BC/Yukon Society of Transition Houses

Shabna Ali, Executive Director

The B.C./Yukon Society of Transition Houses (BCYSTH) is a non-profit association of transition houses, safe homes, second stage houses, and other groups which serve the needs of abused women and their children across BC and the Yukon.

We represent 67 Transition Houses, 15 Safe Homes, 12 Second Stage Programs and 93 Children Who Witness Abuse programs. The work engaged in by our members is the provision of refuge and support to abused women and their children.

As an umbrella organization we support the work of our members by providing advocacy on emerging issues and trends.

In addition, we build capacity, provide support, resources and training to the Transition House Sector.

What’s Age Got To Do With It?

WELL…

Violence against women is gendered violence.

Women ages 50-79 are shown to be exposed to abuse at similar rates to young women (Mouton, C.P. et al, 2004)

60% of “elder abuse” is towards women.

More older women are victims of abuse and more men are abusers. 80% of the people accused of violently victimizing an older family member were men. (Statistics Canada, 2000)

Young womenImprovements have been made, shifting violence

against women from a private matter to a public concern that is criminal that calls for intervention.

Older women“Elder abuse” is often used to describe violence

against older women and does not accurately represent the violence older women experience. Violence and abuse against older women that is

criminal is often disregarded as such.

Most existing women’s services and research on violence against women reflect younger women and women with children and services are tailored to meet older women’s needs.

More differences…

Although older women’s experience of abuse may be similar to that of younger women, their needs are uniquely different. Older women are typically expected to use services geared for younger women, as few specialized services exist.

Research of abuse of older women is still quite limited.

Older women are three times less likely to report abuse than younger women. (Harris, 1996)

Phase 1: BC and the Yukon research and needs assessment

Survey of transition houses Under-representation: Only 2% of those accessing transition houses were women aged 60+ years, and only 6% were 50-59 years

Survey of health and women’s services providersLack of coordinated response between service providers re: abuse of older womenLack of information in transition houses re: effects of ageing, and in health services re: violence against women

Outreach to older women in BC and the Yukon experiencing abuseAwareness campaign

Call for older women to submit their life stories re: abuse via phone or via mail

Distribution of brochures in large font that offered information and referrals to older women

64 life stories were submitted throughinterpretation, telephone interview, and mail

Women said they appreciated:Help with safety planningCounselling Support groups Advocacy

Women also said:Transition houses were too stressful an environment (loud, children, constantly changing, etc.)They thought TH’s were only for young women with childrenThey often wanted to be safer, but did not want to leave their home or relationship (e.g. after 20+ years)That social and geographical isolation, poverty, housing, health and ageism all impacted their ability to be safe and access services

Older women :Needed more time to build trust with workersHad more complex problems than younger womenHad fewer resources than younger womenMay have experienced or been exposed to abuse throughout their lives:

As children,In residential schools as First NationsAt the hands of their husbands or partners At the hands of their adult children

Who immigrate to Canada and are sponsored by partners or adult children are often very vulnerable to abuse and have little ability to leave or seek out services due to language and other barriers

Safety planning,Respite from the abuseOptions for safe housing Circles of support (e.g. with service providers and among peers)More accessible services (e.g. outreach and staff and services that seek to address ageism and are trained in supporting older women re: abuse)

Outcome of Phase 1BC and the Yukon pilot new services to respond to older

women’s needs

Four communities selected to pilot services for older women:• Victoria, BC• Penticton, BC• Creston, BC• Whitehorse, Yukon

Training for specialized transition house outreach workers (OWL’s or Older Women Liaisons)

Safe homes created

Older women’s support groups started

All pilot sites continue to offer specialized services to older women

New communities have started their own initiatives re: older women and existing communities have expanded their services…

Harrison Place, Victoria, BC1 year leases up to three yearsIndependent, supportive, and affordable housing for women 45-65 years

Ama House, Whiterock, BC30 day – 6 month stays (free)Supportive transition house for older women 55+ yrs.

Pamphlet and BrochureOlder Abused Women Report "Silent and Invisible“ Silent and Invisible: What's Age Got to Do with It? *A handbook for service providers on working with abused older women in BC and the YukonWhat’s Age Got to Do with It? * video and study guideDeveloping Support Groups for Older Abused WomenHow to Establish Specialized Refuge and Support Services for Older Abused WomenWorking With Abused Older Women: Guidelines and Resources

BC/Yukon Society of Transition Houseswww.bcysth.ca

1-604-669-6943