Women’s shelters and sexual assault centres across the country are receiving assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Over $20 million has been provided to 422 women’s shelters by the Government of Canada.
An additional $3 million will provide funding to 89 sexual assault centre across Canada.
Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development, Maryam Monsef, says the rate of gender based violence was high before COVID-19, with a woman being killed by her partner, every six days in Canada.
“But because of isolation measures, and the pressures people are experiencing, our partners on the frontlines are telling us that the rates and severity of the violence have increased,” Monsef says.
Monsef says the pandemic didn’t make domestic violence stop, it just silenced it.
“Some women are unable to seek help due to increased scrutiny and control and lack of access to friends, extended family, community, schools and places of worship,” she says.
A video signal has been developed by the Canadian Women’s Foundation for women who need help, but cannot make a call.
“It can help you silently show you need help, and you want someone to check in with you in a safe way. On video, put your thumb to the camera, then tuck your thumb and then trap your thumb.”
