Victoria Women's Transition House

Programs for Women in Abuse Relationships

24-Hour Crisis Line

The Crisis Line provides support and information for women who are either experiencing abuse now, or who have in the past. Family and friends of abused women as well as professionals can also call for support and information.

The Crisis Line is operated by professional staff and trained volunteers. Staff and volunteers are caring, knowledgeable women who provide information about resources in the community, help to create a safety plan for women at risk of physical violence, and help women create a plan to make safe choices.

Counsellors and volunteers are compassionate and non-judgemental.

Shelter Services

The Shelter provides safe, supportive accommodation for up to 30 days for women with or without children. This service is more than just safe housing - it's a place of renewal and support. A wide range of help is available including:

• Advocacy and help to access community programs and services
• Information and referrals to lawyers, income assistance, low-income housing etc.
• Information on legal issues (such as custody and access) and legal remedies (such as protection orders)
• Education and counselling on the dynamics of abuse
• Help to develop a safety plan
• Weekly support groups for women in the shelter on issues such as self-esteem, self-care and assertiveness
• Assistance with transportation to appointments
• A library of books and videos on issues related to abuse, life skills and healing

Additionally, the Shelter provides programs specifically for children. When children leave their homes and come to a strange place, they are often very frightened and confused. They have also witnessed some terrible things in their young lives.

The children's staff and volunteers provide support and counselling for children, parenting assistance and support, child care, and often just fun normal activities that the children have perhaps not experienced for a long time. A fully equipped playroom provides a haven for children to regain their childhood.

Stopping the Violence Counselling Program

Transition House also offers short and long-term individual counselling for women who are currently experiencing abuse or who are survivors of abuse. In addition, support groups offer further help for women. A wide range of issues are addressed including:

• Recognizing abuse
• Understanding the dynamics of abuse
• Exploring the psychological and emotional impact of abuse
• Developing a safety plan
• Self-esteem
• Strengthening and learning new coping strategies
• Assertiveness skills

Spousal Assault Victim Support Program

The Spousal Assault Victim Support Program is a service available to victims of assault, threats or criminal harassment by an intimate partner or ex-partner. Clients are supported through the process of the criminal justice system, given referrals to community agencies and provided with short-term counselling.

Our service provides the victim with emotional support and:

Assistance with:

• Court orientation and court accompaniment
• Victim impact statements
• Criminal injury compensation applications
• Liaison with criminal justice personnel
• Developing a safety plan

Information on the criminal justice system including:

• Court proceedings
• Victim notification
• Case status and court dates
• Protective orders
• Sentencing and post-sentencing matters

This Program works collaboratively with community agencies to ensure that the Violence Against Women in Relationships Policy (VAWIR) is followed.

Domestic Violence Emergency Response System

This innovative program provides high level emergency response for women at greatest risk of serious injury or death. The program provides Victoria and area women with a dependable resource to help them when they need it most. Cell phones programmed for 911 only are available, as well as alarm systems for the home. This program requires application and assessment by a team, including relevant police agencies.

Senior Women's Programming

Groups specific to women age 50+ provide support and education on a wide range of issues, such as:

• Recognizing abuse
• Understanding the dynamics of abuse
• Exploring the psychological and emotional impact of abuse
• Developing a safety plan
• Self-esteem
• Strengthening and learning new coping strategies
• Assertiveness skills
• Relationships with adult children

Individual support is also provided to assist women with the transition to independence – housing resources, applications for services, connecting with community resources.

Safe Home

The busy environment of the Shelter is sometimes overwhelming for older women. Transition House offers the woman an opportunity to reside, for a short period, in a safe home located in the community.