Nova Scotia

Housing remains ‘biggest issue’ for women fleeing domestic violence, say front-line groups

The demand for shelters for women fleeing domestic violence in Sydney, N.S., is at an all-time high, with Jodi McDavid, the executive director of the Cape Breton Transition House Association, struggling to accommodate all those in need. The 21-bed shelter she runs is consistently full, often requiring extra beds to be set up in the living room to accommodate the overflow.

McDavid explains that the biggest challenge faced by women seeking refuge is the lack of affordable housing options. When women arrive at the shelter, the priority is to find them safe and affordable housing to transition into. However, due to the housing shortage, this task is often challenging, leaving many women stranded with nowhere to go. The increasing number of women seeking assistance only exacerbates the issue.

With Nova Scotia experiencing a surge in intimate partner violence, the need for stable housing for survivors has become more critical than ever. Unfortunately, the time it takes for women to secure permanent housing has increased over the past five years, according to Michelle Tupy, the chapter director of Shelter Movers in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. The organization helps women move and store their belongings while they search for new housing, but the duration of storage has been prolonging, sometimes exceeding a year.

Tupy reveals that some clients end up becoming homeless or returning to their abusers due to the inability to find suitable housing. The situation highlights the urgent need for more affordable housing options for survivors of domestic violence. Despite the pressing need for housing solutions, the ministers responsible for housing and status of women declined to comment on the issue.

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The provincial government in Nova Scotia has taken steps to address the housing crisis for survivors of domestic violence. In the recent budget, $7.1 million was allocated for transition houses and women’s centers, with an additional rental subsidy introduced specifically for women fleeing abuse. The subsidy offers financial assistance for up to two years, aiming to provide survivors with stable housing options.

Mary Aspinall, an assistant professor specializing in criminology and criminal justice, emphasizes the importance of secure housing and financial stability for survivors to break free from abusive relationships. With the lack of shelter beds and growing waitlists across the country, finding long-term housing solutions remains a challenge.

In Sydney, McDavid’s organization operates second-stage housing units for survivors, but funding constraints limit their ability to expand and accommodate more women. Despite the hardships faced by survivors, McDavid remains determined to provide support and create more housing options for those in need.

The growing demand for shelters and the scarcity of affordable housing options underscore the urgent need for systemic changes to support survivors of domestic violence. By addressing the housing crisis and providing adequate resources, we can empower survivors to rebuild their lives free from abuse.

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