Cowichan Women Against Violence (CWAV) Society is providing safe shelter and support for women and their children fleeing physical violence throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The provision of shelter at Somenos Transition House has been deemed an ESSENTIAL SERVICE, as has the provision of crisis support to clients at the community office. Our team is strong in its commitment to provide support services to the women and children who are in increased danger at this time.

YOU CAN SUPPORT CWAV’S COMMITMENT TO KEEP WOMEN SAFE

Somenos Transition House is continuing to provide 24/7 access to safe shelter and support for women and children fleeing violence. Staff are committed to keeping the doors open. We are prioritizing shelter for women experiencing or at risk of physical violence, while providing phone support for those experiencing non-physical abuse. One room has been converted so that a quarantine space can be managed. Protocols are in place to provide a minimum 3-night respite stay for any woman in imminent danger of psychological or financial abuse.

The Poverty Law Advocate is experiencing increased calls for support as the financial challenges of the pandemic worsen for women. Child support payments are interrupted, WCB cases are on hold, and landlord/tenant issues are compounding. Staff are preparing for at least a six-month impact on women and their families. Please call or email for help. There is a lot we can do, even through phone and email.

YOUR DONATION WILL HELP US SUPPORT WOMEN AND FAMILIES WHO ARE REALLY STRUGGLING NOW

STV counselling, Victim Services, Child and Youth Counselling are all operating both through phone/video or face to face as needed with careful restrictions. Counsellors are witnessing increased anxiety and panic as women with post-traumatic stress navigate self-isolation.

All pre-employment sessions with our Horizons program are through phone calls. Groups have been cancelled but creative solutions are being looked at. Please call our office for more details.

The Women’s Night Shelter staff team is going above and beyond with their commitment to sanitizing the shelter and providing kindness and care to homeless women. We are able to provide showers, take-out meals, and clothing and blankets.

CWAV leadership is fully engaged in community-wide COVID-19 pandemic mitigation. We are working with social service and homeless advocate services throughout the Cowichan Valley, actively supporting and guiding the initiatives currently underway to ensure on-going housing, safety and support services for all vulnerable citizens in our community.

If you or any woman you know is in need of help, please reach us at:

Somenos Transition House: 250-748-8544

Office: 250-748-7000

Email: cwav@cwav.org

THANK YOU FOR DONATING NOW