Ending Violence Blog

On February 14, 2025, the 34th Annual Women’s Memorial March took place in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside (DTES), a haunting reminder that despite years of inquiries, reports, and so-called government commitments, Indigenous women, girls, and 2S individuals continue to go missing and be murdered at an alarming rate.

Global markets fluctuate. Tariffs rise and fall. Supply chains get disrupted. But local economies? They keep moving. When you choose to Buy Local, Buy Social, you’re investing in a resilient, self-sustaining economy—one that’s less vulnerable to external shocks and more focused on community strength, economic stability, and shared prosperity.

The Justice Centre at BWSS provides critical public legal education for frontline workers, legal advocates, and support workers assisting survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV). Through education, advocacy, and systemic change, we aim to challenge the injustices embedded in the legal system and support survivors in using the law as a tool for safety, resistance, and justice.

Battered Women’s Support Services (BWSS) has been granted leave to intervene in the landmark Supreme Court of Canada case Ahluwalia v. Ahluwalia (SCC File No. 41061). This case has the potential to reshape legal responses to family violence by recognizing a dedicated tort of family violence, an essential step toward addressing the systemic, long-term harms caused by intimate partner violence (IPV).

Healing is a journey, and wellness is about more than getting through each day—it’s about rediscovering yourself and reclaiming power over your life. It means having space to reflect, set goals, and build confidence. But what does that actually look like?

As we approach Valentine’s Day, a time often associated with love and connection, we recognize that, for many women impacted by violence, Valentine’s Day can be a painful reminder of grief and disconnection. But together, we can transform this day into one of hope and connection. We invite you to join us in celebrating resilience, healing, and solidarity with survivors.

Parental alienation accusations disproportionately target mothers, reflecting deeply ingrained societal biases about women, motherhood, and caregiving roles. In the decades since women began making strides to secure safety for themselves and their children from intimate partner violence, an insidious counter-narrative has emerged in family courtrooms worldwide: parental alienation…

Share your invaluable input to inform their investigation and help shape actionable recommendations aimed at removing barriers and improving access to justice for survivors of sexual violence.

Do we stand by as the world is consumed by destructive forces, or do we choose the courage and responsibility needed to build a different future?

Recognizing that the “Friend Zone” does not exist empowers us to foster a culture that prioritizes consent and personal autonomy, effectively challenging the pervasive ideologies that underlie gender-based violence and inequality.

Leaving an abusive partner can be one of the hardest things a person does. Afterward, it’s common to experience a range of emotions, including depression, guilt, anger, loss, and sadness. Remember: There is no right way to feel or heal after you leave an abusive partner.

When facing the difficult decision of whether to end a relationship—especially one marked by unhealthy or abusive dynamics—it’s important to acknowledge your feelings, fears, and hopes. You know your situation best, including how you feel about your partner. But one thing is clear: your safety and well-being are non-negotiable priorities. Whatever choice you make, you are not alone.