Housing crisis impacts those looking to flee domestic violence, research shows

The housing crisis is impacting those experiencing domestic violence, according to a report by the University of Calgary's School of Public Policy.

As we near Family Violence Prevention Month, new research out of the University of Calgary is highlighting the link between domestic violence and the housing crisis.

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In just eight years, from 2016 to 2023, the number of beds made available in domestic violence shelters increased by 48 per cent in Canada. The average increase in beds in Calgary was 95 per cent.

Researchers say this growth is because there are more incidents of domestic violence.

In its monthly crime update, the Calgary Police Commission reported domestic violence calls have gone up by 3.6 per cent compared to 2024, and 14.2 per cent compared to the five-year average.

The U of C also says the housing crisis is playing a part.

“A tight rental market means fewer women can escape violence by moving directly into housing away from their abuser,” said Ron Kneebone, Director of Social Policy Research at the School of Public Policy.

“Women’s shelters are finding they have to provide more and more beds because people are not leaving. They stay for long periods of time. All of this is because of the housing crisis. People cannot find a place to live so they’re stuck in these shelters,” said Kneebone.

YW Calgary communications and community relations director Carla Link said the “length of stay in the crisis shelter varies but on average has increased in recent years.”

“Demand for our crisis shelter continues to remain high. We regularly operate at full capacity. We continue to see the need in our community. We’re thankful in 2023 that we were able to open our new crisis shelter, where we doubled capacity for women and children fleeing domestic violence,” said Stacey Ashton, YW Calgary housing and shelter director.

Local organizations are calling on Calgarians to do their part next month, by being there for those facing abuse.

“When someone’s facing abuse, it’s often the people closest to them, like their friends, family and coworkers, who they tell first,” said Andrea Silverstone, CEO of Sagesse.

“You don’t have to be a counsellor or expert to help. Just being there, listening without judgment and letting them know they’re not alone can make all the difference.”

This November, the organization is promoting its REAL Talk program, which equips people with the tools to recognize abuse, respond, and listen.