Battered Women’s Support Services (BWSS) is in dire need of volunteers to serve as call receivers now that the COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in domestic violence in Vancouver.
The BWSS support crisis line, which typically receives 18,000 calls a year, is experiencing a 300 per cent influx in women reaching out for help.
"COVID-19 had exposed more victims to danger and lethality for having to stay at home," explained BWSS executive director Angela MacDougall.
"Most calls from the crisis line are from victims and survivors, family members, children, and youth," she said, "and forty per cent of those callers are dialling in for the first time."
This March, the non-profit expanded its crisis line operations to 24 hours a day, seven days per week. It also added a texting service in addition to communications by email.
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For that, it needs more volunteers.
BWSS Violence Prevention and Intervention Training Program is now accepting applications to join its newest cohort Sept. 18.
The program covers crisis intervention, peer counselling, safety assessment, safety planning, advocacy, referrals, group facilitation, and public education.
“Volunteering with us is a way of giving back to the community for those who deeply care about ending gender-based violence. Our volunteers make a difference in the lives of thousands of victims and survivors as they are the first point of contact, becoming a gateway to accessing services including counselling, and legal advocacy," MacDougall said.
The training, which is now mostly virtual during the pandemic, means more volunteers complete shifts while practising social distancing at home.
The BWSS crisis line is available 24/7 and can be reached by phone at 604-687-1867, 1-855-687-1868, or by texting 604-652-1867.
Visit to start the process of becoming a volunteer.
