Transition Houses, Shelters and Safe Houses
As transition houses for abused women and their children began opening across Newfoundland and Labrador in the 1980s, it became obvious that a provincial association, which could provide essential support services to these organizations was needed.
In 1987, the Provincial Association Against Family Violence (PAAFV) was established. We are now called the Transition House Association of Newfoundland and Labrador (THANL). Our members include all provincially funded shelters in the province.
The term ‘shelter’ includes transitions houses and safe houses.
Guidance, Training, Research, Awareness
Since 1987, THANL has provided member organizations with guidance, training, research and community awareness initiatives. THANL is a strong collective voice in equality-seeking work in the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador. We lobby for the financial support needed to operate and establish new transition houses, participate in anti-violence activities in the province and offer regular networking opportunities to staff and management.
Because of the criminal, social and cyclical nature of violence against women, THANL believes that all levels of government and society must share in the responsibility to eliminate violence. We are committed to equality-seeking work in partnership with the all those interested in working to eliminate violence in our Province and around the world.
These are the services the Transition House Association of Newfoundland and Labrador provides:
- Training, education and program development for THANL Board members, administrators and member shelter staff and volunteers throughout the province;
- Facilitation of networking and shared learning opportunities through THANL Board conference calls and gatherings;
- Provision of information and analysis to government departments involved in violence intervention and prevention initiatives;
- Lobbying of governments on matters related to legislation and policies that affect victims of family violence;
- Participating in regional, provincial, national and international consultations and collaborative work regarding violence prevention;
- Public awareness-raising; and
- Other ongoing support to member shelters throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.