Like many non-profits, the current Canada Post strike is impacting our ability to meet our fundraising goals. We certainly support the workers’ right to strike, but many of our supporters, perhaps yourself included, have typically sent us their donations by mail.

This is not the only way you can donate to Victoria Women’s Transition House.

If you can support us during this challenging time, please reach out now and give through our website OR call our office, 250-592-2927 Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm OR drop off your cheque, cash or credit card donation at our Community Office, #100-3060 Cedar Hill Road, Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm.

We are working hard to meet those fundraising goals to maintain our vital programs and services. Please consider a gift today, and join us in support of women and children impacted by intimate partner violence.

A Harvest Celebration

Thanks to our friends at Refire Kitchen, the women in our third stage transitional housing program enjoyed a cozy Fall Harvest Dinner last week. At the women’s request, the menu featured comforting lasagnas and fresh bread (kindly donated by Refire), along with crisp salads and traditional pumpkin pie for dessert. The lasagnas were such a hit at last year’s celebration that they were back by popular demand this year. A delicious tradition in the making!

We’re thrilled to share that Victoria Women’s Transition House’s Second Stage transitional housing program and facility is now fully operational – and already making a meaningful difference in the lives of women and children rebuilding after fleeing gender-based violence. With 50 safe and secure apartment-style units that are available for up to two years, families are offered a fresh start and a second chance.

What the Program Offers

• More than a safe place to live, each resident receives wraparound supports: weekly meetings with a dedicated support worker to navigate goals such as employment, reconnecting with family, accessing mental health services, and more.
• Children in the program are enrolled in local schools, and many families are settling into their new communities with growing confidence and belonging.

Building Community and Growth

• Residents are invited to participate in in-house programming, from psychoeducational workshops and support groups for adults to supervised play and programs for children.
• Social activities such as “All Ages Drop-In,” “Parent Café,” “Mindful Colouring,” and “Walk & Talk” are tailored to resident needs and have seen strong engagement.
• Weekly newsletters help families connect to local supports, child-friendly events, and community happenings.

Looking Ahead

• As the fall season is underway, families are adjusting to new routines, new schools, and the rhythms of a safe home.
• Our experience so far affirms that healing often happens in small, everyday victories: a child making a friend, a mother getting her first job in years, or someone’s voice being rediscovered in a support group.
• With your ongoing support, we’re not just offering housing, we’re helping build foundations for independence, healing, and brighter futures.

Thank you for being part of this journey with us!

We need your help with our Holiday Hamper Program! The holidays can be a hard time of year for people, especially for those affected by trauma.

A gift card Holiday Hamper can make all the difference this holiday season for a woman who has left an abusive relationship, often having left with nothing to call her own. You can help her make the season a bit more special for her and her children by providing a way for her to buy gifts, meals, and more during the holiday season.

Want to get involved? Please visit Holiday Hamper Donor Registration to register as a Hamper donor on our website today. All donors will be matched confidentially with a client (single woman or mom and kids).

"I want to thank you and the Transition House from the bottom of my heart for the Holiday Hamper gift cards. When I saw the amounts on each card, I literally started crying with gratitude. These are going to help me and my children so much this year." 
~ Hamper Recipient

We’re pleased to share Victoria Women’s Transition House’s 2024–25 Annual Report, Renewing Hope, Building Lives.

This year’s report reflects growth, renewal, and the ongoing impact of your support for women and children rebuilding lives free from violence.

2024–25 by the Numbers

• 87 women and 58 children found safety and support in our Emergency Shelter.
• Our 24-Hour Crisis and Information Line responded to 2,417 calls for help and support.
• 3,138 volunteer hours were contributed by over 200 dedicated volunteers.
• Over 450 counselling sessions supported women, children, and youth healing from trauma.

Thank you for helping us renew hope and build safer futures together.

Aged to Perfection  

Don’t miss the Aged to Perfection Gala on October 25 at Elements Casino! Step into an evening where the power of age is celebrated. With an incredible cast of burlesque performers from Canada and the US over the age of 40, they will change the way you look at age with their power, artistry and allure. Enjoy an evening of glamour, community and impact. 

We’re honoured to be chosen as the beneficiary of this fun and fabulous event, with a portion of proceeds supporting Victoria Women’s Transition House and our programs for women and children affected by intimate partner violence.

Tickets available now via the website (General Admission & VIP) – grab yours before October 24.

Visit: www.agedtoperfectiongala.ca

Blanket the Country  

We’re grateful to Urban Barn for choosing Victoria Women’s Transition House as a local partner in their "Blanket the Country" fundraising campaign!

Every $5 donation made in-store (at their Uptown Shopping Centre location) or online this October is matched by Urban Barn, doubling the impact for women and children in our community who are rebuilding their lives after violence and abuse.

Together, we’re wrapping our community in care, safety, and hope.

Visit: urbanbarn.com/blanket-the-country

• October 1 - Yom Kippur
• October 10 - World Mental Health Day
• October 11 - International Day of the Girl
• October 13 - Thanksgiving
• October 20 - Diwali
• October 31 - Halloween

Here are a few articles about gender-based violence in Canada that you may find interesting.

• B.C. to strengthen legislation addressing sexual violence, sharing of intimate images - Nanaimo News Now
• Province appoints new Downtown Eastside adviser - Penticton Herald
• 'Brutal act': Lawyers close arguments on stabbing death of young Prince George, B.C., mother - CBC
• Books on corporate consolidation, intimate partner violence vie for Balsillie Prize - Vancouver is Awesome
• Williams Lake raises awareness of IPV caused brain injuries - The Williams Lake Tribune
• Surrey police shooting death prompts calls for interpreter access - Vancouver Island Free Daily
• Ontario MPP facing domestic assault charges takes leave despite calls for resignation - Canadian Press News
• Survivors of Intimate partner violence sue the federal government - Toronto City News
• Women’s groups demand transparency, judicial education, and NHL policy on sexual violence - CTV News
• Vandalism, fires at MLAs' offices may have 'chilling effect' on Indigenous women in politics: Brandon U prof - CBC
• Burlington, Ont., man who supported 'incel ideology' sentenced to 5 years in prison for threats to women - CBC News
• Sex-motivated violence should be treated as a hate crime - The Conversation
• 'Offensive' phrase still used for tank tops on Amazon, even though it violates Canada's advertising code - CBC

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.