Domestic abusers are weaponizing B.C.'s housing crisis, report reveals

Abusers are weaponizing B.C.'s housing affordability crisis, say domestic violence survivors who were interviewed by a Vancouver non-profit.

Rise Women's Legal Centre conducted interviews with more than 40 victims of intimate partner violence and, in a new report, it recommends legal reforms to ensure protection orders can be accessed more quickly, and an expansion of legal aid services so victims can exit relationships and find safer housing.

Rise staff lawyer Haley Hrymak spoke to the victims, along with dozens of others who are involved in the legal system and domestic violence charities, and authored the report.

B.C.'s housing crisis, she says, often leads to people to stay in abusive relationships, or return to them, because they can't find affordable alternate housing. WATCH |