Combatting Barriers in Housing Security and Economic Safety
Help Us Rise is Canadian Centre for Women Empowerment’s national initiative dedicated to raising awareness about Economic Abuse and advocating for survivors’ empowerment. Held annually in November, it aligns with Financial Literacy Month and Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The campaign brings together a broad coalition of individuals, organizations, policymakers, and private sector representatives to advocate for comprehensive solutions to end Economic Abuse and help survivors reclaim their independence.
The Help Us Rise campaign 2025 highlights the urgent need to address the structural barriers survivors of economic abuse face in securing and maintaining housing. Safe and affordable housing is a prerequisite for leaving domestic violence and without it many remain trapped in abusive situations. Economic abuse continues long after separation, leaving survivors with coerced debt, ruined credit, limited financial literacy, and disrupted employment histories, all of which make securing housing nearly impossible. Recognized in the National Action Plan to End Gender Based Violence, economic abuse is a prevalent but understudied form of gender based violence. Addressing these barriers and expanding opportunities for economic empowerment are critical to ensuring survivors can rebuild safe and stable lives.
Weekly webinar and events throughout November led by CCFWE staff and subject matter experts for the public, policymakers, service providers, and housing stakeholders
A month-long social media campaign in both official languages aligned with themes of housing security, economic safety, and policy change.
Toolkits tailored to survivors, service providers, advocates, and policymakers on housing access, rental markets, home ownership, and accessibility
Virtual webinars and forums focused on economic abuse post separation, rebuilding credit, employment history, and navigating housing systems.
Findings from our panel discussion with sector leaders (shared afterwards for learning), plus release of a new report with results from our mortgage survey on systemic housing barriers.
Public statements and policy asks directed at governments at all levels calling for reforms in rental regulations, mortgage access, and housing protections for survivors.
Together we can advance system level change so survivors are housing secure, financially safe, and able to rebuild their lives free from abuse and exploitation.
Sign our pledge to support survivors in accessing safe long-term housing and financial safety
November 26 is Economic Abuse Awareness Day (EAAD). Use our Social Media Toolkit to show support and share your message about this day.
Download our multilingual STEAR mobile app (available in 5 languages) for survivors and social service providers, and share with anyone who might need help.
Share our educational materials to raise awareness about economic abuse.
Host or attend virtual events or workshops to deepen understanding of housing insecurity, economic abuse, and policy change.
Be a campaign ambassador and raise awareness to local, municipal, and provincial governments for survivor centered housing policies and supports.
Sponsor the campaign or partner with CCFWE to help build resources, assistance programs, and campaigns that ensure survivors have access to safe, affordable housing.
Download our Economic Abuse Screening Tool designed for service providers who work with survivors of domestic economic abuse.
Barriers to the spectrum of housing have consistently been a theme raised by our work with survivors of economic abuse. As a result, we have created the following reports to situated these unique needs and demands for action:
Released on November 26, 2024 — Economic Abuse Awareness Day — Ascending, an original song and dance video amplifies survivor voices and raises awareness of domestic economic abuse.
Register now to learn more about Help Us Rise 2025 at our October 14 info session.
