year, the 5K or 10K walk or run along this lake-side trail route may be a perfect fit for you. It’s an accessible goal for anyone.

Goddess Run registration and fundraising is now underway. Please lace up those runners today, join us at this fun, inspiring event, and consider making a donation in support of Victoria Women's Transition House today!

Victoria Women's Expo

Sat., March 7 and Sun., March 8

We’d love to see you at this year’s Victoria Women’s Expo, March 7 and 8 at Pearkes Recreation Centre.

Visit us the VWTH info booth at the event, meet some of our dedicated volunteers and enter to win an exciting prize in our free Lucky Draw. We will be there to share information about intimate partner violence, and how VWTH can help through supports and services.

For more information about the Expo, click here.

Territory Acknowledgment

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.