Report highlights structural barriers facing survivors of intimate partner violence

Rear view of an unrecognizable woman sitting on her bed looking out the window.

It’s a day dedicated to celebrating the achievements of women, while recognizing the steps still needed to advance safety and gender equality.

But as people around the world mark International Women’s Day on Sunday, Battered Women’s Support Services (BWSS) in Vancouver is bringing attention to the everyday barriers standing in the way of that goal.

New analysis released Thursday by BWSS looks at the impact of the province’s latest budget on victims and survivors of intimate partner violence, who the organization supports.

Speaking to business leaders in February, B.C. Finance Minister Brenda Bailey warned the 2026 budget, which brought in a record deficit of $13.3 billion, would make her “the most unpopular person in the province for a while.”

The minister said the budget implements “disciplined measures,” and was not about “new, shiny programs.”

BWSS says while the budget stabilizes some services, it is concerned about the lack of investment in basics like affordable housing, which may determine how quickly a survivor can leave a violent situation.

The report describes women who delay leaving unsafe environments, not out of hesitation, but because they struggle finding somewhere to live in their budget.

Housing uncertainty is just one of the many risks survivors must consider, and the report says safety increasingly depends on whether multiple systems align when someone is ready to leave.

Access to affordable child care, for example, can impact a survivor’s search for new housing or employment, as well as their ability to attend legal proceedings or counselling.

While the budget maintains existing $10-a-day child-care supports, the province is pausing the enrollment of new providers into the model.

Legal challenges and administrative complexity are also highlighted as barriers to leaving violent situations, along with immigration status, rural isolation and abusive partners maintaining control over technology.

BWSS says women need to be protected not only through crisis response programs, but also through addressing these daily challenges within broader systems that make escaping an abusive partner more complex.

The theme for International Women’s Day this year is “give to gain,” asking people what they will give to gain gender equality.

The BWSS analysis finds that giving women the tools to protect themselves and their families is what will help advance this critical work.