History of the Cowichan Women Against Violence Society

In 1979, a small group of dedicated women was inspired to open a rape crisis center to serve the Cowichan Valley. Though they came from diverse professional backgrounds and lacked the specific experience to do so, they forged ahead- writing grants, acquiring facilities, and educating themselves on the issue of violence against women.

Since those early years, CWAV Society has grown to offer comprehensive support to approximately 1,000 women and children in need in the Cowichan Valley every year, in the areas of crisis intervention, violence prevention, safe housing, legal advocacy, individual and group counselling, and pre-employment skills. 

Today, A board of dedicated women governs the organization. The Society is affiliated with the BC Society of Transition Houses,  and Ending Violence Association of British Columbia. Please take a moment to scroll through the timeline below, and enjoy learning about the important milestones in CWAV’s 45-year history in the Cowichan Valley.

1979-1981
1980
1981
1982
1983
1986
1987
1988
1989
1992
1993
1998
1998
2002
2003
2005
2006
2008
2009
2012
2012-2015
2015
2018