It is a widely held myth that simply leaving an abuser is enough to keep a woman in an abusive relationship safe, and that once that step is taken, everything else will fall into place for her. But through my work, I know this is not the case.
At the new YWCA Seeds of Independence, a program for women leaving abuse, I see the tremendous courage that it takes for women to leave abusers, but also know that it takes just as much strength to survive afterwards. Dealing with abusers’ attempts to regain control means women are still not safe. They are vulnerable to poverty and in precarious housing situations that enable more power for abusers in criminal and family justice systems.
Women leaving abusive relationships are being failed: inadequate welfare benefits and minimum wage, lengthy wait lists for subsidized housing, child protection agencies without the resources to protect children and policing that does not prevent ongoing harassment. Perhaps the most challenging barrier for the women is the legal system. We see many abusers use the courts to continue their abuse and maintain power and control.
As part of the YWCA’s advocacy to protect women leaving violence, we created a guide to court related abuse and harassment to identify ways women and families can navigate through this difficult and often traumatic landscape.
Any woman could begin to feel hopeless when faced with barriers that prevent her from creating a safe, secure and comfortable life for herself and her children. YWCA Seeds of Independence provides support for women who have left abusive relationships for however long they need. We guide clients throughout the long and complex processes that begin after women have established immediate safety for themselves.
Systemic Changes Needed
The Family Law Act that was introduced in 2013 recognized family violence as an issue that judges needed to take into consideration. While this is a start, more education for Judges about violence against women is needed. Women need increased funding for legal aid so they have full representation. Women need child-support orders to be viewed as equally important to orders on parenting time with children to ensure that children’s basic material needs are being met. Every day, women work tirelessly to ensure the safety and wellbeing of themselves and their families. But they cannot do it alone. I invite everyone to stand with them, to speak out against violence against women, and to call for systemic change that will allow women leaving abusive relationships to truly feel safe.
Jessica West is a support outreach worker for the YWCA Seeds of Independence program. To refer a woman to the Seeds of Independence Program, ask her to call the Seeds of Independence Program to complete an intake over the phone: 604 313 6456.
