Abuse can come in many forms including verbal, emotional, physical, sexual, financial and spiritual and is used to have power and control over another person. The impacts of intimate partner violence and abuse can be long-lasting and affect a person's overall well-being. Every person deserves to be treated equally and with respect and when thinking about what makes up a healthy relationship, abuse is never part of the equation.

Ahead of Valentine's Day and Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM) this February, counsellors from our PEACE/Children Who Witness Abuse Program have compiled six self-care tips for teens and adults to consider when in a relationship or thinking about exploring a relationship. Read the blog here.

Violence is Preventable (VIP) workshops increase healthy relationship skills, raise awareness of dating violence, including communications and boundary settings and inform children and youth about where they can go for help while also developing awareness of school staff.

The workshops are tailored for young children, middle school or high school students, are facilitated by VWTH counsellors and are offered free of charge.

The most important part of the presentation was learning about how we can get help, how we can keep others safe and how we can help stop unhealthy relationships. -VIP Workshop Participant, 2021

Click here for more information or watch our VIP Video Series. To book a workshop at your school, club or community group, contact us at info@vwth.bc.ca or 250.592.2927.

More than 25 years ago, Honourable Jean Augustine, the first Black female federal Cabinet minister in Canada, proposed a motion before Parliament to recognize February as Black History Month. This motion passed unanimously and established a lasting tradition of recognizing important contributions and the legacy of Black Canadians and their communities.

Every February, people in Canada are invited to participate in Black History Month. The theme for 2022 is February and Forever: Celebrating Black History today and every day. The theme encourages us to think about how we can do better to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions Black people have made and continue to make in all sectors of society every day. Learn more.

Until March 31, the BC Black History Awareness Society, in partnership with the Royal BC Museum, presents Hope Meets Action: Echoes Through the Black Continuum. The exhibition tells the story of Afro-diasporic “British Columbia” history. Book a visit today!

Most of us are acutely aware of the housing crisis. The crisis has meant an increased need to support women and children escaping violence in the home to access safe, affordable housing. In response to the ongoing housing crisis an expanded housing outreach program, coordinated by a new housing support worker, has been developed to support and promote independence and resiliency in families and individuals accessing VWTH's Safe Homes, Emergency Shelter and Second/Third Stage Transitional Programs.

To learn more about our programs and services, visit transitionhouse.net. We are grateful to BC Housing and additional supports for making this program possible.

Around the world, February 14 is recognized by many as Valentine's Day. Depending on personal experience, each person will conceptualize this event and what it symbolizes differently. Over the years, this special day has expanded to express affection between families and friends and has also evolved to help people reflect on another important kind of love—self-love. And so, on this day and every other day, we invite you to take time to care for yourself and consider the meaning of self-love.

This February, self-care gift bags, each filled with a relaxing face mask, nail polish, lip balm, bath bombs, facial moisturizer and sweet treats will be assembled by staff and gifted to residents at our Emergency Shelter locations. We hope this will encourage acts of self-love and care.

For survivors and those in abusive relationships, this time of year can be particularly difficult. Support is always available. Call Our 24-hour Crisis Line at 250.385.6611.

Advocis, The Financial Advisors Association of Canada, is the largest voluntary professional membership association of financial advisors in Canada, representing more than 17,000 member-clients and 40 Chapters across the country. The Advocis Vancouver Island Chapter focuses on providing an exceptional Program to its members, raising awareness of who Advocis is, what it stands for and connecting with and supporting our community.

Thank you to all staff, board members and members at Advocis Vancouver Island Chapter for choosing Transition House as their 2021 Charity of Choice to support women children escaping abusive situations—taking a stand against intimate partner violence and abuse.

In October and December 2021, local supporters Paws on Cook held Pet Photobooth fundraisers at their store in Cook Street Village. With the help of Christiane Watson Photography and Kaylan Poirier Photographs, many community members participated in the fun and memorable activity, enjoying themed Holiday backdrops and sets. Pictured is VWTH supporter Beth with a furry friend and Santa. Thank you, Paws on Cook, for donating the event proceeds to support Transition House.

Moose Hide Campaign Day, scheduled to be held on February 10, has been postponed to May 12, 2022.

You can still register and join the Moose Hide Campaign Day via live stream to witness and engage in traditional ceremonies, hear from keynote speakers and the campaign co-founders and participate in interactive online workshops with traditional knowledge keepers and facilitators. Visit moosehidecampaign.ca to learn more about the initiative.

February 21 will mark Family Day, recognizing the contributions that families of all kinds make in our lives and communities. In addition to fun outdoor activities, there are several exhibitions and events to explore this Family Day. Click here for a calendar of events in and around Greater Victoria.

Chances are that you or someone you know is being impacted by bullying. On February 23, VWTH will sport pink and join in the Pink Shirt Day movement to raise awareness of anti-bullying initiatives and help create a more kind, inclusive world. At VWTH, we aim to always work with kindness and empathy, respect differences and take a stand against all forms of bullying.

If you or someone you know is being bullied or you are bullying someone else, resources and community supports are available 24/7.

Transition House is excited to once again be hosting an information booth at the Victoria Women's Expo, spotlighting VWTH's programs and services.

The Expo provides opportunities to investigate and discover new trends and up-to-date products, information and services. With 100+ exhibitors, the Expo offers a place to connect with other like-minded women and to explore a wide variety of booths for women of all ages, goals and interests, all in an upbeat, friendly environment. Visit victoriawomensexpo.com to learn more about the event and register. See you there!

A big thank you to Shelley Moore from the Construction and Specialized Workers Union Local 1611 who came by our community office with a generous donation for VWTH last month.

Last Christmas, dentist Dr. Grady O'Neill made a $5,000 gift donation to Transition House, dedicating the gift to their network of 100 dentists and dental practices.

The donation was made in place of a Christmas basket sent to the honorees each year. As part of this dedication, VWTH sent individual thank you cards, with cover artwork (pictured) by Liza Miles, to the dentists and dental practices, informing and thanking them for the donation made in their name. What a thoughtful way to give the gift of giving. Thank you, Dr. O'Neill!

It is with much respect to the Lkwungen 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.