At NEVR, we believe we can do more by working together and breaking silos
On this page:
Network to Eliminate Violence in Relationships (NEVR) is a non-profit community of partners focused on ending relationship violence.
We share problems and solutions with governments at all levels, from municipal to federal. We have brought together many ministries and broken silos across services and policies.
Our belief is that we can do more by working together and creating synergy.
Our History
NEVR started as a yearly conference at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU). Hosted by Dr. Balbir Gurm, KPU partners would come together to share and discuss matters on relationship violence.
During these meetings, attendees kept saying they wanted more. They would often come up to Dr. Gurm and say, “it is great that you host conferences, but we need more. We need someone to advocate for what the system needs to prevent and reduce violence.”
Dr. Gurm wasn’t ready for that at first– not without understanding the system better herself. In 2011, Dr. Gurm formed an advisory committee to help bring service providers together to conduct a research study on the strengths and challenges of the domestic violence system. She talked to survivors, perpetrators, lawyers, social workers, victim support workers, counsellors and a judge.
The study showed that many organizations didn’t know enough about one another. It also pointed out how this could be better. These problems needed work and as a result, the advisory committee became NEVR.
Over the years, NEVR offered and is still offering placements for undergraduate and graduate students. Students have developed toolkits, organized conferences, written media briefs, and applied academic knowledge to benefit the community.
In 2022, responding to the community’s needs, NEVR became a registered non-profit society to support further growth.
It is great that you host conferences, but we need more. We need someone to advocate for what the system needs to prevent and reduce violence.
Vision
Violence in relationships will be non-existent in our community
Violence in relationships will not be accepted in our community
Mission
We will work toward eliminating violence in relationships in our community
We will:
Values
Trust
Relying on evidence-based knowledge and the support of the community to address and prevent relationship violence.
Inclusion
Welcoming everyone, no matter their gender, sex, age, or background to participate.
Respect
Cultivating a culture of kindness, understanding, and acceptance.
Equity
Making sure everyone gets fair treatment and equal representation.
what is relationship violence?
It is violence between two or more people that know each other of any age or gender and in any space.
Scope
NEVR will focus on all aspects of relationship violence:
- physical
- sexual
- emotional
- financial
- effects on all members of the family
- community
Relationships include intimate partners, and adults, seniors and children within families.
What we’re doing now
NEVR is trying to map out what we are doing in BC to address gender based violence. It is feeding into a national project so that we can have a system map of Canada.
This will help service providers to see what is being done to improve programs and services by working together and identifying and addressing gaps.
Researchers can help address the gaps and work with organizations in their area of expertise. Funders can identify pertinent funding calls that are needed.
For more information, visit Projects & Publications.
More in this section
Who is part of the network?
NEVR brings together various sectors to address relationship violence. Find our who are community partners are.
Who leads NEVR?
Meet the Board of directors who help govern NEVR and lead important discussions around relationship violence.
What’s our commitment?
NEVR Society is committed to ensure we do no harm to Indigenous Peoples. Learn how we are doing this.