You don’t have to figure this out alone. We are here to listen. (fb)

Our team is heartbroken by the recent intimate partner violence (IPV) fatality in our community. We extend our deepest condolences to Bailey McCourt’s family, friends, and all those impacted by this tragic loss. This devastating event is a stark reminder that gender-based violence is a crisis in our region, and across BC. IPV is not rare. In Canada, a woman is killed by her intimate partner approximately every 6 days. Locally, we are seeing rising rates of IPV, and the consequences continue to be fatal. As a front-line service organization, we are calling for urgent and coordinated action: 👉Formal recognition of gender-based violence as an epidemic, 👉Increased investment in prevention, survivor safety planning, and support services 👉Stronger systems of accountability and coordinated community response Our team walks beside survivors every day - navigating the many barriers they face: lack of safe and affordable housing; escalating violence; lengthy and retraumatizing court processes; the arrest and release of violent offenders awaiting trial; and repeated breaches of court-ordered conditions with few consequences. These are not isolated issues. They reflect systemic underfunding, gaps in coordination, and an urgent need for reform. We call on all levels of government and community partners to act swiftly and boldly. This violence is preventable - and no more lives should be lost. If you or someone you know is experiencing IPV, please know that you are not alone. Confidential, compassionate support is available through our organization and others across the province. 💜 #EndIPV #EndGBV (fb)