WAVAW Rape Crisis Centre works to end all forms of violence against women. Guided by our feminist antioppression philosophy we challenge and change thinking, actions, and systems that contribute to violence against women. We provide all women who have experienced any form of sexualized violence with support and healing, and engage with youth to develop leadership for prevention of future violence.
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A society where all women are free from violence.
rape crisis centre
Quote on front cover courtesy of a WAVAW client.
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Another year has passed and WAVAW’s 30th year as the only sexual assault centre in Vancouver has proven to be full of successes, challenges and growth. After working with external consultants to complete a Resources Study, we were provided with a number of crucial recommendations, which have been central to the development of our 3 year Strategic Plan for 2012-2015. We are in the process of implementing the main objectives of the documents, which are:
Written by Irene Tsepnopoulos-Elhaimer, Executive Director
To increase our visibility in the community and be recognized as the “go to� organization uniquely positioned to provide critical direct services, education, and advocacy related to sexual assault in Vancouver and district, and: To ensure financial sustainability and increase revenues. Over 30 other recommendations were highlighted
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in the report and these recommendations spearheaded the complex and difficult work of restructuring. The staff team came together with our best thinking to create three new Manager Positions and a larger and stronger Fund Development team. This restructuring provided the capacity to implement the recommendation that 35% of my time as Executive Director, be dedicated to external communication, community visibility and participation, and direct fundraising. We created the new structure then set about ensuring that job descriptions and committees were aligned and that our internal and external roles and responsibilities were clarified for all staff and board. We continue this very work as it is a process that takes time, intention, mistakes and revisions, and above all the energy of a most talented and generous team of women. To this end, I have just started the work of evaluating the restructuring with a pro-bono external consultant. We look forward to working together to refine our
organization, to ensure excellence in all aspects of service delivery, advocacy and community development through education and activism. It is crucial for WAVAW to be consistently working on governance with our board of directors. We were excited to be part of Vantage Point’s Governance Lab and Executive Lab. These training opportunities offer the necessary attention, care and importance of building competencies for our leadership team to attend to the all aspects of organizational governance. We are committed to implementing the highest standards of organizational excellence in this respect and continue to work diligently in all fiduciary, strategic and generative responsibilities. Such work is central for WAVAW to deliver on our commitment to clients, staff, volunteers, donors and the community of continuously fostering a culture of feminist service excellence. I am very excited and honoured to continue this work with you all.
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Written by Jacqueline Love Wilson, Board Chair. I open, as always, with such gratitude for being a part of the wonderful work that happens at WAVAW. This year our Board has welcomed several new Directors and I truly believe that your Board is stronger than it has ever been. Your Directors are committed, talented, energetic, creative , inspirational doers and leaders and I look forward to a year filled with new imagined and unimagined possibilities!
Engage, staff and Board our financial loss was more than cut in half and we participated in a “fundraising first” for WAVAW - the Scotiabank Half-Marathon and 5K Run raising more than our financial goal of $30,000!! The success of the Scotiabank Run will be shared in detail in next year’s report.
Second
I was intrigued to notice an article in the Globe and Mail Report on Business recently - titled “The high cost “WAVAW’s ED, Irene of violence against women”. The Tsepnopoulos-Elhaimer, author, Leah Eichler, focuses on a new report by the CCPA (Canadian and I have worked Center for Policy Alternatives) that together now for over suggests a big reason for women not advancing in the corporate 6 years and through First world is violence - including sexual our shared WAVAW This past year was a financially assault. According to the report challenging one for us when our 57 per cent of women who report experiences we have Telecanvassing partner of 20 years sexual assault are in the work force a strong relationship underperformed by $100,000. That and 29 per cent are students. The based on trust, was a direct impact to our bottom study also points out that victims line and a crisis that would send mutual respect and an of sexual assault report both most organizations into a tailspin. immediate and long term impacts understanding of each which result in lost education, It is a true test of the Board and ED leadership and highlights work and income. It is estimated other’s strengths and the importance of creating and that these impacts cost the weaknesses.” maintaining a mutually respectful Canadian economy $1.9 billion relationship between the Board a year. I encourage you to read Chair and the ED. WAVAW’s ED, Irene Tsepnopoulosthe full article and the report. This marks a very Elhaimer, and I have worked together now for over different tone in corporate language as the private 6 years and through our shared WAVAW experiences sector finally begins to realize that “protecting we have a strong relationship based on trust, mutual women from violence is not only an ethical and respect and an understanding of each other’s strengths legal issue, it’s also a financial one, including and weaknesses. Without that relational foundation, loss of wages”. My point is that we now have panic could have set in which can lead to the blame ammunition to use when approaching potential game. Instead, Irene and I used this challenge as an private sector funders that we haven’t had until opportunity to use the generative capacity of staff, now - some hard data and anecdotal evidence board and volunteers. It became an opportunity to that talking about this issue in the workplace is no model the cultural change around fundraising that we longer taboo. Our fundraising efforts in the past started to implement in 2012 – “we are all fundraisers”. have not had a specific strategy around targeting By working collaboratively and constructively with business – it’s time we raise our voice! There are two points I would like to touch on this year – the first is the importance of the relationship between the Board and staff and the second is an opportunity to start approaching more businesses for funding.
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WAVAW’S 2013 Board Members
Kate Lawrence Member at Large
Jacqueline Wilson Board Chair
Vanessa Chase - Co-Chair
Roopa DavĂŠ - Treasurer
Devon Brooks Member at Large
Karey Brooks Member at Large
Miranda Mandarino Member at Large
Caitlin McKellar Member at Large
Jennifer Sankey Member at Large
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“Thank you sincerely for all the work you do. Your support and advocacy makes this city and this world a better place. You give strength and solidarity to many women beyond even those you’ve worked with directly.” - Wavaw Donor
Written by Izabela Krekora; Manager of Fund Development We often hear how collective action is required to end violence against women, and it is. At WAVAW we are honoured to have this collective action demonstrated through 8,834 donors giving to WAVAW in the last year. Our donors are our primary source of revenue and we know that it is through their donations that we have kept our doors open for the last 30 years, and it will be through their gifts that we will keep our doors open until our vision, which is a society where all women are free from violence, is realized. I hope you continue reading this report and learn of all the profound and important work that WAVAW is able to accomplish because of donations. The 2012-2103 year, has definitely been a busy one for the Fund Development Team. We had many successes, such as receiving the largest online donation—$10,000—in WAVAW history, obtaining new government funding for new projects and strengthening our engagement with donors through thank-a-thons. However alongside our successes, WAVAW has also been faced with a significant challenge: a decrease in phone donations. In the 2012-2013 year WAVAW’s phone donations, which we receive through calling our donors, were significantly lower than
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in previous years. As donations are the primary source of WAVAW’s revenue, our direct services were in jeopardy. However, although we did undergo severe internal cuts, our leadership team managed to sustain all our staff and all our services for women hurt by sexual assault. The Fund Development Team is working to strategically shift from phone donations and grow our direct mail, monthly donor and online donation programs, and develop our legacy and major gifts programs. This past year, as with our previous years we continue advocating for additional government funding, as we believe critical services for women should be wholly funded by the government. In addition we continuously propose programs and services when new government funding becomes available and in the 2012-2013 year we were successful in receiving new funding for the following projects:
The C.A.R.E. About Gendered Violence Program at Vancouver Community College (VCC), funding provided by the Status of Women. This is a two year project dedicated to addressing violence against women on campus.
The Network of Young Aboriginal Leaders Program, funding provided by BC Gaming. The Network is composed of Aboriginal Youth who are creating positive social change in their communities. 24 Hour Crisis Line bus advertising on buses throughout Vancouver for one month, funding provided by the Department of Justice. In addition to these new projects, WAVAW submitted yearly government proposals and applications for our continuing services and were successful in receiving funding for another year from the Ministry of Justice, City of Vancouver, BC Gamming, Cultural Connections for Aboriginal Youth and United Way.
Donations Other Income
Another key focus for the past year was to increase public awareness of WAVAW and our services. As we know that many women, family members and friends of survivors, require our services but might not necessarily be aware of them. Moreover, with greater public awareness, we can have greater influence in shifting thinking and actions that contribute to violence against women. We increased our public profile in the 2012-2013 year through the following initiatives:
Grants Government Contracts
Developing a brand new, user-friendly, and engaging website. Devising a 15 second commercial and campaign that aired during Fashion Week, and highlighting the message: “It’s Fashion. Not a Justification for Rape.” Building our online community with fresh social media content including our own blog. WAVAW staff joining a diverse range of local networks and coalitions. Featuring our 24 Hour Crisis Line ad on buses throughout Vancouver. We also rely a great deal on our volunteers and community members to promote WAVAW’s services and our social change message and we thank you for having these challenging but very much needed conversations with your peers.
“Without our donors, WAVAW’s services and programs for women and for the community would cease to exist.” – Izabela Krekora, Manager of Fund Development
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“It helps me realize that what happened to me is not my fault.” -WAVAW Client
Written by Stephanie Reifferscheid, Counsellor This last year was filled with inspiration, insight, appreciation, admiration and respect for the 287 women who requested our counselling services. The women we serve range in age from 14 to 70 years, and 47% of the women were under the age of 30. They came from a wide diversity of cultural and ethnic backgrounds, including the Caribbean, Asia, the South Pacific and Africa. Several were Indigenous to Canada and many identified as being of European backgrounds or Caucasian. It’s this diversity of women that provides the richness and fullness of our organization. While women come to receive support and knowledge from us, they leave WAVAW with a deeper understanding of women’s wisdom and connectedness. The connectedness stood out for many of the women who received counselling services. One woman said: “I felt safe and supported by my fellow group mates and group leader. I gained more strength with each discussion. Felt part of something and connected with other women.”
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Of course, feeling safe enough in the world and with others is a fundamental aspect of our work. An equally important vision for feminist counselling is women’s appreciation and connection with themselves as women in the world. In supporting women on their journeys of recovery, we encourage them to give the gift of themself; to gently and lovingly embrace all of who they are; and create relationships with themselves, other people and our world that are grounded in respect and love for themselves. In sharing their most precious and vulnerable selves with WAVAW counsellors and sometimes group members, the women took the emotional risk of facing some of the most painful and difficult realities of their lives. To take such courageous steps requires trust that they will be supported in a very gentle, skillful process that holds their emotional and cognitive experience safely and respectfully. Women receive such services from WAVAW counsellors. We were excited to receive a generous one-time donation last year to provide more women with individual and group counselling. That donation allowed us to hire another counsellor for one year. As a result, women received 100 more counselling sessions during the 2012-2013 year and our lengthy waitlist was decreased by 3 months during that time. Even still, 85 women will wait for 10-12 months for counselling over the next year. 120 new women request our services every year and the number continues to grow. Despite the high demand for individual counselling by women survivors of sexual assault, government has not funded any real
“I don’t blame myself and have placed the responsibility where it is deserved.” -WAVAW Client
more than 90% of perpetrators are male, yet government refuses to implement a gender lens through which to make their legislative and administrative “I now decisions. Their vision and mandate for governance makes realize I’m no mention of women, women’s equality or initiatives to end a feminist violence against women or to and I feel achieve women’s equality.
increase in counselling positions since the inception of the service in 1993. It is clear that women’s experience of sexualized violence is a health issue. 30% of our referrals come from the health sector, and 55% of women requesting service identified concerns about their mental health and/or addictions. Yet violence against women is not given the funding or attention that is given to many other types of less lethal health concerns, even while sexual assault is the one crime that showed an increase in police reporting this year.
empowered and not so alone in that.” -WAVAW
Funding for healing support is minimal and funding for attitudinal change prevention work is non-existent. 90% of survivors of sexual assault are women and
Given the lack of will to acknowledge the inequities that women face on different fronts in our society, the struggle for women to stay safe, let alone Client thrive, will continue unabated. In this environment, the sustainability of organizations that both provide services and advocate for change is being placed in real jeopardy.
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Written by Khaleda Ebrahimi, Manager of the Counselling Program
WAVAW’s Aboriginal Program is a holistic and culturally proficient program based on Aboriginal healing practices and traditions. These practices are based on the Medicine Wheel with a focus on spiritual, emotional, mental and physical balance. WAVAW’s Aboriginal Program encompasses our Aboriginal Women’s Counselling and Outreach, our Aboriginal Youth Program and our Grandmothers to Granddaughters group. Last year, WAVAW’s Aboriginal Program offered services to over 300 Aboriginal Women and Youth including more than 40 hours of public education on everything from colonization, affordable housing to healthy eating, 120 hours of group support, over 100 hours of individual counselling and 260 hours of community outreach. This is in addition to over 100 hours of crisis support and advocacy. Through WAVAW’s Aboriginal Women’s Counselling and Outreach Program:
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213 Aboriginal women were provided with support groups, counselling and advocacy. 100 brief or crisis support sessions were provided to women living in the Downtown Eastside (DTES). 158 women participated in the Women as Sacred Beings support group offered in the DTES. WAVAW’s Aboriginal Women’s Counselling and Outreach is highly recognized throughout the community. We not only conduct outreach to bring awareness to our services, but also build partnerships in the community to better serve women. Some partnership highlights from last year include: Aboriginal Women’s Working Group (AWWG) – The AWWG was established in 2007 by WAVAW and is comprised of Aboriginal women, elders, youth, diverse community agencies and key stakeholders. It was developed to share experiences and
knowledge on how to create culturally specific services and events for Aboriginal women and youth in Metro Vancouver. This year the AWWG helped plan events such as WAVAW’s Valentine Round Dance. Memorial March Committee – The February 14th Annual Women’s Memorial March is held on Valentine’s Day each year to honour the memory of women from the Downtown Eastside who were murdered and who may be missing and are victims of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual violence perpetrated by men. This past year, as for years before, WAVAW has participated in planning this annual event. Carnegie Community Centre Outreach – Last year, WAVAW was asked to deliver a series of workshops for women at Oppenheimer Park encouraging more women to use the park and the community center.
Aboriginal Youth Group
WAVAW’s Aboriginal Youth Program includes our Sacred Footprints Group and The Network of Young Aboriginal Leaders. Sacred Footprints is a weekly drop-in group for Aboriginal Youth which provides support and resources for youth to direct their own personal development, and the development of their communities by integrating traditional Aboriginal teachings with a feminist, anti-oppression analysis. Youth participate in workshops, community outreach, activities and outings and really explore what it means to be an Aboriginal youth in today’s society! Over 20 youth participated in the program last year and some of the highlights include: Writing, singing and recording a song called Abusive Cycles with the message of preventing violence against women. The youth also acted and recorded a music video for the song. Attending the Gathering Our Voices Conference in Penticton, BC. Conducting a Round Dance in Vancouver on Valentine’s Day with the message of love and respect for all women. This event welcomed thousands of people from not only Metro Vancouver, but from around the province.
The Network of Young Aboriginal Leaders is a network composed of Aboriginal Youth Volunteers from across the Lower Mainland, aged 13-29, who have been trained by WAVAW to critically think about and understand the root causes of violence, the impacts of colonization, and how to create change through leadership. The Youth then take that knowledge to conduct violence prevention educational outreach and create positive social change in their communities!
Grandmothers to Granddaughters Group
The Grandmothers to Granddaughters Traditional Community Kitchen Program (GG Group) brought together Aboriginal Women, including Aboriginal Elders, their daughters and grandchildren together to cook, share and learn about Traditional Aboriginal Foods, Ceremony and Community Feasts. The group ran overcapacity for almost the entire 20 weeks it was offered. Although the group was originally meant for 10 participants/week it was so popular and so required by the community that often up to 19 women and children would be right there in the kitchen! The opportunity for women to come together to prepare food in the GG Group fostered discussions and relationship building that enabled them to share their skills, knowledge and abilities with others in a non-judgemental, relaxed and culturally proficient way. The GG Group succeeded in building a stronger community, bringing women and children together to alleviate some of the health concerns that come hand in hand with facing social-economic barriers such as food insecurity, poverty and the effects of colonization. The program looked holistically at improving the health of community members through a Medicine Wheel framework, by examining women’s physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. As busy as the 2012-2013 year was, the 20132014 year started even busier when WAVAW was successful in receiving funding to provide traditional Aboriginal healing practices and counselling to Families of Missing and Murdered Women. Please find the details of the program on our website and in next year’s report.
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Written by Dalya Israel – Manager of Victim Services and Outreach Programs It has been another incredible year in the WAVAW Victim Service Program. I often think that the name Victim Services doesn’t quite encapsulate what it is that we provide and the work we do with women. I am reminded of the depth of the work we do with women: the specialization that is required to advocate and navigate systems with women; the nuances of supporting women to engage with systems that we know are flawed, but are still required; and the suffering that we witness, as well as, the strength and resilience that women embody after being impacted by sexual violence. This work we call “Victim Services” entails such a range of services and I am so incredibly honoured and proud to lead this team of staff women who do this profound work. It also gives me great honour to share how WAVAW’s Victim Services has supported and worked alongside women this year. This past year, our Victim Services Workers welcomed 110 new women into the program who required support navigating systems after a sexual assault. We also continued supporting 75 women who had come into the program in previous years and were continuing their journey. This past year we answered 763 crisis calls during office hours and 2887 crisis calls after hours through WAVAW’s 24 Hour Crisis Line. Our 24 Hour Crisis Line is an integral service in the organization as it offers a unique continuity of care for all the women we serve, as well as offering resources and support to other community workers and community members including friends
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and family members of survivors. Additionally, in the 2012-2013 year we had the opportunity to accompany and support 51 women through their visit to see the Sexual Assault Service at Vancouver General Hospital. This piece of work is unlike any other service we offer and entails a level of intimacy, trust and courage that is unparalleled. The women we have supported over the years in this capacity never cease to inspire us; that in times of suffering and horror there can also be laughter, strength, hope and bravery. The conversations that we have in those examination rooms can be radical and generative. We invite women to stand on the shoulders of women who have come before them and have not only survived but thrived after sexual assault. We can invite them to place responsibility for the assault on the person that is actually responsible, the person that chose to commit a violent act against them and felt entitled to their body. Often times, these moments, hours after a sexual assault has occurred, set women on their path to healing. These are vital moments. This year we made 2,180 emotional support, case status and advocacy calls. We spent over 60 hours in Police and Crown interviews and over 30 hours in the court house with women while they testified. We supported 53 women to apply for benefits from the Crime Victim Assistance Program and 38 women with other forms. Additionally, we supported 2 women with Victim Impact Statements which help to determine Judge’s sentencing decisions.
Frontline service delivery is only half of the work that we accomplish in the Victim Service Program. We are also responsible for violence prevention and public education. Our work at WAVAW requires us to apply a feminist anti-oppression decolonizing lens to all we do which necessitates educating to shift attitudes about women’s worth in society and advocating for systemic change. I am excited to share the significant systemic advocacy and education we have undertaken this year! Last summer, WAVAW was successful in obtaining a grant from the University of Alberta Law School to conduct a research project with a law student titled, “Seeking Justice in a Rape Culture.” Our systemic advocacy is a response to barriers encountered by the women we serve; this project looked at how the attitudes and beliefs of Crown Counsel and the Judiciary impact the outcomes of sexual assault cases, and ultimately, women’s lives. Many claim that justice is blind and the Criminal Justice System is objective, but we believe justice is not blind and that the Criminal justice System is subjective. In fact, we believe that most of the sexual assault cases before the courts are seen through a rape culture lens. This project has been incredibly fruitful, leading to opportunities to deliver the findings at conferences in post-secondary institutions, at frontline worker professional development events, and with the Federal Government. We continue to share the findings of our research and speak about the need to educate those in positions of power, such as Crown Counsel and the Judiciary. We had been hearing from women that the BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS’ guidelines to
access to Post Exposure Prophylaxis to prevent HIV (HIV PEP) was unjust and out-dated in British Columba and being sexually assaulted should be enough to have the option to take the HIV PEP. We initiated research to look at the guidelines that existed across Canada and found that Ontario was the only Province in Canada that had a universal HIV PEP program. This means any women sexually assaulted in Ontario is offered the option of taking HIV PEP because sexual assault itself is seen as a risk factor for HIV contraction, whereas in BC and many other provinces women are required to answer questions about the lifestyle, neighbourhood, and health status of the man that sexually assaulted them to determine if they fall into a ‘high risk’ category. This leaves many women who do not know their assailant without the option of taking the medications if they are concerned about exposure to HIV. We have been advocating in the HIV/AIDS sector for National guidelines that would make the Ontario model standard for all women across Canada. We have advocated for this change at the Guelph Sexualities Conference, HIV/AIDS conferences, and with our partners at BC Women’s Hospital. I hope I have adequately shared with you the pivotal role WAVAW plays for women navigating the Medical and Criminal Justice System and how the services we provide are essential for women following a sexual assault. Standing on the shoulders of feminism and all the women warriors that have come before us when we confront systemic inequality and seek justice is an option all women should have. It has been a phenomenal year!! I look forward to sharing 2013-2014 with you soon.
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LAST YEAR, WAVAW:
SUPPORTED 185 WOMEN THROUGH THE HOSPITAL, POLICE AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM.
PROVIDED
584 47
ONE-TO-ONE COUNSELLING SESSIONS SUPPORT GROUP SESSIONS
TO WOMEN HURT BY SEXUAL ASSAULT
ANSWERED
3650 CALLS ON OUR 24 HOUR CRISIS LINE
PROVIDED TRADITIONAL ABORIGINAL COUNSELLING, SUPPORT GROUPS AND ADVOCACY SERVICES TO
213 ABORIGINAL WOMEN.
DELIVERED OVER 90 DIFFERENT EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH EVENTS INCLUDING WORKSHOPS, TALKS, INFORMATION TABLES, TRAININGS, MARCHES AND PROTESTS.
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AND WE COULDN’T DO ANY OF THIS WORK WITHOUT OUR VOLUNTEERS AND DONORS! OUR VOLUNTEERS DONATED
9296 HOURS OF THEIR TIME TO PROVIDE LEADERSHIP AS OUR: BOARD MEMBERS TO ANSWER CRISIS LINE AFTER-HOURS TO HELP WITH FUNDRAISING INITIATIVES
OFFICE DUTIES AND TO GO OUT IN THE COMMUNITY AND EDUCATE PEOPLE ON VIOLENCE PREVENTION!
AND A HUGE THANK YOU
TO OUR DONORS WHO KEEP OUR DOORS OPEN!
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%
OF OUR FUNDING COMES FROM GENEROUS:
INDIVIDUALS FAMILIES AND ORGANIZATIONS
THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUOUS SUPPORT IN CREATING COMMUNITIES WHERE ALL GIRLS AND WOMEN ARE FREE FROM VIOLENCE.
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Written by Alana Prochuk , C.A.R.E. About Gendered Violence Coordinator This year marked the introduction of an exciting new collaboration between WAVAW and Vancouver Community College (VCC): C.A.R.E. About Gendered Violence. This initiative, funded by WAVAW donors and Status of Women Canada, aims to get the VCC community thinking and talking about gendered violence and working together to create an action plan for campus safety. WAVAW recognizes that gendered violence is an urgent and widespread issue in post-secondary settings: about 80% of female undergraduates have survived some form of violence in a dating relationship (Statistics Canada, 2006), and an estimated 20-25% of undergraduate women experience rape or attempted rape during their college years (Campus Violence White Paper, 2005). If you or somebody you care about studies or works at VCC, rest assured that WAVAW is working to help VCC challenge these disturbing statistics and make campus culture safer for people of all genders.
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We’re building strong partnerships with the VCC Community. Some highlights so far include: Forming a C.A.R.E. Steering Committee made up of ten diverse campus service providers and identifying an additional eight members who will sit on the C.A.R.E. Taskforce starting in the fall. Making contact with over 500 students through information tables and with over 175 students and 35 staff members through workshops and presentations (most workshop participants report increased knowledge about gendered violence and motivation to take action). Recording insights about college dynamics and suggestions for change from VCC students and staff at meetings and workshops. Reviewing nine VCC policies relevant to gendered violence prevention and response. And this is just some of the work that is being accomplished at VCC! The best part of the project is the positive feedback we have heard so far from VCC students, staff and faculty...
This is what they are saying about C.A.R.E: “I got involved [in C.A.R.E.] in memory of two wonderful human beings in my life who died too young due to gender violence. [. . .] Hopefully lives will be saved from the action that will be taken to educate VCC students and employees.” – C.A.R.E. Steering Committee Member Ginny Cathcart, VCC Centre for Instructional Development.
“VCC recognizes an urgency to address the issue of violence against women on Canadian campuses and the important role that our organization can play in raising awareness, influencing public policy and examining the root causes of violence against women. [. . .] We remain steadfast in our belief that our collaboration in this project will reap positive benefits for our students, staff and faculty while promoting a safe and comfortable learning environment for all.”
– Dr. Sal Ferreras, VCC Vice-President of Education and Student Services
“I learned about how I can help this organization to end gendered violence.”
- Student workshop participant “I know more about sexual assault, and what I can do if a friend tells me she has experienced [assault].”
– Student workshop participant
“This is a great collaboration for VCC/WAVAW.”
– Staff workshop participant Indeed it is, and we look forward to the work ahead of us. 22
At WAVAW, we don’t want to just heal women from the impacts of violence with direct services and then have them step outside into this world that hurts them again. We want to change the minds, actions and systems that contribute to violence against women. We accomplish this through our Educational Outreach Program by conducting workshops, presentations, online campaigns, and media interviews.
Written by Ariana Barer – Coordinator of the Volunteer & Outreach Programs
Over the past year, WAVAW participated in over 90 different educational outreach requests and initiatives including workshops, talks, information tables, trainings, marches, and protests. Requesting organizations included colleges, universities, high schools, youth groups, hospital staff, and community organizations and topics ranged from healthy relationships, to antioppression and ally work, to culture of violence, to feminist support skills, to sexism and sexual assault. We received many repeat requests and also many first time requests, demonstrating that WAVAW continues to be an important resource in the Lower Mainland. We would not be able to do this important work, if it was not for our volunteers and donors. Our donors fund the Educational Outreach Program while our volunteers, who have completed WAVAW’s 11-week crisis line and outreach volunteer training workshops, table at events and speak about WAVAW’s services and advocacy.
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The Educational Outreach Program continues to grow and we are happy to share some of the highlights from the 2012–2013 year with you: This year, our Raise It Up violenceprevention program for youth, is reaching an even wider audience of teachers through provincewide conferences and professional development days with the Vancouver School Board. Raise It Up was developed by WAVAW, BC certified teachers and WAVAW’s Youth Council, to be easily integrated into BC school curriculums and facilitated by teachers. Raise It Up looks at the root causes of violence and gives students the language and tools to be upstanders.
WAVAW was honoured to be the keynote presenter at youth-led conference for 150 grade 7 students. This conference was organized by grade 12 students for the grade 7 girls in their feeder schools. We had the opportunity to speak to them about healthy relationships and fighting rape culture.
WAVAW participated in 1 Billion Rising, a global campaign to end violence against women and girls organized by V Day and the author of the Vagina Monologues, Eve Ensler. We joined in to dance, strike, and rise against violence.
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Who are the women volunteering at WAVAW? How do they end up here and what do they do to support the organization?
Written by Ariana Barer – Coordinator of the Volunteer & Outreach Programs
Our volunteers are world travelers, business owners, counseling and social work students, moms, daughters, artists‌ and most importantly women who care deeply about supporting survivors and ending violence in our society. WAVAW volunteers donated 9296 hours in 2012/2013. They are an essential part of the WAVAW community, without which we could not work the way we do to support survivors and advocate for a safer and more just society. The value WAVAW receives from its volunteers includes expanded service capacity, increased skill sets, fund development, industry expertise, and the genuine privilege of meeting and working with a range of interesting and talented feminists. In 2012/2013, WAVAW held two crisis line trainings, one in September 2012 and one in January 2013. Each of the 22 women who completed this 11-week training program participated in over 100 hours of training.
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THIS IS HOW OUR VOLUNTEERS GIVE SHAPE
TO WAVAW AND OUR COMMUNITY: WAVAW’s Board of Directors gave 1242 hours through their leadership and vision at monthly board meetings, thank-a-thons, board trainings, board interviewing, and board committee meetings.
Crisis Line Volunteers contributed 7206 hours through our training program, after-hours crisis line shifts, and monthly meetings.
Educational Outreach Volunteers contributed 80 hours through support group assistance, outreach/tabling in the community, and co-facilitating workshops with staff.
Office Volunteers supported the organization with 768 hours through graphic design, reception, fundraising/development, and organizing tax receipts.
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rape crisis centre