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About IWAV

Islanders Working Against Violence (IWAV) is a non-profit society providing services throughout the Southern Gulf Islands to women and their children affected by poverty, violence and abuse. IWAV also provides affordable housing to people individuals, families, seniors and people with disabilities.

Vision Statement

We envision people living free from poverty, violence and abuse.

Mission Statement

Islanders Working Against Violence (IWAV) is a non-profit, charitable society on Salt Spring Island providing services throughout the Southern Gulf Islands to women and their children affected by poverty, violence and abuse.

We operate the Salt Spring Island Transition House, the 24-Hour Violence & Abuse Help Line, Women’s Outreach Services, Stopping the Violence Counselling for Women and The PEACE (Prevention, Education, Advocacy, Counselling and Empowerment) Program for Children and Youth Experiencing Violence (formerly the Children Who Witness Abuse program). We also run a community-based thrift store, “Transitions,” in downtown Ganges on Salt Spring Island as a fundraising program for the organization.

We work from a feminist perspective and offer nonjudgmental support and information that will assist women in making their own choices.

women supporting women

Our Values

Respect: We demonstrate respect for our clients and each other

Integrity: We maintain the confidentiality and dignity of our clients

Compassion: We are kind and caring in our work

Resourcefulness: We seek out opportunities to achieve our mission

Safety: We provide an environment that feels safe for our clients and staff

IWAV respectfully recognizes that IWAV is located in the unceded traditional territories of the Hul’qumi’num and SENĆOŦEN speaking peoples.