Healing yesterday.
Holding today.
Hope for tomorrow.
Offering anti-violence care, shelter, and advocacy to the Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, and Katzie First Nation communities since 1984.
A Place for Strength & Healing
Cythera is an anti-violence society that supports adults, youth, and families impacted by gender-based violence and abuse. For over 40 years, we have provided safe, inclusive spaces and holistic services that empower individuals on their path forward. We walk alongside those we serve with personalized care grounded in warmth and respect.
Get to Know Us
Connect with our history, our values, and our commitment as caring, compassionate allies on your healing journey.
Give Back
Explore how you can join us in lifting up individuals and families in our community.
How Can We Support You?
Services to Support Every Stage of Your Journey
With a dedicated team highly trained in areas such as domestic violence, sexual abuse, sexual assault, and gender-based violence, we approach every interaction with sensitivity, care, and confidentiality. Cythera provides trusted support in a secure environment, helping you feel supported as you begin to heal and rebuild.
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Cythera Transition House
A safe haven for women and children leaving violence, offering stability, protection, and care during times of crisis.
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PEACE Program
A free, confidential program for children and non-offending caregivers impacted by family violence, helping them heal together through counselling, resilience-building, and healthy relationship skills.
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Bernice Gehring Housing
Affordable, mid and long-term living spaces in Maple Ridge that offer a reliable foundation for independence, stability and rebuilding.
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Elyra Counselling
Accessible, general clinical counselling that meets you where you’re at - supporting life’s challenges, relationships, and transitions with compassionate care rooted in Cythera’s trusted, longstanding community presence.
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Stopping the Violence Program
Empowering, strengths-based support for self-identifying women and non-binary individuals impacted by abuse, offering counselling, safety planning, and resources to help navigate healing and next steps.
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Group Workshops & Programs
Free drop-in groups and workshops that create space to connect, share experiences, and gain tools, resources, and support, helping individuals and families feel understood and empowered in a welcoming, judgement-free environment.
Safety Planning and ResourcesFinding a Way Through, Together
Your safety matters, both physically and emotionally. On our Safety page, you can learn how to create a safety plan when leaving an abusive situation, protect your online presence and social media, and find guidance on supporting someone you know who may be experiencing abuse.
Our Impact
In 2024, Cythera has:
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through Cythera’s 24-hour support line.
Responded to 910 crisis & support calls
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offering nurturing care, counselling, and essential support to individuals and families staying at Cythera Transition House.
Provided shelter to 58 women & 42 children
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through inclusive, holistic programs designed to support those who have been impacted by violence and abuse.
Extended our services to 544 women and children
Violence Prevention Starts Early
The Violence is Preventable (VIP) Program offers free, school-based presentations for K–12 students, educators, and families. Led by PEACE counsellors, these sessions build awareness around the impact of violence and connect schools to supportive resources in the community.
“I am so grateful to have the honour and privilege of staying with Cythera. What a blessing the caring, hardworking and non-judgmental staff have been. Cythera is so amazing!”
- Past Resident