Helping the CWAV

Cowichan Women Against Violence (CWAV) is an organization that aims to help women and children who face violence. 

This society was founded in 1979, and its aim was to tackle the issue of sexual violence in the Cowichan Valley. The women trained themselves in this area, teaching themselves the legalities involved in this process, as well as listening to victims to understand the emotional trauma experienced. Over the past few years, the society has grown. Each year they are able to help people escape domestic violence by providing them with support, advice, shelter and food across 25 programs. 

CWAV offers a plethora of services: housing, counselling, advocacy programs, and educational programs for the youth that aim to support both women and their children through their hardships. Not only does CWAV help women escape domestic violence, but they have also constructed the Ravens Nest CYAC. This is a program that caters to youth who have experienced, directly or indirectly, violence. Through collaboration with police, healthcare workers, and several agencies, they are able to prioritize the needs of the children involved in this process. 

The work of this organization was recently supported by Brentwood students on our Service Day in April. Hana R, Mack ‘24 and Isha CT, Mack ‘24, co-leaders of the Brentwood Women's Society, arranged for a group of five girls to help out. Isha says they chose CWAV “because it aligned with our Women’s Society values, and it is a cause we want to support in the local community. We also organized this Service Day event to build relationships with surrounding organizations close to Brentwood that we believe are making a difference, especially in regards to fighting gender-based violence.”

One of CWAVs programs includes group therapy, and this summer they plan to host sessions in their backyard. To help prepare for this, the girls completely transformed this space during Service Day. They worked on creating a vibrant area for these sessions, a space where people would feel comfortable to share their stories. 

To achieve this, two hours were dedicated to removing weeds, cleaning up waste and raking leaves. Staff sponsor Madame Albinati said the “transformation of the backyard into a space for therapy and education was completed by five passionate students during our school-wide service day. I am incredibly proud of their efforts and positive energy throughout the morning. It's a powerful example of young people taking action in their community. This project not only beautifies the space, but also provides valuable resources for the Cowichan Women Against Violence Centre. It's a testament to the impact of collaboration and support.”

Understanding the complexity of the work CWAV undertakes makes people appreciate and recognize their remarkable work. They are often the biggest support system a victim has, and they help those who struggle on a daily basis. Sophie H, Mack ‘25 feels that “What CWAV does is amazing. Without these CWAV workers, so many women and children could be in horrible situations for even longer. It’s heartbreaking to hear what violence some women go through but it’s good to know that there are people who they can reach out to for help.”

Cowichan Women Against Violence - the helping hand for thousands of women since 1979.

Suhana V, Alex ‘24