Abusers are exploiting the housing affordability crisis in British Columbia, according to domestic violence survivors interviewed by a Vancouver non-profit organization. Rise Women’s Legal Centre engaged with over 40 victims of intimate partner violence, urging legal reforms for quicker access to protection orders and expanded legal aid services to facilitate victims leaving harmful relationships in search of safer housing.

The report, authored by Rise staff lawyer Haley Hrymak, highlighted how B.C.’s housing crisis often traps individuals in abusive relationships or forces them back due to the lack of affordable housing options. Abusers are leveraging the housing crisis to perpetrate violence, using threats like withholding shelter as a means of control.

The report emphasized the need for B.C.’s Family Law Act to consider factors like housing affordability and family violence when granting protection orders or custody applications. It proposed amendments to require courts to factor in gender-related considerations in relocation applications, ensuring the safety and well-being of survivors.

Additionally, the report called for enhanced legal aid services to support domestic violence survivors in securing family property and filing necessary applications. It stressed the importance of efficient communication within the family law system to expedite protection orders and child support proceedings.

Erin Seeley, CEO of YWCA Metro Vancouver, disclosed a substantial waitlist of over 1,000 women and families seeking transitional and long-term housing units. Despite efforts to increase housing units, the demand remains high, with survivors hesitant to opt for short-term stays due to uncertainties.

The call for increased legal aid funding was welcomed by Seeley, who emphasized the importance of trauma-informed practices within the family law system to address the needs of intimate partner violence victims. She underscored the need for provincial investments in combating gender-based violence and providing adequate support for survivors.

The B.C. Attorney General’s office disclosed a significant investment of over $1 billion in women’s transitional housing over a decade. In response to recommendations from Dr. Kim Stanton’s report, the government is conducting a comprehensive review of the Family Law Act, considering changes to enhance protection order eligibility and streamline processes for consecutive orders.

Moving forward, the government plans to update on progress in implementing the report’s recommendations, focusing on promoting coordination and collaboration among legal system stakeholders to better address intimate partner violence issues in the province.