Violence Against Women Week
Apr 20, 2013 / 5:00 am
The third week of April has been designated as Prevention of Violence Against Women Week in British Columbia. It is a week set aside to focus attention on the issue of family violence and on the abuse experienced by women and their children in our community. It is a week to encourage a community...
Home not always 'safe'
Dec 23, 2012 / 5:00 am
As Christmas approaches, the usual bustle at the Kelowna Women’s Shelter is multiplied by a flurry of holiday preparations. Like most households at this time of year, whatever else may be happening, a major focus is on planning and preparation: for holiday meals, parties, a tree,...
Dynamic shelter support groups
Oct 19, 2012 / 5:00 am
A door opens at the Kelowna Women’s Shelter and women stream from a sun lit room, resource materials in hand. They are laughing and chatting with each other. Some pause to exchange phone numbers. Many are carrying donated toiletry or clothing items. Some move toward the Childcare area to...
Helping a friend
Jun 17, 2012 / 5:00 am
Recent stats confirm that family violence is an issue of concern, even here in our lovely valley. Given this fact, there is the very real likelihood that it may impact each of us; if not personally, then by affecting someone we care about or with whom we come in contact. The questions arise,...
Warning signs
Apr 8, 2012 / 5:00 am
Photo: Contributed She touches her bruised cheek gingerly and says softly, “It was so good in the beginning! I never thought it would end like this.” She has just fled an abusive relationship following a vicious assault. She tells the story of the...
Fleeing abuse
Feb 11, 2012 / 5:00 am
“I just can’t live like this anymore and I can’t let my kids go through it either.” The woman's voice reflects a mixture of desperation and determination. “I know I have to do something but I need help.” When a woman impacted by family violence and...
Anticipating a 'real' Christmas
Dec 15, 2011 / 5:00 am
“I hope we don’t ever go back home - and I’m definitely not leaving before Christmas,” a young boy commented fervently a Christmas season or two ago. He and his mom and siblings were staying at the Kelowna Women’s Shelter after another incident of family...
Things can be different
Nov 19, 2011 / 5:00 am
Photo: Contributed - (Flickr user, intosomerset) She called out to me at the beach. She was there with her children – and her “new” partner. Not so new, she smiled, explaining that they’d met almost 10 years ago now, been married eight,...
Do I stay or leave?
Oct 20, 2011 / 5:00 am
Photo: Contributed - (Flickr user, tamasrepus) What does a woman do when she realizes that her physical and emotional safety, or that of her children, is at risk, not on the streets, but within their own home? What does she do when the danger comes,...
Family violence and abuse
Sep 15, 2011 / 5:00 am
Imagine rising early to prepare for an important presentation at the office; weeks of effort resting on the quality of this presentation. Imagine the nervous anticipation, and your desire to present calm, confidence. Now imagine yourself laying out your “power suit” - and beginning...
Abuse is never okay
Jul 8, 2011 / 5:00 am
Photo: Contributed - (Flickr user, 46253339@N00) The phone rings and a voice, bordering on tears, says hesitantly, “I was wondering if I could talk to someone?” She hastens to add, “I don’t want to waste your time if...
Bullies have many faces
Jun 5, 2011 / 5:00 am
Photo: Contributed - (Flickr user, ainnicer1971) Bullies have many faces; but whether they dominate the schoolyard, the workplace, the hockey arena or the family dinner table the impact on a targeted child or image-sensitive teen is often...
Children impacted by family violence
May 6, 2011 / 5:00 am
While children may be the direct victims of family violence, they are almost always indirect victims, traumatized by seeing their mother beaten, or by the horror of hearing her screams of pain or their father’s shouted threats. Children impacted by family violence have huddled in...
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