Across Canada we are hearing about the increase in cost of living, whether it is rising food costs, increased rent and housing scarcity in many areas, or struggles to balance increased living expenses with costs of childcare. Nobody seems to be immune to the effects of these increases, however, you may be wondering how Canada’s more vulnerable population is impacted. With much less control over their financial situation, and often having exterior interventions with their economic success, those impacted by domestic violence are feeling the effects of rising cost of living differently than most.
Does cost of living deter those experiencing violence from leaving?
Discussions surrounding financial abuse and controlling finances are taking center stage in the world of domestic violence support. It is common to hear those who have experienced abuse talk about some form of financial interference from their partner. This can include restricting access to money or not allowing them to have their own money, sabotaging employment or preventing them from working, and incurring debt in their name without their knowledge. Not only does this cause financial stress for the person experiencing this abuse, but it also affects their ability to leave. Concerns surrounding how they will afford rent and food, or how they will get themselves out of the debt can make them feel as though leaving would be more difficult than staying. They feel trapped. As cost of living continues to increase, the number of individuals staying in abusive relationships due to financial concerns may increase too.
How does cost of living impact those living in shelter?
As costs of living goes up, it can be challenging for those on a fixed income to adapt to this. There is an increased need to rely on supports that are provided, and the money allotted to provide these supports, particularly food security support, doesn’t stretch as far. Many shelters also see a decrease in food donations as the community simply cannot afford to donate as much. Aside from food costs, rising rental prices makes it difficult for residents as they look to move out of shelter and into their own home within the community. The demand for affordable housing continues to increase and therefor our residents are one of many applicants for the properties that do come up. These increases in cost of living make it more difficult for those living in a shelter setting move on to the next step in their journey.
How has our program focuses changed due to the increase in cost of living?
Our goal is to prepare the women in our program with the skills and confidence to thrive in their life outside of our building. The rise in cost of living has guided some of the focuses of our programs and supports that are offered. As a non-profit that offers food support to our residents, we have had to become resourceful in how to stretch our budget and have worked to develop local partnerships to donate food to our residents. When planning with residents for their next steps, the timelines has been moved up. The demand for affordable housing has gone up and the wait lists have grown, this means that conversations about where to live when they leave Radiance are happening much earlier than normal. In an effort to prepare those we serve for their life outside of Radiance, we offer a financial empowerment and matched savings program through Momentum, with the goal of building long-term financial literacy and money management skills.
What does that mean for the future of domestic violence support?
On average, it takes women 7 tries to leave their abuser. Financial stress, safety concerns, fears related to stability for their children, there are always going to be reasons not to leave. Those experiencing abuse always find their ‘why’, and when they do, they will find a way to make it happen. Mirroring this resiliency, agencies like Radiance who provide supports to these individuals will always find a way to make their journey possible.
How can you make a difference in the lives of those impacted by violence?
Even small acts of kindness make a huge different. Our Lightkeepers, a group of generous and impactful donors who provide ongoing monthly support. Our Lightkeepers are the beacon of light that allow us to continuously support our residents by funding many of our ongoing program needs.
Joining the Lightkeepers mean you can contribute to the incredible work at Radiance with donations that are manageable for your budget.