Domestic and gender-based violence (DBV/GBV) remains pervasive and constant for many communities. Women’s shelters are often the first point of safety and support, yet the demand for these spaces exceeds available resources. Shelters in Winnipeg and across Canada frequently report operating at or above capacity.
Women’s shelters are lifelines. These facilities provide a safe space and access to essential services like counselling, legal aid, and assistance with long-term housing. However, the strain on these resources has grown significantly, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, which exacerbated the frequency and severity of domestic violence. Tsungai Muvingi Van Landeghem, Provincial Coordinator for the Manitoba Association of Women’s Shelters Inc., explains this surge has overwhelmed many shelters, forcing staff to make heartbreaking decisions about whom they can accommodate.
