On December 8, 2018, the Government of British Columbia announced a one-time grant of $75,000 in support of the BC Society of Transition Houses’ (BCSTH) Violence is Preventable (VIP) program in schools. The VIP program provides presentations in schools to increase awareness of violence against women and the companion Prevention, Education, Advocacy, Counselling and Empowerment (PEACE) program ensures that children and youth impacted by domestic violence receive the support services they need.
Since 2004, 90 PEACE programs have partnered with educators in communities to increase awareness about domestic violence and the impact it has on children and youth.
“It is important that we recognize the positive impact these organizations have on their communities,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “These grants will help enable the organizations to continue to provide essential services to victims of gender-based violence.”
The announcement of the grants coincides with the United Nations’ 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. The Province joined the campaign to help advance gender equity, make life better and make communities safer for women, girls and transgender people in B.C. and around the world.
The Interim Executive Director of BCSTH, Amy S. FitzGerald, stated: “Children and youth who experience domestic violence have unique needs and require specialized services. The BC Society of Transition Houses knows how important it is to prevent violence against women through prevention, education and support services. We are grateful that these funds will support the delivery of our members’ Violence is Preventable (VIP) programs in B.C. schools, grades K -12, along with the companion PEACE program support services. This funding will allow these critical programs to promote awareness of the effects of domestic violence on B.C. students while connecting children and youth experiencing violence to supportive services.”
BCSTH is grateful for the government funding to support BCSTH’s member programs’ critical services for children and youth. The funding will be used to deliver VIP presentations during 2019-2020 school year.
For more information please read the Government Press Release:
https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2018PSSG0091-002358
For press inquiries please contact Amy S. FitzGerald, Interim ED, amy@bcsth.ca, 604-669-6943, ext. 233
