Archway Society for Domestic Peace and Oak Child and Youth Advocacy Centre want victims to know they have support, following a warning from RCMP on the growing threat of sextortion and other forms of online exploitation.
Earlier this month, the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP released a public warning to raise awareness on the growing threat of sextortion and other forms of online exploitation. Oak Child and Youth Advocacy Centre, a program under Archway Society for Domestic Peace, would like to reinforce the warning, and remind residents that they can provide support for children, youth and families who may be victims. Oak Centre is a partnership of multiple North Okanagan-based agencies who work together to provide a collaborative response to children, youth, and their families, who have experienced abuse, sexual assault, or witnessed a crime. Crimes against children and youth can take many forms such as physical, sexual and emotional abuse, including sextortion and online exploitation. There is increased concern for young men and boys ages 13 to 15, who seem to be recent targets online.
Sextortion is a form of blackmail where sexual content is used to benefit, usually financially, from a victim. Typically, it starts when the victim is contacted by someone who coerces the victim into providing nude or sexual images or videos. They then threaten to share the images or videos unless their demands for money, or more content, are met.
“We want to ensure that young people and their parents have support if this crime happens to them. You do not have to navigate this on your own” says Brooke McLardy, Oak Centre’s Manager. We encourage parents, caregivers and the community at large to learn about how to protect themselves. There are a number of organizations who have great resources to help parents, caregivers, children, and youth safely maintain an online presence:
To contact Oak Child and Youth Advocacy Centre for more information, visit their website at oakcentrevernon.ca, or call and speak to a Child and Youth Advocate at 778-475-2920.
Archway Society for Domestic Peace is seeking a consultant, or consulting firm, to conduct an organizational structure assessment and values confirmation for the Society. This initiative will be a multi-phased project with the current RFP focusing on Phase One (now closed).
The primary objectives of Phase One are to • review the organizational structure and ensure it aligns with the Society’s core principles, mission and values, supports program expansion, and the development of next generation leadership • clarify roles and responsibilities of the leadership team • engage in a process to evaluate how the Society’s core values are being understood, communicated, and practiced throughout the agency
This assessment will involve gathering insights from key internal stakeholders, reviewing existing organizational frameworks, and providing recommendations for enhancing clarity and accountability in roles and responsibilities.
Through this assessment, the organization aims to enhance internal unity, align its values with operational practices, lay the groundwork for future stages of organizational growth and ensure support for all program areas, recognizing that each program has unique needs.
The methodologies used must align with our Intersectional feminist framework and the Societies core values – Trust, Respect, Collaboration and Connection.
Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
Extent to which the proposal meets the specified deliverables
Proposed timeline.
Overall project budget
Incorporation of feminist principles in materials and methodologies
Process for staff engagement
The proposal that best balances these criteria while demonstrating a deep understanding of the Society’s values and goals will be selected for Phase One of the project.
We are profoundly dismayed and frankly furious with the decision to release Heather Barker’s murderer from jail. The severity of this crime and the impact on Heather’s family and friends cannot be overstated. It is hard to accept this decision in light of the seriousness of the crime committed and its lasting effects on Heather’s loved ones.
What we (Archway) are doing is connecting with various media outlets, as well as our Member of Parliament. We are attaching the media release for your information. We have also been receiving calls and emails from members of the public and we have been encouraging them to also speak to their elected officials. We encourage you to do the same. Click here to read the press release.
We are thrilled to announce the release of Archway Society for Domestic Peace’s Impact Report for 2023-2024. This comprehensive document highlights the significant strides we’ve made in supporting survivors and those impacted by domestic and sexual violence and fostering safer communities. We are incredibly proud of the impactful work detailed in this report and remain committed to making a positive difference in the lives of those we serve. Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our mission. Click here to read.
Each year, Archway Society for Domestic Peace works extremely hard to provide a wide range of supportive services for survivors of domestic and sexual violence in the North Okanagan community. On May 25, 2024, we’re excited to finally bring back the Black Dress Gala Fundraiser to help us with this mission.
This will be the first time this event has been held since 2019 and we are thrilled to bring it back to the community! As one of Vernon’s most popular events we know with your help we can make this our most impactful fundraiser yet!
Archway Society has been hosting this event for over eight years. This year, we’ve made a few updates, including a new venue and date. As you are aware, costs have increased exponentially since 2019, meaning support from local businesses is more important to us than ever before. A successful event will ensure that we can continue supporting survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Through community programs, we can provide accessible and free counselling for women, children and families, outreach services for women in rural areas, victim support through the justice system and advocacy services for children and youth who have been abused or neglected.
This glamorous ladies night event is being held at the Coldstream Community Hall. An evening of extraordinary women, style and celebration! Archway Society for Domestic Peace is pleased to be hosting the 9th annual Black Dress Gala fundraiser.
The evening will begin with a welcome beverage as you take in the glitz and glamour of the brand-new Coldstream Community Hall. Guests will enjoy a delicious dinner catered by the locally owned, award-winning Gumtree Catering. There will be an amazing Live auction as well as a raffle to win incredible prizes! Then we will dance the night away with one of the Okanagan’s only female DJ’s – Sunset Sound Escapade DJ!
Proceeds from this event will go towards Archway Society’s community programs, supporting survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. All funds stay in the North Okanagan and directly support Archway’s work with women, children and families.
We are thrilled to announce the release of Archway Society for Domestic Peace’s Impact Report for 2023-2024. This comprehensive document highlights the significant strides we’ve made in supporting survivors and those impacted by domestic and sexual violence and fostering safer communities. We are incredibly proud of the impactful work detailed in this report and remain committed to making a positive difference in the lives of those we serve. Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our mission. 