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Stopping the Violence  (STV) Women’s Counselling Program

The STV Women’s Counseling Program offers individual and group counselling for self-identified women, aged 19 and older, who have experienced relationship abuse, sexual assault, and/or physical, sexual, or emotional abuse at any age. We work from a feminist perspective using a trauma-informed approach to supporting women. The program aims to offer a safe space for women to address issues that have arisen from their experiences and focuses on empowering women to make decisions that feel right for them. This can include naming the type of abuse experienced, exploring and identifying coping strategies, strengths, and increasing a sense of safety in their lives. Women are welcome to self-refer by connecting with Nelson Community Services.

This program is funded by the Ministry of Public Safety & Solicitor General.

PROGRAM STAFF:

• Melanie Jones

  STV Women's counsellor

  Melanie Jones RCC, CCC, RCAT Melanie has been with NCS since 2020

• Brittan McClay

  STV Women's Counsellor

  Brittan has been with NCS since 2013. BFA, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Art Therapy.

Relationship violence can take many forms — physical abuse (harm to a partner, threats of harm), emotional abuse (put downs, raised voice, angry volatile behaviour, threats of suicide should  a woman choose to leave, threatening to take or harm children or pets), financial abuse (withholding money for basic needs, not allowing a woman enough money to have coffee with a friend or to take the bus or put gas in the car, taking money a woman has earned or received), and sexual abuse (forcing, insults, threats).

The Women’s Outreach Program is here to support women who have been or are experiencing relationship violence. We provide support, resources, and practical assistance. We can look at safety planning, housing resources, financial assistance, Legal Aid and family law options and connection to other anti- violence support services. We work from a feminist perspective which means you choose the services and supports that are right for you, and the service is confidential! Services are available to women in Nelson and the surrounding area.

This program is funded by the Ministry of Justice.

PROGRAM STAFF:

• Joanna Talecka on leave

  Women’s Outreach Worker

  Joanna has been with NCS since 2014....