Surrey, BC has a long history of demonstrating leadership in the area of violence against women and children. The Surrey Coordinated Community Response Committee on Violence against Women in Relationships (CCRC) is the longest standing coordination committee in the province of BC. Together, key medical, legal and social service agencies work together to improve the safety of women and children fleeing violence by addressing systemic gaps in service. Examples of successful collaborations include the Domestic Violence Emergency Response System, a partnership between Surrey RCMP, ADT Security Systems and local social service agencies to provide high-risk women and children fleeing domestic violence with a security system monitored by the police.
Over the years, the committee has sparked many other initiatives that create a safety net for women and children fleeing violence. Most recent examples of community initiatives include:
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Surrey Mobile Assault Response Team (SMART)
A 24-hour crisis response service for women and girls who have experienced domestic violence and/or sexual assault who need medical treatment. Partnership between Surrey Women’s Centre, Surrey Memorial Hospital (Forensic Nursing Services) and VictimLINK.
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Integrated Domestic Violence Team – Keeping Mothers and Children Safe
Assists women fleeing domestic violence whose children are at risk of apprehension resulting from domestic violence . Partnership between Surrey Women’s Centre and Ministry of Children and Family Development.
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Housing and Income Clinic for Women Fleeing Domestic Violence
Assists women fleeing domestic violence access income assistance and other public benefits in times of crisis. Partnership between Surrey Women’s Centre and Ministry of Social Development.
Other community initiatives
Additional initiatives include increased housing and related supports for women and children fleeing violence:
Maxine Wright Shelter and Community Health Centre
Safe housing and health related supports for women who are pregnant or have a newborn and need a safe place to stay. Partnership between Atira Women’s Resource Society, BC Housing and Fraser Health Authority.
Harmony House
Second stage housing for immigrant women and their children fleeing domestic violence. Partnership between PICS and BC Housing.
Most Recent Work
Most recently, over 150 local service providers have formed the Community Action against Violence in Relationship to coordinate community based initiatives that include education and advocacy for policy change.
Milestones
Our achievement in the past paved the road that lead us to where we are now. See how we create a safe space for women over the years.
The Power of Collaboration
We are celebrating National Victims and Survivors of Crime Awareness Week by standing with Jesse and Gagan as they fight for justice, freedom, and equality.
Resources
Every woman we meet faces a personal journey that is unique and challenging in its own way. Find out more about how to get the help you need.
