MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 15, 2022
PROJECT WILLOW COLLABORATIVE PUBLISHES RESEARCH REPORT ON EXPERIENCES OF GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE AMONG WOMEN EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS IN WATERLOO REGION
WATERLOO REGION, Ontario – Research led by the YW Kitchener-Waterloo and Community Justice Initiatives, as part of the Project Willow initiative, exposes the jarring reality of the impact of gender-based violence among women experiencing homelessness.
The collaboratives research report captures the voices of 61 women (cis, trans*, two-spirit and non-binary) currently, or recently, experiencing homelessness who have had experience using local emergency shelter(s) and other basic needs services. This 64-page report, the first of its kind, advances our community understanding of the unique nuances and experiences that characterize women’s homelessness in Waterloo Region.
Among important findings in the report was that for 92% of participants violence is a weekly experience (at minimum), with 44% stating they experience violence at least daily.
“We have long known, as a service provider, that gender-based violence is a reality among women experiencing homelessness but we didn’t know the extent of this experience because it is often still so hidden. To think that experiencing violence daily, from multiple perpetrators over a variety of community settings is a reality for some women is heart wrenching, but also frustrating. As a community we have much more to give to support and protect women and prevent this.”, said Jennifer Gordon, Director of Advocacy for YW Kitchener-Waterloo and lead researcher on this project.
Key findings in the report include:
- The most common types of violence experienced across participants were verbal (96%), emotional/mental (79%), financial (63%), and physical (54%);
- 83% of participants have stayed in a housing situation that was violent because it felt safer than being homeless in our community;
- 65% have avoided accessing services and supports they need because they were concerned they would run into an abuser and/or experience violence;
- 61% have used a prevention or diversion program that has actually actively kept them in an unsafe situation;
- 75% of participants stated they were using substances to cope with their experiences of violence and resulting trauma;
- Women experiencing homelessness in waterloo region are using an exhaustive list of safety rituals to make up for gaps in our support systems, including both isolating themselves and/or trying to blend in and not be identified as homeless;
- Among changes participants want to see in the community are a shift in attitude and approach to women’s shelter that creates safety for women as they rebuild their lives, a revisit of policy around housing priority lists that keeps violence prevention in mind and better collaboration among systems.
“Where we have an opportunity now is to use this research and collected information to make more informed and better decisions that create systems of support for women who are experiencing homelessness that actually reflect their needs, are informed by trauma practices, embrace non-punitive ways of engaging in justice and welcome creative approaches to social and structural change. It’s all in our data, the women we engaged know what they want and need to see changed and have strong recommendations for us as leaders on how to get that change done.”, says Gordon.
In collaboration with Community Justice Initiatives, the report also documented experiences of the current law enforcement and justice systems and the possible contributions restorative justice can make in this area. Participants were largely disenfranchised from police services, for 66.7% of participants it wasn’t a service they would use to address the violence they experience. Participants also talked about the need for “some sort of justice that helps people before the police take a step”, as one participant shared, as well as an approach that didn’t include jail or ‘payback’ but still helped stop gender-based violence from continuing.
“We know from this research that these folks are having complicated experiences with punitive justice methods and we feel that restorative justice can provide a meaningful response to individual incidents of harm and a constructive contribution to ending violence against women.”, said Kate Crozier, Director of Programs at Community Justice Initiatives.
Project Willow is funded by Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE), gender-based violence program funding stream, and received $279,050 dollars in 2021 to be used over three years. The project aims to use this research as well as research forthcoming to mobilize the community to tackle needed systems level change, “We hope to expand the understanding of the skills and knowledge that this community has to offer women who are experiencing housing insecurity and violence. We are excited to build relationships with people and organizations who are passionate about this issue and find creative ways to support one another with our unique areas of expertise.”, Said Crozier
An online presentation of the research findings will happen on June 23rd from 12 pm- 1pm. The presentation is open to the public. Those invested in changemaking and becoming informed are encouraged to join. Registration is required.
Learn more about Project Willow and Read the full report.
For More Information:
Jennifer Gordon
Director of Advocacy, YW KW
Kate Crozier
Director of Programs, CJI
519-744-6549 x 230