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With the number of people living in encampments and on the streets in Toronto increasing like never before, the lack of coordination between sectors dealing with violence against women (VAW) and homelessness means that women facing both phenomena are even more vulnerable, according to a new study from Dalhousie University and Unity Health Toronto.

Dalhousie and the MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions at St. Michael’s Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) brought together academics and community advocates to examine the issue in a new research study published today in BMC Public Health. They analyzed existing interviews with 10 women accessing VAW services (MARCO-VAW Study) and 23 residents of encampments (MARCO-Encampments Study) at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in Toronto.

"Violence against women (VAW) is the most common cause of women's homelessness," the report states, adding that the pattern was exacerbated during the pandemic.

The study found that women fleeing violent and abusive situations were often subjected to further violence in homeless shelters or encampments as they navigated the city's housing and homelessness crisis.

The researchers found that the gap in supportive services was even more severe for people experiencing other forms of marginalization. Factors like their income and education, immigration status, substance use, disability and child custody dictated whether women ended up in a VAW or homeless shelter, or an encampment and what kind experience they had. 

"In some cases, women felt safer living in encampments rather than available shelters," says Dr. Alexa Yakubovich, the study's lead researcher. Participants reported positive experiences when accessing shelters or housing services that provided supports specific to gender and violence.

The authors state that the study's conclusions reinforce advocates' calls for stronger collaboration between the VAW, housing and homelessness sectors on housing strategies that address gender and violence and promote safety, dignity and empowerment.

Dr. Yakubovich, an assistant professor in Dalhousie's Department of Community Health and Epidemiology and affiliate scientist at Unity Health Toronto, is available to discuss the study's findings and recommendations.

Author contact:

Dr. Alexa Yakubovich
Assistant Professor
Department of Community Health and Epidemiology
Dalhousie University
Alexa.yakubovich@dal.ca

Media contact:

Alison Auld
Senior Research Reporter
Dalhousie University
Cell: 1-902-220-0491
Email: alison.auld@dal.ca