Victims of domestic abuse have been given a helping hand to remove themselves from dangerous situations at home.
The Safer Spaces for Victims of Domestic Violence came into effect Aug. 8, allowing survivors of family violence to escape their homes by ending tenancy agreements early and without financial penalty. The law was proposed last fall by Calgary-Bow MLA Deborah Drever.
They must present the ministry of human services with proof of abuse, such as emergency protection orders, peace bonds, or notes from certified professionals like doctors, psychologists or social workers. They will then receive a certificate to present to a landlord, who must release tenants without charging for breaking a lease.
Minister Stephanie McLean, minister of Service Alberta and Status of Women, said the act will remove some difficulty for women trying to flee abuse.
“That is absolutely the intention,” she said. “This bill will keep women safe and allow them to exit these situations easier.”
McLean said MLA Drever’s research revealed one of the top reasons women don’t leave abusive relationships is financial and many are afraid they will not be able to afford to leave their current home or find another place to live.
Sherrie Botten, director of Rowan House Emergency Shelter in High River, said many women are forced to stay in unsafe housing accommodations because of financial reasons, and the bill can provide options for those women and open the door to escape.
“It will allow victims of abuse, specifically, to end a lease of tenancy agreement early,” said Botten. “When you rent places you’re bound by that lease, and we find often women won’t leave an unsafe situation or they’ve returned because they can’t afford otherwise.”
She said the Safer Spaces certificates will provide women with confidence as they attempt to flee and heal, she said, by removing some financial burden and freeing them from their living situation.
Under the act, emergency or crisis shelter social workers are able to complete the form indicating a woman is in a dangerous situation and fleeing domestic violence, she said. It can become part of the healing process at Rowan House for those who need help to remove themselves from a lease.
“There are many barriers when women are attempting to leave an unsafe situation, and financial and housing is a huge one,” said Botten. “By helping these people leave unsafe homes while still ensuring their financial ability is intact to find housing, is going to be huge, it’s so important.”
Leaving an abusive situation is often difficult and women are most at-risk when attempting to leave, she said. Removing one obstacle from the road to safety could mean the difference between staying or going, she said.
She said the bill is a great step forward in making it easier for a woman to leave, and she hopes it will reduce the number of instances of women returning to their homes.
“If you need to still return to that place or still be financially responsible for that rent, then you’ve got to make some tough decisions,” said Botten. “Who can possibly go forward financially and find another place when you still have that previous burden and responsibility?
“That’s when we see a lot of women returning, and the cycle of violence continues for them.”
The team at Rowan House is thrilled with the new act, which will enable victims of domestic violence to be safer and more confident, she said.
“It’s a huge step for women,” said Botten. “It’s a huge commitment. And it was a private member’s bill, so for it to pass unanimously it really does show that this government is supporting women and their ability to keep themselves and their children safe.”
