Both federal and provincial action plans and strategies often address issues of violence according to categories. For example, funding is provided to combat domestic violence, homelessness or mental health issues. However, we need programs that take a comprehensive approach.
For example, we noticed that some shelters are unable to provide the services required to meet women's needs on the ground. When funding is available, it's limited to a specific area. We're calling for a slightly more comprehensive approach to the services provided.
The Fédération des maisons d'hébergement pour femmes has a specific characteristic. Some shelters provide services, but not necessarily on the basis of a one‑off experience of violence or an immediate exit from an intimate partner violence situation. The women may have endured the repercussions of the violence a few weeks or months ago. We can meet the needs of women who had to leave a violent home, who ended up in a hidden homelessness situation for a few months and who are looking for a place in a shelter. Some more rigid resources might refuse to take them in. However, when we take a broader view of their experiences and needs, we realize that we must respond.