In 2025–2026, SOS Violence Conjugale, the hotline that receives a large portion of requests for assistance and shelter in Quebec, reported a benchmark success rate of 45%. There is a significant need to create new shelter beds.
In the absence of programs dedicated to the construction and renovation of support and shelter homes—as well as second-stage housing—at both the federal and provincial levels, the creation of new shelter beds and housing units remains mired in an administrative process involving the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, or CMHC, or Build Canada Homes and the Société d'habitation du Québec, not to mention the necessary coordination with the service delivery subsidy from the Quebec Ministry of Health and Social Services—without which the shelter cannot operate.
We recommend that the Canadian government establish a program dedicated to support and shelter homes—including second-stage homes—within Build Canada Homes. This program would include grants for the construction, relocation, renovation and adaptation of shelters for women who are victims of domestic violence.
Women extend their stays in support and shelter homes because they are unable to find new housing. The housing crisis exacerbates the problem of a shortage of shelter beds. The repercussions of domestic violence hinder women's ability to meet their basic needs and secure housing. Women supported by our services have often experienced a decline in their income and financial security due to economic abuse or an impaired ability to work—often for years—as a result of the violence in their lives.
The women we support also very often have dependent children. To help women leave a violent partner, we recommend the—