THANL

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 Home Association of Newfoundland and Labrador provides:

• Ongoing support to shelters throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

• Training to board members, administrators, staff and volunteers of shelters throughout the province.

• Promote networking through regular facilitation of conference calls and shelter administrator gatherings.

• Engage in public information, education and advocacy.

• Analysis to the development of new shelters.

• Help with training, education and program development for shelter workers.

• Lobby the federal and provincial governments regarding legislation and policies that affect victims of family violence.

• On-going information and analysis to key Provincial Government departments involved in violence intervention and prevention initiatives.

• Compile Newfoundland and Labrador shelter statistics.

• Network, share information and offers group development opportunities for THANL members.

• Liaise with and participate in consultations with other provinces and national bodies working in the area of violence prevention.

THANL's Vision, Mission, and Mandate

Our Vision
All women and their children live free of violence.

Our Mission
To ensure that women and their children have access to safety, security, services, and advocacy to support them in their communities and homes in moving toward a life free from abuse.

Our Mandate
The Transition House Association of Newfoundland and Labrador is a voluntary, non-profit community-based organization whose mandate is to strengthen and support the network of provincially funded shelters and services for women – with or without children – affected by relationship violence.