Haven Society

For 30 Years Haven has provided Vision, Courage and Leadership in the area of Violence against Women

Haven Society has a proven record in the Mid-Island area. Our history began well over 30 years ago when the issue of spousal violence was very much a taboo subject.

Through the 1980’s as the transition house movement grew across North America, Haven and other shelters educated the public about the extent and nature of the problem. Childhood incest, date rape, sexual assault, and sexual as well as other kinds of workplace harassment were just beginning to be understood by the general public or many in the legal and health systems. Few understood post traumatic stress disorder and other health and emotional difficulties resulting from experiencing or witnessing violence.

Even though few spoke of these difficult truths, the need was there to help women, youth and children on their brave journeys to heal. Haven Society staff and volunteers had the courage to listen to the stories and to do more.   

Thirty years later, spousal abuse is no longer a taboo subject but unfortunately it still exists. Today, we understand that violence comes in many forms and happens to the rich and poor alike, and people of all races.  We know that people can heal from trauma - thousands have taken the healing journey with Haven’s help – and we know that early intervention, counselling and support are critical to breaking the cycles of intergenerational violence.   

Haven Society has grown from a small network of volunteer safe-houses to a multi-site agency serving the Central Island from Ladysmith to Qualicum with comprehensive programming (including Gabriola, and with a satellite office in Parksville). Haven Society continues to play a critical role in educating the local community about the prevalence of violence, and its impact on all of us and how we can all deal with the problem. Working in the school system, fostering dialogue, participating with community partners is all part of the Haven strategy and crucial to effective change on violence issues.

And….all our services are free of charge.