Bridges for Women Society

01/22/2026

She had a protection order.
She was doing everything she was told to do to stay safe.
She was killed anyways.

01/21/2026

The turn out and shared voices at this morning's press conference were powerful this morning! Thank you to all who came to show their support!

Enormous gratitude to our community and anti-violence organizations who made this event possible: BWSS Battered Women's Support Services, Sooke Transition House Society, Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria, The Cridge Centre for the Family, Victoria Women's Transition House, Victoria Sexual Assault Centre, Cowichan Women Against Violence Society, and Greater Victoria Women’s Shelter Society.

"Women are being killed while risk is already known and governments are already on notice. This is not a failure of awareness or tools. It is a failure of political ownership across systems that continue to treat intimate partner violence as optional rather than as core public safety infrastructure." - Angela Marie MacDougall, Executive Director Battered Women’s Support Services

01/20/2026

In response to the killing of Laura Gover, 41, a mother of two and a respected educator in our community, Bridges is standing alongside partner organizations to call for prevention, accountability, and systemic change.

This loss highlights ongoing gaps in protection, coordination, and resources that continue to put survivors and children at risk. Progress is possible and happening but it is not enough.

Community presence matters. For those who are able to attend, join us as we stand together and call for safer systems and meaningful prevention.

📅 Wednesday, January 21, 2026
🕙 10:00 AM
📍 Victoria Courthouse - Quadra Street side
⏱ Approximately 15 to 20 minutes

If you are unable to attend, please consider sharing this message. Together, we can transform grief into action and work toward safer systems for all.

If you or someone you know has been impacted by intimate partner violence, support is available. You are not alone. 💜

01/20/2026

01/19/2026

🍵 It can be so hard to get into the habit of practicing self-care regularly, especially if you really need it. You can’t pour from an empty cup after all.

✔️What Is A Self Care Menu?

🧘🏽‍♀️A self-care menu is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a list of self-care ideas, and activities that you’ve put together in the form of a menu. It often features different sections, defined by how long a self care habit or activity might take - just like an appetizer, main, or dessert on a menu.

😌Having a self care menu gives you a simple way to proactively take care of your physical and mental wellbeing and wellness needs. It’s the kind of habit you build over time, and a self care menu is a wonderful tool to help you do that and become your best self. 🪷🪞✨🫧💜🪷

01/15/2026

Think of three women you know and love. In that group, statistically, one has experienced gender based violence.

She might be sitting beside you. Smiling. Staying silent. Afraid she won’t be believed. Afraid to leave. Afraid that leaving means she doesn’t love or care enough.

Stories like that of Laura Gover-Basar painfully remind us of the reality far too many women and girls face every day.

If you have experienced intimate partner violence remember, you are not alone. And if you know someone in crisis, don’t stay silent. It takes all of us to create change.

For anyone fleeing violence - or if you know of someone trying to flee - please do not hesitate to contact the resources below for support:

Victoria Women’s Transition House - 250-385-6611
Sooke Transition House - 250-642-2591
Vancouver Island Crisis Society - 1-888-494-3888
SpeqƏȠéutxw (SPAKEN) - 778-432-2234

To support Laura's two young daughters please consider donating to the GoFundMe created for them linked here: https://gofund.me/61f4616ff

01/15/2026

It is with profound grief that we acknowledge the death of Laura Gover-Basar due to alleged intimate partner violence. We extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched.

This tragedy represents far more than a single loss – it is a stark reminder that gender-based violence continues to claim lives in our community. Despite increased awareness and prevention efforts, individuals continue to face life-threatening abuse within their homes and relationships. This fatality reflects systemic gaps in protection, intervention, and accountability.

Research demonstrates that intimate partner violence is preventable. Effective prevention requires coordinated efforts across multiple sectors, including healthcare, law enforcement, social services, and community organizations. It also requires adequate funding, evidence-based programming, and policy frameworks that prioritize survivor safety.

This moment reinforces Victoria Women’s Transition House Society’s commitment to:
• Ensuring survivors have access to safe, supportive services
• Advocating for stronger protections and more robust resources
• Preventing violence through education and community engagement
• Building systems that respond effectively before tragedies occur

We urge community members to recognize warning signs, believe survivors, and take action. If you or someone you know is experiencing intimate partner violence, please reach out. Help is available 24/7 by calling 250-385-6611.

Victoria Women’s Transition House Society offers women and children experiencing or at risk of violence the following services:
• 24/7 Crisis Line
• Emergency Transition House
• Second Stage Housing
• Counselling and Support
• Children and Youth Programs
• 50+ Programs
• Homelessness Prevention Programs
• Community Education
• Groups

Bahar Dehnadi (pictured)
Executive Director, Victoria Women’s Transition House

01/13/2026

💜 Welcome to Our January Bridges Employment Program!

We are so excited to welcome our January participants and to celebrate each of you for taking this big, courageous step forward.

Joining the Bridges Employment Program is an investment in yourself, your goals, your growth, and your future. Showing up takes strength, and we’re honoured to walk alongside you as you build skills, confidence, and new possibilities.

Welcome to a space rooted in safety, respect, and support.
You belong here, and we’re cheering you on every step of the way. 💜

01/12/2026

🌱 Why Trauma-Informed Support Matters

When services are rooted in safety, choice, and compassion, people are better able to heal, learn, and move forward.

At Bridges, trauma-informed practice isn’t just a framework it’s how we show up every day. We believe everyone deserves dignity, respect, and meaningful opportunities to thrive.

💜 Together, we can build communities where support is accessible, empowering, and grounded in care.

01/08/2026

❄️ January is the first full month of winter and in winter it is important to remember that that it is a season of hibernation, of slowing down.

🍵 It's a month to tend to ourselves, to practice self-care and mindfulness. In the slowness we have an opportunity to reflect on the events of the past three seasons and witness, with loving kindness, what no longer serves us. We can intentionally choose to make steps that help us heal.

💜This weekend, give yourself grace, love and compassion, because life isn't about the grind, it's about the process and the journey; about looking out to with world through eyes that are able to honour our own hearts as well as the hearts of others.

01/07/2026

💜 Welcome to Our January Bridges Employment Program Participants! 🎉

We are excited to welcome our January cohort to the Bridges Employment Program! This group marks new beginnings, fresh goals, and powerful steps forward.

Over the coming weeks, you’ll build skills, confidence, and connections in a space rooted in safety, respect, and support. We can’t wait to learn with you, grow alongside you, and celebrate your successes.

Welcome to the Bridges community. We’re so glad you’re here! 💜

01/06/2026

Bridges For Women is forming a Lived Experience Advisory Committee starting this month. We are looking for women (cis, trans, non-binary or 2-spirited) with lived experience with:
- Trauma Recovery,
- Employment Instability,
- Economic Insecurity,

who want to share their insights to help improve services for women.

Members will receive a modest honorarium as a token of appreciation for their time and insights.

Apply by phone, 250-514-2712, or email jocelyn@bridgesforwomen.ca.