Pathways | Support Services - for Women Who Have Experienced Violence

Support Services - for Women Who Have Experienced Violence

Abuse / Neglect, Indigenous Services, Mental Health - Adult & Senior, and Victim Services

Provided by Bridges for Women Society

Helps women affected by trauma, violence or abuse to reclaim their lives and build financial security through our healing, education and employment programs.

The following programs are offered:

Counselling: Trauma counselling services to all women (transgender and cisgender), non-binary, and two-spirit people who identify as part of the women’s community and who have been impacted by violence, abuse or trauma at any time in their lives. Counselling is included in program enrolment, and is also available at no, low cost. The counselling services are geared towards people who have secured stability and are well-resourced to pursue their healing journey. They do not offer trauma counselling to people who are in an abusive relationship, struggling with substance use or do not have secure housing.
Employment Program: The Bridges Employment Program (BEP) is a six-month group-based program designed for adults who self-identify as having experienced trauma, violence, abuse or neglect, and who want to reclaim their lives. Through intentional curriculum and skilled facilitators, participants explore a range of personal and professional development topics. This program is suited to individuals who have a goal of re-entering the workforce, returning to school, starting a business, building community connections and volunteering. An online employment program with modules is also available as an alternative.
Indigenous Program: The Indigenous Women’s Bridging Programs aim to inspire Métis, Inuit and First Nations women, living in reserve communities and in urban areas, to break the cycles of abuse and trauma through counselling, cultural education and employment training. Group circles include stories, identifying interests and skills to develop long-term life and career goals. A variety of guest speakers, arts and craft activities, elders and field trips are also included. They offer Indigenous programs for self-identified Indigenous peoples living in urban areas of Greater Victoria, as well as for First Nations women living in the reserve communities of individual nations within the W’SANEC and Lkwungen territories.
Mentorship Program: Provides individuals impacted by trauma with the opportunity to actualize their employment, educational, and business goals in a safe and nurturing relationship. Mentors and Mentees will be matched to provide valuable learning for both individuals, and to allow Mentees to gain relevant exposure to career possibilities through research, exploration, brainstorming, and networking, while building self-esteem and communication skills. The mentorship program is open to those living in the Capital Regional District (Victoria and surrounding area) who can commit 5-6 hours per month to a mentoring relationship.

250-385-7410

Toll Free: 1-866-896-3356

Public email: info@bridgesforwomen.ca

Website: http://bridgesforwomen.ca/

#219, 645 Fort Street, Victoria, British Columbia

Service is available in English.

Cost: Fees may apply