By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
Advocates gathered at Église Ste-Famille on Mar. 10 to demand more social housing for women facing violence and exploitation in the rental market. The event, organized by the Centre d’aide et de lutte contre les agressions à caractère sexuel (CALACS) Agression Estrie, highlighted the dire need for affordable and safe housing options for vulnerable women.
Mélodie, an intervention worker at CALACS, addressed the crowd, emphasizing how the housing crisis leaves women trapped in unsafe situations. “If there is one place where women should feel safe, it is in their own home,” she said, pointing to the alarming rate of sexual violence occurring in rental properties.
Speakers detailed how women facing economic hardship, racial discrimination, or physical disabilities are often forced to endure unsafe living conditions. Some landlords exploit this vulnerability. “We also meet women who have to exchange sexual services with their landlords in exchange for a rent reduction,” Mélodie stated, describing a reality that many women in Estrie face.
Kelly, another speaker at the event, reinforced the severity of the situation with data from CALACS. “In 2023, 28 per cent of the sexual assault victims we assisted reported being attacked in their own homes. This makes no sense. Women should never have to choose between enduring violence and becoming homeless.”
She also spoke about the difficulty of escaping dangerous situations due to a lack of available housing. “Not only are women no longer safe in their homes, but the lack of social housing and space in shelters makes it almost impossible for victims of sexual violence to leave.”
The pamphlet distributed at the event painted a grim picture of the systemic nature of the crisis, criticizing both landlords and government inaction. “The lack of social housing for women is the government’s responsibility,” it read, calling on officials to prioritize housing solutions for those in need.
Advocates insisted that only a large-scale investment in social housing can address the crisis. “Ending the commodification of rental housing is the only solution to resolve these crises,” the pamphlet stated.
The event concluded with a call to action for local and provincial governments to implement policies ensuring that women in distress have safe alternatives. Attendees were encouraged to contact their elected officials and demand immediate investment in social housing.
