10/25/2026
This past week, members of our Princeton Family Services Society team had the opportunity to attend the BC Society of Transition Houses (BCSTH) Annual Training Forum (ATF).
It was an incredible few days of learning, sharing experiences, and connecting with others from across the province who are equally passionate about supporting individuals and families impacted by violence.
This year's theme, Amplifying Our Collective Voices, was a wonderful reminder of the importance of collaboration, advocacy, and the strength of our sector when we work together.
While the entire forum was filled with valuable learning opportunities, a few workshops particularly stood out to us:
Understanding Trauma in Children & Youth: Exploring the often-hidden emotional, behavioural, and developmental impacts of witnessing or being exposed to violence, and how we can better recognize and respond to these experiences.
Brain Injury & Intimate Partner Violence: Learning more about the connection between IPV and acquired brain injuries, the challenges survivors may experience, and how collective action is helping improve awareness, recognition, and access to appropriate supports.
Family Law & Legal Education: Strengthening our understanding of the family law system and the challenges survivors face when navigating parenting arrangements, separation, and legal processes involving family violence.
When Categories Collide:
Exploring the complexities that arise when people's experiences and needs do not fit neatly within established systems or service categories, and the importance of flexible, individualized responses.
Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence:
Examining the growing ways technology can be used to monitor, harass, control, and intimidate survivors, along with the evolving legal landscape and considerations for safety planning.
The most important part of attending training like this is what we bring back to our community.
The knowledge gained will help us continue to strengthen our trauma-informed practices, recognize less visible forms and impacts of violence, improve safety planning, and better support individuals and families navigating complex circumstances.
We look forward to sharing these learnings with our broader team and incorporating them into our Safe Home, Stopping the Violence Counselling, PEACE, and Family Support programs.
As a rural organization, opportunities like this are especially valuable. Access to specialized training, resources, and professional connections helps us ensure that individuals and families in smaller communities like Princeton benefit from current knowledge, emerging research, and informed approaches to service delivery.
We are incredibly grateful to BCSTH, the presenters, and all the amazing people working across the anti-violence sector who shared their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives.
We return home with new ideas, stronger connections, and an even greater appreciation for the incredible work happening throughout BC.
BC Society of Transition Houses
