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History of IWAV

IWAV was established in 1992 in response to a tragic act of violence against a woman and her daughter in the Southern Gulf Islands. A dedicated group of women united to transform this tragedy into a catalyst for change, laying the foundation for an organization committed to compassion, equity, and action.

Originally registered under the Society Act of British Columbia on December 16, 1992, the organization was known as Saltspring Women Opposed to Violence and Abuse (SWOVA). Through a SWOVA research project on violence against women and children, it was determined in the early 1990’s that there was a need in the Southern Gulf Islands for a crisis line, a transition house and related services for women. 

In May 1997, the organization became the Gulf Island Women’s Resource Network; at that time, Directors created a second, separate organization that retained the SWOVA name to focus on advocacy and education. That organization continues to thrive as an important IWAV community partner named The Circle Education. To this day, these two separate organizations continue to work in a complementary manner in the community.

In 2005, the organization officially adopted the name Island Women Against Violence, bringing the issue of violence against women front and centre. In 2019, the Board of Directors decided that with the provision of a broad range of affordable housing for islanders, and the diversification of community supporters it was time to change the name again to Islanders Working Against Violence. This change also reflected that reducing  violence against women needed to involve more than those affected to create meaningful social change.

Crisis Support & Early Services

IWAV’s direct services commenced with the launch of a 24-hour crisis line in July 1994, offering confidential support, safety planning, and access to essential services. In 1995, a generous donation of a home led to the establishment of IWAV’s Transition House, providing shelter for women and children fleeing violence. These services were initially sustained by private donations and short-term government grants until 1998, when operational funding was secured.

To support its programs financially, IWAV opened Transitions Thrift Store in 1997. The store continues to operate, offering affordable goods to the community and store credits to clients fleeing violence and abuse, while generating roughly 10% of IWAV’s annual funding.

Program Expansion

In 2006, IWAV expanded its services through a provincial tender to operate the Stopping the Violence (STV) programs across the Southern Gulf Islands. Operational by 2007. In 2025, these services include:

  • PEACE Counselling program for families, children and youth who experience or witness violence or abuse (ages 3–18). The PEACE Program supports children, youth, and parents exposed to violence, using a psychoeducational approach to foster resilience, healthy relationships, and long-term recovery.
  • Sexual Assault Services are for sexual assault survivors across the Southern Gulf Islands. This program is for people of all genders, ages 13+. The program provides survivors with free, confidential, immediate, and ongoing support, including exploring reporting and justice options, accompaniment to the hospital or for reporting, and individual counselling. The Sexual Assault Support Program also includes a 24/7 helpline.
  • STV Counselling for women free, confidential counselling to survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, or childhood abuse, centering healing, empowerment, and individualized care.
  • Outreach Services, offering support across the Southern Gulf Islands Outreach Services, which support cis, trans, 2 spirit, and non-binary women with safety planning, advocacy, housing support, case management, and referrals.

These programs are partially funded by the BC Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General and remain integral to IWAV’s service offerings.

 

 

Organizational Development

In 2011, IWAV transitioned from a management-style board to a policy governance board, appointing an Executive Director to facilitate strategic planning. In 2014, IWAV staff voted to unionize, reflecting the organization’s commitment to workplace equity and staff empowerment.

Commitment to Safe, Affordable Housing

Recognizing housing as a cornerstone of safety and well-being, IWAV has invested in transitional and affordable housing initiatives:

  • The Cedars: In July 2012, in partnership with the Salt Spring Island Abbeyfield housing society, IWAV purchased and began operating an existing home on a three-acre property to provide housing. In October 2016, IWAV became the sole owner of the property, which had become known as The Cedars.
  • Croftonbrook: In the fall of 2014, IWAV was approached to take over the operation of Croftonbrook housing. The IWAV Board decided that managing long-term housing would allow IWAV to support Salt Spring Island in a new way while also offering opportunities for some women in transitional housing to find permanent, safe housing. This transfer took place in February 2015. At that time, Croftonbrook was a 20-unit affordable housing project for seniors and persons with disabilities, who were able to live independently.

In response to the serious housing shortage in the community, IWAV proceeded with a 2-phase development to add 54 new rental units and relocated IWAV offices. Phase one added more housing for seniors and those with disabilities and was fully occupied by  2021. Phase 2 required a partial property rezoning to develop 34 units of community housing for a mixed community of working people, small families, and others qualifying for BC Housing subsidized affordable housing. Phase 2 was fully occupied by the summer of 2022.

Collaborative Approach

IWAV actively collaborates with various organizations to ensure a coordinated, trauma-informed, and client-centered response to violence and poverty. Partners include:

  • Salt Spring RCMP
  • Salt Spring Island Community Services
  • The Circle Education
  • Victim Services
  • Restorative Justice
  • Local affordable housing and food security committees
  • Schools, youth programs, and others

These partnerships enhance IWAV’s capacity to meet the diverse needs of the communities it serves. Together, we share a commitment to ending violence and building safer, healthier communities.

Looking Ahead

Today, IWAV provides anti-violence services across the Southern Gulf Islands. We continue to provide 24-hour crisis support, transition housing, counseling, outreach, and affordable housing—all guided by trauma-informed, client-centered principles.

We are also expanding our impact through innovative projects like the Safety, Survival, and Solidarity (SSS) youth video series, and by sharing our tools, learnings, and resources with other rural and island communities.

Our story began with a single act of violence—but today, it continues as a story of community resilience, action, and care. We are committed to ensuring that everyone has access to safety, support, and the possibility of healing.

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