In three years, the average length of stay in the 43 establishments of the Group of houses for women victims of domestic violence has jumped by almost 20%. Once ready to leave these centers, users encounter a lack of affordable housing.
According to the organization, the average length of stay in these emergency homes, which receive those leaving a violent environment, increased from 32 days in 2019-2020 to 38 in 2022-2023 in Quebec. “This tells us that the situation of those we welcome is now more complex,” underlines Louise Riendeau, co-responsible for political issues at the Regroupement.
If women have to stay longer in accommodation centers, it is in particular because of the housing crisis, maintains Mme Riendeau. They struggle to find an affordable place to live, she explains. “And this, even in regions where there was no problem before. »
In 2022-2023, the member homes of the Regroupement welcomed a total of 3,269 women. “When they are ready to leave our homes, but are forced to stay because they do not have the means to relocate, that means that they do not free up space for others who do. need,” notes Louise Riendeau.
“17 refusals per day”
It therefore often happens that the accommodation centers are full, says Claudine Thibaudeau, responsible for training and clinical support at SOS domestic violence. This line directs women who contact it to one of the emergency establishments that can receive them. The province has around a hundred in all.
However, from 1er January to March 11, the organization had to refuse around 17 requests for accommodation per day, laments Mme Thibaudeau. The lack of places in houses is to blame, she explains. “For example, if I have a call from a Montrealer [qui souhaite être accueillie dans un foyer], but the closest place I have to offer her is in Trois-Rivières, there’s a good chance she’ll say no. »
Each refusal is a “failure”, deplores Claudine Thibaudeau. “We work hard in our society to make people aware of how to detect domestic violence. We inform them that there is help and that they can call us. Then, when someone calls us, we are forced to answer: “I’m sorry, but I don’t have room”. But a victim who asks us to be accommodated is the last resort. It’s always an emergency. »
New units must therefore be created in these establishments, in order to be able to accommodate all those who need them, underlines Mme Thibaudeau. “Our organization has been sounding the alarm for years and saying that there is a shortage of places. It’s getting more and more difficult. »
We must also be able to facilitate the departure of those who are ready to leave the accommodation centers, says Annick Brazeau, president of the Group of houses for women victims of domestic violence. Often, mothers who have several children struggle to find accommodation elsewhere, she says. “These are cases in which it takes us longer to get answers for housing. It seems that life is made for families who need two or three bedrooms maximum. »
Contacted by The dutythe office of the Quebec Minister responsible for Housing, France-Élaine Duranceau, says it will continue its efforts to “innovate and listen to increase the number of social and affordable housing in Quebec” .
“We are continuing the collaborative work with organizations so that these additional places see the light of day as quickly as possible,” adds Ms.me Duranceau. According to data provided by the Société d’habitation du Québec, four emergency shelter projects are currently in development, while two others are under construction.
New obstacle
In addition to having repercussions on shelters, the housing crisis is now added to the reasons why a woman decides to remain in a violent environment, notes Annick Brazeau. “Now, the fear of not being able to find a place to stay or of not being able to make it financially is a new barrier for those who want to leave. We really need to find ways to help them at this level. »
Some people are therefore hesitant to contact the SOS domestic violence line to discuss their departure, because they believe that they will “not be able” to leave their home, underlines Claudine Thibaudeau. “But what we always say is to call us anyway. No need to wait until you’re ready to go before contacting us. The ideal is to have support upstream, because that allows you to prepare. »
For her part, Annick Brazeau wants to reassure women who are worried about not being able to find affordable housing if they leave their violent environment. “They need to hear it, there are possibilities for them. »
The Quebec government’s rent supplement program (PSL), which pays a large part of the rent for victims of domestic violence, is an example. “But it is necessary that, as soon as they arrive at a shelter, they quickly take steps to find accommodation,” says Ms.me Brazeau.
Need help ?
If you are a victim of domestic violence, you can call the SOS domestic violence emergency line at 1 800 363-9010.
If you are a victim of sexual violence, you can contact a Sexual Assault Support Center (CALACS) near you. Click here to see the list or call the Sexual Violence Helpline at 1 888 933-9007.
Men with violent behavior can contact the network à coeur d’homme, which supports the prevention of domestic and family violence, at 1 877 660-7799.