SAFE HOUSING FOR SURVIVORS OF VIOLENCE

Invited & Forgotten: International Students in Crisis, a report released by Punjabi Community Health Services (PCHS) and Indus Community Services (Indus), highlighted the plight of international students.

According to the report, international students in the Region of Peel encounter many challenges including labour exploitation and financial difficulty, human trafficking and sexual exploitation, lack of housing and supports on campus, drug trafficking and legal issues, and mental health, addiction and suicide.

Ontario’s action on increasing access to safe housing for survivors of violence and human trafficking is a step towards alleviating some of the hardship they face.

The Ontario government is investing $18.5 million over three years to support survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking by increasing access to safe and affordable housing, employment assistance and childcare through the Transitional and Housing Support Program. The funding will enhance access to services at five shelters and family healing programs and help alleviate long-term pressures on the province’s emergency shelter system which has experienced an increased demand for services during COVID-19.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has tragically increased the frequency and severity of domestic violence and human trafficking in our province, which means that more women and children are in immediate need of a safe place to stay,” said Jane McKenna, Associate Minister of Children and Women’s Issues. “This investment will help ensure that survivors have access to the supports they need to heal and rebuild their lives.”

The Transitional and Housing Support Program is a key resource for women escaping domestic violence and human trafficking, providing a critical link to local housing providers and municipal service managers. Program workers also help survivors on the path to regaining their independence through safety planning and connection to wraparound supports.

This includes access to counselling and well-being supports, social assistance programs, housing and employment assistance, childcare, education and legal supports, as well as holistic culturally responsive services for Indigenous women.

“Ontario Association of Interval & Transition Houses applauds this government for increasing funding in the Transitional Housing and Support Program,” said Marlene Ham, Executive Director Ontario Association of Interval & Transition Houses.

“This signals their commitment and acknowledgement about the critical role ongoing support and advocacy plays in improving survivor safety and wellbeing.”

A few quick facts:

Access to safe and affordable housing is critical to support survivors of violence and human trafficking in leaving an abusive situation, mitigate their risk of re-victimization and help them heal and rebuild their lives.

Human trafficking is one of the fastest-growing crimes worldwide. Ontario is a hub for human trafficking, with the most police-reported incidents of human trafficking in the country occurring within the province in 2019.

Ontario’s Anti-Human Trafficking Strategy represents the largest total investment dedicated to anti-human trafficking supports and services in Canada.