On December 1, 2017, the Government of British Columbia announced one-time funding of $5 million in support of services for women and children experiencing violence. This funding will directly support BC Society of Transition Houses (BCSTH) members’ PEACE and Violence is Preventable (VIP) programs.

The PEACE (Prevention, Education, Advocacy, Counselling and Empowerment) program for children and youth experiencing violence, (formerly the Children Who Witness Abuse program) is a free, confidential program across BC for children and youth aged 3 to 18 who have experienced violence against women.

The Violence is Preventable (VIP) program is a free, confidential, school-based violence prevention program for school aged children and youth in grades K through 12 who have been exposed to violence.

Executive Director of BCSTH Joanne Baker stated that “Children and youth who have experienced domestic violence have their own unique needs and often require specialized service. We know how important it is to prevent violence through education and are happy that these funds will support the PEACE and VIP program delivery in schools throughout the Province.”

BCSTH is grateful for the government funding to support BCSTH’s member programs’ critical services for children and youth.

For more information please read the Government Press Release: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2017PREM0129-002002

(Photo: Premier John Horgan greets BCSTH Executive Director, Joanne Baker, at the announcement at the Surrey Women’s Centre, December 1, 2017)