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About the Founder of SIS

 

Barbara Mills has worked in the field of spousal violence since 1985 and has spoken across Canada on the dynamics and complexities of family violence. Ms. Mills is forthright in acknowledging that she is a survivor of spousal violence and knows first hand the impact physical assaults, mental battering, and stalking can have on a person.

Amongst her achievements she has had many published articles on the subject, and has lectured on a regular basis to police officers, civilians, parole and probation officers, seminarians, hostel and social workers. She has been consulted by police, lawyers, crown attorneys, members of the clergy and the media to name a few to assist victims in crisis and in high risk situations.

Ms. Mills was instrumental in introducing for the first time in Canada a domestic violence free bylaw into the non-profit housing sector prior to a project's construction. There is a building named after her for her efforts in the field of advocacy for abused women. Ms. Mills was the driving force in bringing a security system program to the City of Toronto for domestic victims in high risk situations. She was the project coordinator until its implementation in April 1998.

Through a collaborative effort with a Member of Provincial Parliament she was instrumental in having funding for court process servers re-established for victims of spousal abuse.

She founded SiS (Sisters in Solidarity), a self help and support group for victimized women in 1998. The group as of July, 2006, has assisted over 400 women through the support group and approximately another 300 through various other venues.

Ms. Mills is recognized for her expertise, professionalism and credibility and has received a letter of appreciation for her commitment from Toronto City Council and signed by the Toronto Police Services Chair Norman Gardner.

In June, 2000, she was presented with the Canada Day Achievement Award in recognition of her work with victims of conjectural violence. In 2002, she received the Y.W.C.A. Peace Medallion and in 2006 the Toronto Social Services "Above and Beyond" Award.

Ms. Mills is currently working on two new projects that will enhance the quality of life for victims and their children.