There is much yet to be “unearthed” about the true economic consequences of Divorce, Separation and Domestic Abuse. In fact, the Department of Justice, Canada admits:
“Very little research exists on the overall costs of separation and divorce in Canada.”
Less research yet has been done regarding the economic consequences to survivors of domestic abuse and violence. In fact, the Canadian Center for Policy Alternatives resounds this need June 30th, 2020:
“. . . organizations such as The Canadian Center for Women’s Empowerment (CCFWE) and organizations like Woman ACT are calling for more research on economic abuse in Canada . . .”
Let us not forget, too, the impact economic abuse has upon the children of these situations. Fortunately, Canada’s Divorce Act has been amended to proclaim financial abuse as a form of family violence which puts the issue under a greater lens. Still, there is much work and research to be done on the topic.
Both Federal and Provincial lawmakers have developed an increased sense of awareness about the damage a divorce, separation or domestic abuse has on children particularly during COVID-19. The province of Ontario has certainly increased its understanding about the effects of COVID-19 upon our children to the extent they are increasing “. . . support in Ontario for child and youth victims of abuse and violence in response to the COVID-19 pandemic”.
A News Release dated October 15, 2020 from the Department of Justice Canada reassures us:
“Canadians expect to live in a society where the criminal justice system is fair and impartial and supports the needs of victims. This is especially important when those victims, or witnesses of abuse and violence, are children and youth.”
The News Release affirms the effects of COVID-19 on our children and youth, as well:
“The COVID-19 pandemic has made it clear that ongoing support for the most vulnerable is critical.”
Just exactly how does the Department of Justice Canada intend to improve support? By releasing $363,936 in financial support for fiscal year 2020-2021, to 5 Child Advocacy Centres (CAC) and Child and Youth Advocacy Centres in Ontario.
Fortunately, the Department of Justice Canada is learning:
“Child and youth victims of abuse or violence need safe, comfortable spaces where they can receive services adapted and customized to their needs. These centres seek to minimize system-induced trauma by providing a child-friendly facility for young victims and their families to seek multiple services, ideally under “one roof”
Unfortunately, as we all know change is slow. While awaiting these funds to the Child Advocacy Centres the dilemma of assistance for domestic abuse survivors and their children continues to mount. To that end, following are resource links providing current assistance for survivors and their children on both a National and Provincial level. May you find these resources helpful as you transition the difficult process of removing yourself from a tenuous situation, helping protect your children from further harm and untangling yourself from economic hardship.
RESOURCE LINKS
- Find family violence resources and services in your area – Canada.ca
- Find Help Across Canada – Ending Violence Association of Canada (endingviolencecanada.org)
- Financial Assistance | Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime (crcvc.ca)
- Organizations | Child and Youth Advocacy Centres (cac-cae.ca)
- Canadian Center for Women’s Empowerment list of national and provincial resources (ccfwe.org)
CCFWE empowers survivors across Canada through programs and resources focused on wellness and self-care, education and awareness, economic empowerment and advocacy. Show your support for domestic and economic abuse survivors and sign CCFWE’s petition to protect and support survivors of economic abuse.
“History will judge us by the difference we make in the everyday lives of children”. Nelson Mandela.
By Corinne Isaacs-Frontiero Social Justice Writer, CCFWE
