Violence against women is a public health crisis in Canada. The physical and psychological effects of violence are profound and long-lasting. When escaping violence, women and children need access to safe housing and appropriate support services. However, shelters and transition houses across Canada do not have enough beds or services to meet demand. Levels of service provided across the country are also different.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on the Status of Women (the Committee) held hearings between October and December 2018 on the system of shelters and transition houses serving women and children affected by violence. The Committee heard testimony from 36 organizations, seven individuals, and five federal departments and agencies. In addition, the Committee received 53 written briefs from individuals and organizations.

Witnesses described the gap between the supply of and demand for shelter and transition house beds. They noted the need for increased funding for shelters and transition houses to meet demand. However, witnesses added that preventing violence against women is crucial to reduce the demand for services in shelters and transition houses.

The lack of services may force some women and children to return to or remain in violent situations. Women and children affected by violence may face further challenges when they leave shelters and transition houses. These challenges include long waiting times for, and difficulty accessing, transitional housing, and a lack of safe and affordable permanent housing.

The recommendations included in the report are intended to provide guidance to the Government of Canada on ways to improve access to beds and appropriate services in shelters and transition houses serving women and children affected by violence.

The main goals of the Committee’s recommendations are to:

• address the gap between supply of and demand for space in shelters and transition houses in Canada serving women and children experiencing violence;
• ensure that women and children living in urban, rural and remote communities experiencing violence, including Indigenous women, have access to comparable levels of services in shelters and transition houses across Canada that meet their specific needs; and
• increase women’s access to safe and affordable housing and appropriate supports.

The Committee applauds the important and difficult work being carried out by staff working in shelters and transition houses in Canada. The Committee believes that the implementation of its recommendations will support shelters and transition houses in meeting the needs of women and children escaping violence, and help women and children affected through their healing process.