In July, Genesis House Executive Director Ang Braun took part in the Family Violence Consortium (FVC) meeting with Manitoba Minister of Families Nahanni Fontaine and Special Advisor on Indigenous Issues Cora Morgan, to discuss gender-based violence (GBV) and where things are at in the province.
Braun serves as rural co-chair for the family violence consortium and said there was a common feeling and understanding of the size and complexity of the topic and there was a focus on trying to figure out where to start addressing the issues facing Manitoba.
"For example, recognizing that Indigenous women and newcomer women are much higher rates and at a much higher risk for violence than everyone else. And so, looking at how do we provide what is needed? What is necessary? How do we actually engage with those populations to make sure that we're providing the services they need when they need them? I think there was no doubt about that with everyone in the room."
Braun added, the lack of affordable housing to help move women out of dangerous circumstances was identified as one of the largest barriers across the province.
"While the shelters can take care of folks for a short time, what do we do with folks after that if there's nowhere to transition them to from the shelter? So, recognizing that housing is such a key piece in trying to provide options for people that are wanting to end the violence in their life."
She noted there are things shelters can do to work towards a solution.
"As well as data collection. How can we provide information? Because those of us that are on the front lines would have the most accurate and up-to-date information about the needs of the people we're seeing. How can we use our data to help define a path forward?"
There were some discussions, according to Braun, about different challenges shelters across Manitoba may be facing.
"I think the recognition that gender-based violence is happening here, just like it happens everywhere else, but there may be more complicated situations for folks trying to access resources and support simply because you're in the rural. So, finding access to housing, finding access to other supports, whether that is the Children's Access Program or things like that, those challenges remain, The fact that the cost of living in the rural actually is now pretty much on par with urban and there is less options if you're a single person in the rural than there would be in the urban, as far as housing goes."
Another factor of success is the level of support victims of gbv have in place. Braun said lots of people have a network of support for times of crisis, but many who walk through the doors of Genesis House do not. Genesis House, at times, carries much of this role and needs community to build these networks to provide more options for women and children who are wanting to leave these dangerous situations, such as childcare and a strong connected relationship.
Braun was pleased with the discussion held last month and said the FVC felt heard by Minister Fontaine.
"As far as understanding each other, recognizing the needs and the dreams of my agency, for example with second stage and additional housing right across the board, that we need to work together and that we want to work together. There is a will with Minister Fontaine to be committed to figuring out how do we support. The initiatives that the agencies are coming up with, but I think that the fact that it was such a down to earth conversation and an honest and vulnerable conversation about how important this is."
While Genesis House can provide short-term care and supports, the real difference can be made with their transitional housing project, which would allow women and children a safe place to live while they move towards independence.
A Ride for Refuge fundraiser will be held October 5th, 2024, is the first fundraiser in support of the transitional housing project. Learn more here.
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