A new national survey by Women’s Shelters Canada offers a glimpse into the experiences of front−line workers and women fleeing violence during the COVID−19 pandemic, with reports of clients facing more violence that is also increasing in severity.
The Shelter Voices survey says 52 per cent of 266 participating shelters reported seeing clients who were experiencing either somewhat or much more severe violence, as public health measures aimed at fighting COVID−19 increase social isolation, while job losses fuel tension over financial insecurity in many households.
