On Friday, the BC Society of Transition Houses (BCSTH) announced a new pilot program, with the support of Ring, to help survivors of domestic violence feel safer in and around their homes. 

The project is supplying 3,000 Ring Video Doorbells and Ring Cameras, complete with subscriptions that last the length of the life of the devices, at no cost to survivors across British Columbia. 

The goal of the pilot project is provide technology, resources and support to survivors of domestic violence so that they can feel secure.

The BCSTH will distribute the cameras through programs they run as an option to help a survivor’s broader safety plan. 

“The BC Society of Transition Houses and our 148 members across B.C. are thrilled to collaborate on the innovative pilot project, Doorway to Safety, with Ring to help enhance survivors’ safety at home with the distribution of Ring devices,” said Amy S. FitzGerald, executive director, BCSTH. 

FitzGerald says that technology can be a lifeline for survivors and empowering.

“Housing security and financial independence are the two biggest protective factors for survivors rebuilding their lives.” 

Through this partnership, the BCSTH Bursary Fund will also benefit. The fund supplies bursaries to women to further their education, training, employment and entrepreneurial goals. 

To date, the fund has awarded  $536,548 to 198 recipients, supported 20 businesses and indirectly benefited 284 children. 

“Leaving an abusive relationship does not always mean the stalking, harassment or fear ends. For many survivors, starting over in a new home also comes with significant financial pressures, and they may be forced to choose between paying for essentials like rent and groceries and purchasing technology that could help them feel safer.,” said Brooke Belkin, BCSTH Board of Director’s Chair, Director of Youth, and Women Services, Canadian Mental Health Association for the Kootenays, Cranbrook.

Belkin says that by providing these Ring cameras to survivors it helps alleviate some of fiancial burden that many women fleeing domestic violence situations face.

“For the B.C. survivors we support, having another tool to help them know what is happening around their home can provide an important sense of safety and control as they rebuild their lives.” 

BCSTH also runs Tech Safe BC which helps educate survivors on the use of technology and how it can be used against them and how to develop safe technology habits. The program is available to those working with the various BCSTH member programs.