Last week, we had the opportunity to talk to U Multicultural Channel about family violence shelters and at the heart of this epidemic of gender-based violence (GBV), it’s clear that no community is untouched.
From #Winnipeg to rural and remote areas, the impact of GBV knows no boundaries. The reality is evident within Indigenous women, refugees, and immigrant groups, where systemic barriers such as limited access to resources, transportation, cultural stigma and language support— prevent survivors from reaching the help they need.
In response to this crisis, family violence shelters turn into vital spaces to provide not only emergency housing but also support services to help women rebuild their lives. This support is even more critical with the increasing service demand, leaving many shelters at or beyond capacity to address survivors’ needs.
Manitoba Association of Women’s Shelters (MAWS), in conjunction with family violence shelters, provides hope through advocacy aiming at systemic changes, awareness campaigns to prevent and reduce stigma toward #GBV, and comprehensive work across #Manitoba to provide culturally inclusive services.
By supporting shelters across the province, advocating for improved funding, and facilitating community-driven programs, MAWS helps bridge the gap between survivors and the safety they deserve.
