What’s the Latest: Too broke to leave: Alberta domestic abuse victims trapped by rising cost of living
The Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters reported a decline in the number of people accessing domestic violence shelters in Alberta due to the rising cost of living, which is making it difficult for survivors to leave abusive relationships. The council’s 2024-26 impact report highlighted that between 2025 and 2026, 82 per cent of calls for shelter admission did not result in an admission, reflecting a significant barrier for many seeking help.
The Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters reported that between 2024 and 2026, over 11,000 adults and 6,200 children were admitted to its member shelters, with those facilities providing more than 71,000 services across various programmes. The ACWS recommends prioritising housing access and financial support for survivors to help them secure stability after leaving abusive situations.
The Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters has called for priority access to housing and streamlined financial support for domestic abuse survivors, highlighting that existing measures often come with barriers. Cat Champagne, the council’s executive director, noted that many survivors are unable to leave abusive relationships due to financial constraints and warned that the numbers of those in need of shelter may not reflect decreases in domestic violence itself.
What remains unclear — It is uncertain where women are going when they do not seek shelter despite ongoing domestic violence.
Alberta domestic abuse victims struggle to escape due to rising living costs
The Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters (ACWS) has highlighted a troubling trend: while the number of individuals seeking assistance from domestic violence shelters has decreased, many victims are unable to escape their situations due to the rising cost of living. “The housing and affordability crisis is having a real impact on survivors and their ability to leave domestic violence situations,” said Cat Champagne, executive director of the ACWS.
The council’s 2024-26 impact report reveals that fewer people accessed shelters in recent years, prompting concerns about the implications. “In so many cases, the numbers are lower because it’s just too expensive for people to leave abusive relationships,” stated Miranda Pilipchuk, manager of research and evaluation at ACWS. On average, women typically attempt to leave an abusive relationship seven times before succeeding, and the financial burdens of relocating complicate this process significantly.
Champagne emphasised the extensive costs associated with creating a new household, including rent, utilities, and necessary furnishings. “A lot of those times, you’re doing it for yourself and your kids,” she noted, illustrating the extra challenges faced by those fleeing abuse. Reports indicate that many survivors are remaining in emergency shelters longer due to economic uncertainty, effectively limiting new admissions.
The ACWS report found that between 2025 and 2026, 82% of calls for shelter admission did not result in actual placements, raising questions about the ongoing prevalence of domestic violence. “That doesn’t necessarily mean that we are seeing a drop in domestic violence,” cautioned Champagne. The stress pertains not only to access but also to the rising severity of violence, with 72% of survivors reporting increased physical violence in 2024.
In light of these findings, the ACWS is advocating for measures to support survivors more effectively, such as priority housing access and simplified financial assistance processes. Champagne pointed out that while programs like Alberta’s Escaping Abuse Benefit exist, survivors often encounter barriers that complicate their situation. “The last thing any of the shelter providers around the province should have to worry about is reporting requirements,” she said, underscoring the need for streamlined support for those in crisis.