History


Comox Valley Transition Society was founded in 1987 by members of our community who were concerned that women in abusive relationships had nowhere to go. From 1989 – 1992, we operated a safe home network, in which local families volunteered to take women and children into their own homes.

In 1992, we were able to purchase a large home. Lilli House was opened that year, with 11 beds in 6 bedrooms. We also received funding that year to begin our Stop the Violence and Children Who Witness Abuse Counselling Programs. We began to offer Detox services in 1999 and Supportive Recovery services in 2000.

Today, Lilli House has 12 beds in 7 bedrooms. An average of 300 women and children stay in Lilli House every year. We receive an average of 1000 crisis calls per year. Many more women and children access our counseling services.

From the very beginning, we have had tremendous community support. Our primary funding comes from the Ministry of Community Services, but we also receive funds from the Ministry of Employment and Income Assistance, Vancouver Island Health Authority, Comox Valley Community Foundation, The United Way, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, B.C. Charitable Gaming, Soroptimists International – Courtenay, and generous donations from community members.

Mission Statement

The Comox Valley Transition Society is a feminist non-profit agency committed to making a positive contribution to the lives of women and their children. We offer supportive programs that provide safety, security and promote personal well-being and the prevention of violence, through the provision of a safe shelter, counselling, education, and advocacy.

Guiding Principles

In working within a feminist perspective, we recognize that a hierarchical power imbalance exists in society in which women’s rights are subordinate to men’s rights. This power imbalance not only exists between men and women, but extends throughout society to affect people of all cultures, ages, ethnicity, beliefs, lifestyles, sexual orientations, abilities and economic circumstances.

We believe:

All individuals have a basic human right to live in a non-violent world. Women and children from all cultures have the right to a safe environment free from mental, emotional, physical, sexual and financial abuse, and free from threats of abuse and violence.

All individuals are affected by violence whether or not they are the actual victims of violence. Particularly affected are women and children due to the power imbalance that exists between genders.

Violence is the inappropriate and illegal use of power.

Violence is not a private family matter, but a criminal offence that demands that the perpetrator - not the victim - be held responsible for the violence.

Ending violence against women and children is everyone’s responsibility.

Social justice is every woman's right.

Women’s experiences and their opinions are to be respected.

A woman has the right and the ability for self-determination over her own body and the direction of her life.

Children who witness abuse, especially of their caregiver or other members of their family, are victims of abuse and are entitled to the opportunity to deal with the trauma of the abuse.

Through the effective development of programs we will make a positive contribution to the lives of the women and children we support.