Administrative/Biographical history:

Women Against Violence Against Women (WAVAW) is a Canadian group was established in 1982 when 80 Vancouver feminists brought together health care providers and the Vancouver Police Department’s Sex Crimes Unit to establish the Sexual Assault Service (SAS). The Service provided victims of sex crimes access to trained, sensitive medical practitioners for the collection of forensic evidence. In 1983 the group campaigned successfully to make spousal sexual assault an offence under the Criminal Code of Canada and oversaw the Victims of Crime Act. Further success came in 1992 when the Canadian rape shield laws prevented questions about a victim’s sexual history being asked in court. In 2003 WAVAW established a second Sexual Assault Support Centre at University of British Columbia. From 2008 to 2013 WAVAW continued to campaign for victims of sexual violence, making changes to the policing system, educating young people about drink and drug-facilitated assaults, and raising awareness of gender violence in minority communities. WAVAW also runs a 24 hour helpline for victims of sexual assault, providing counselling and support services.

Scope and content

Correspondence, fundraising material, leaflets and information regarding Women Against Violence Against Women, [c.1993].

Quantity

1 box.