The provincial government has seen an increase in the number of calls to the domestic violence help line in recent weeks, but the minister responsible is confident that the province’s shelters can meet the demand.
According to the Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, Lisa Dempster, most of the province’s shelters are operating at 55 per cent capacity.
However, despite the COVID restrictions, Dempster is confident the shelters are able to help any woman who needs it.
She doesn’t want to hear of any woman having to be turned away and has been advised by her staff that there is capacity in all shelters across the province.
If you need help:
Call or TEXT the Domestic Violence Help Line1-888-709-7090. Anyone who is in immediate danger should call 911.
The shelter in your region has an emergency crisis line and helpful staff. Click HERE to find the nearest shelter.
For services such as housing, income support, victim services, legal assistance, family law information etc., click HERE.
Earlier Story
The provincial government has seen an increase in the number of calls to the domestic violence help line since the latest lockdown began.
That’s according to Minister Lisa Dempster, who earlier today called a press conference to address the needs of women in Alert Level 5.
When asked why she hadn’t addressed the issues sooner in the lockdown, Dempster says she wasn’t given an indication that numbers had risen.
She has been having weekly check-ins with the department since the writ was dropped, and was told there hadn’t been an increase, which led her to believe “all is well.”
However, she was informed this week that the number of reports had risen, which compelled her to get out and try to reach women who may be in danger.
In promoting the resources available, Dempster hopes the information will help women get out of dangerous situations.
She says if such information can help even one woman then it will be worth it.
Call or text the domestic violence help line at 1-888-709-7090. Anyone who is in immediate danger should call 911.