Recent Press Releases & Statements
Women’s Shelters Canada Welcomes Appeal Regarding Extreme Intoxication
Like many women and women’s organizations across Canada, Women’s Shelters Canada was appalled by the Ontario Court of Appeal’s ruling last week that extreme intoxication resulting in automatism can be used as a defense against sexual assault. We therefore welcome the Crown’s decision to appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada. We stand with the […]
Women’s Shelters Canada Stands with Black Lives Matter
Women’s Shelters Canada stands in solidarity with Black Lives Matter and with all Black, Indigenous, and other People of Colour in Canada and around the world. As a settler organization operating within an inherently racist society, we recognize that it is our responsibility to act as allies and witnesses to the injustices faced by our […]
Women’s Shelters Canada Calls for Action after NS Shooter’s Former Neighbour’s Statement
Ottawa, 14 May 2020 Women’s Shelters Canada is outraged that women’s lives and the issue of violence against women continue to be minimized. The result is multiple systemic failures. As evident from the Nova Scotia shooter’s former neighbour’s interview, women aren’t believed even when they literally could have helped prevent Canada’s largest mass murder. Over the […]
Women’s Shelters Canada Calls on Authorities to Acknowledge Gendered Aspect of Nova Scotia Mass Shooting
Ottawa, 23 April 2020 Women’s Shelters Canada is asking for the RCMP and the federal government to acknowledge the gendered aspect of this weekend’s mass shooting in Nova Scotia. On Sunday, unconfirmed reports came in almost immediately that the perpetrator killed his former partner and her partner during his rampage. For those working to end […]
Women’s Shelters Canada Welcomes Opportunity to Distribute Federal Funds to VAW Shelters Across the Country
Ottawa, 4 April 2020 Today, the Hon. Maryam Monsef, Minister for Women and Gender Equality, announced that Women’s Shelters Canada (WSC) will be distributing federal funds across the country to eligible shelters and transition houses supporting women and children fleeing violence. On March 18, the federal government announced $50 million to support the sector working […]
New National Report on Second Stage Shelters for Women Fleeing Violence Shows Inadequate Funding
Ottawa, 25 September 2019 Today, Women’s Shelters Canada (WSC) released “Transitioning to a Life Free from Violence: Second Stage Shelters in Canada.” This new report illustrates the important work that second stage shelters do in helping women and children transition to lives free from violence. Yet, the vast majority are doing so under increasing financial […]
As Father’s Day nears, men across Canada are making a positive difference in the lives of women and children
Toronto, 11 June 2019 A group called Strengthening Ties is working towards an impressive and important goal just in time for Father’s Day. Strengthening Ties is calling on men to honour the women and children that are important in their lives by pledging money to support Women’s Shelters Canada, a national organization working to end violence against women. Strengthening Ties: Men Supporting Women’s […]
New National Report Finds that Violence Against Women Shelters Are Doing More with Less
Ottawa, 1 May 2019 Today, Women’s Shelters Canada (WSC) released “More Than a Bed: A National Profile of Violence Against Women (VAW) Shelters and Transition Houses.” This report gives detailed information on the breadth and depth of VAW shelters across the country. The data clearly show that they are providing expanding services for a diverse […]
Sheltersafe.ca Launches New and Improved Search Features for Women and Children Escaping Violence
Ottawa, 6 December 2018 Today, on the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women (VAW), Women’s Shelters Canada (WSC) has launched new and improved search features on its Sheltersafe.ca website. ShelterSafe.ca is an online resource helping women and their children seeking safety from violence and abuse. The clickable map serves as a […]
Women’s Shelters Canada Releases Report Documenting Gaps in Domestic Violence Policies, Legislation, and Services Across Canada
Ottawa, 25 September 2018 Today, during Canada’s first Gender Equality Week, Women’s Shelters Canada is releasing the report Building a National Narrative: A Select Review of Domestic Violence Policies, Legislation, and Services Across Canada. Our goal is to see a Canada where every woman living with violence is able to access comparable levels of services and protection, no […]
