COVID-19: BC report details disturbing ‘shadow epidemic’ of intimate partner violence Globalnews.ca

Warning: This story deals with domestic abuse and violence against women, and may be disturbing and agitated by some readers. Discretion is advised.

A recent survey of indigenous women and gender diverse peoples living in BC during COVID-19 The pandemic has revealed a worrying increase in violence at home.

Seventy-five percent of the 95 respondents reported the onset of intimate partner violence during the pandemic, and 77 percent reported an increase in that violence during the pandemic.

The survey was conducted between October 2021 and January 2022 by the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centers and Battered Women’s Support Services with support from the University of Victoria.

“We knew when COVID-19 hit that it was going to cause deep difficulties for anyone who was living with an abusive partner in light of the isolation measures,” Battered Women’s Support Services Angela Marie McDougall, executive director of the company, said in a news conference. ,

“We knew it was going to give abusive partners too much power to give abusive partners, it was actually going to disrupt service provision… in a COVID context that required separation.”

The report, called “The Road to Safety””, was released on Wednesday. It details a “shadow epidemic” of gender colonial violence created by barriers to accessing safe, culturally appropriate support services for Indigenous women and people of gender diversity.

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BC woman tries to raise awareness of an often-overlooked issue during Pope’s talk

“There is widespread fear by Indigenous women who are seeking services and this is racism-based fear. They are afraid they are being judged negatively,” said Leslie Worley, executive director of the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centers.

Worli said Indigenous women are often intimidated by the police and afraid, in particular, that their children will be taken away. Survey respondents identified housing affordability, lack of transportation, closure of services due to COVID-19, long waiting lists, discrimination and mental health issues as issues that prevented them from escaping their abuse during the pandemic. Used to stop

“They found there was one issue the abuser was not addressing – the incentive and obligation on women to find protection for themselves,” Varley said.

“They were asking, what about the men who get to stay in the house, who get to live in the reserve in the community? It is the women and children whose lives have become so messed up because they have to run away.”

Global News has contacted Victoria-Beacon Hill legislator Grace Lore, Parliamentary Secretary for Gender Equality, for comment on this story. She has previously said that the province is working on a new gender-based violence action plan, recognizing that women – especially women and women from racial communities – have faced increased violence during the trans-pandemic.

The B.C. government also provided a $5.3 million fund for the first time to help Indigenous communities and organizations expand their protection plans.

The report underscored the need for more Indigenous workers in anti-violence support and leadership roles, access to safe and culturally appropriate transition homes, and greater participation of men and boys in prevention, among other action items.

The Hope for Wellness Help Line provides culturally competent counseling and crisis intervention for all Indigenous peoples experiencing trauma and distress. Can be reached at any time on the toll free line at 1-855-242-3310.

Women experiencing violence and those of gender diversity can get help from battered women’s support services by calling the 24/7 crisis line toll-free at 1-855-687-1868.