reducing barriers to support - BC Society of Transition Houses

QUESTIONS FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION
Throughout this paper we have posed questions for you to consider as we endeavor to build
collaborative relationships and reduce barriers for women fleeing violence who have varying levels of
mental wellness and substance use. These questions are listed again below.
1. How do we define problematic mental wellness and substance use Who defines when substance
use or mental wellness is problematic Is it possible to see mental wellness and substance use as
survival mechanisms If so, what implications would this have for Transition, Second and Third Stage
Houses and Safe Homes
2. How can we ensure that the programming in each of our sectors is inclusive and responsive to the
various needs of the diversity of women in BC and the Yukon What mechanisms can we put in
place to hold ourselves accountable
3. In the context of Transition, Second and Third Stage Housing and Safe Homes, how do we tease out
which rules are necessary and which can be done without, or, can be applied more flexibly Aside
from changes to policy and procedures, how do we foster attitudinal shifts that would create space
for open, non-judgmental discussions about all of the impacts of violence against women
4. Is it feasible to have women with varying levels of mental wellness and substance us reside in a
Transition House with other women who may be in recovery Is it beneficial or ethical to have a
blanket policy requiring women to abstain from substance use or to comply with taking medications
while in a Transition House
5. How can we strengthen relationships between the VAW, Mental Wellness and Substance Use
sectors What about for regions where Mental Wellness and Substance Use services are not
available How do we sustain relationships and maintain them despite fluctuations in funding and
changes to funding bodies
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