ACTO Highlights Housing Crisis Amid 16 Days of Activism Against GBV

The Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario (ACTO) has highlighted the urgent connection between housing security and gender-based violence (GBV) as it participates in the global observance of the 16 Days of Activism Against GBV. This campaign, which runs from November 25 to December 10, aims to raise awareness about the pervasive issue of violence against women and gender-diverse individuals. ACTO’s recent activities coincide with National Housing Day, marked on November 22, emphasizing the need for stable housing solutions for vulnerable populations.

Survivors of GBV often find their access to safe and affordable housing severely compromised. Many are trapped in cycles of violence and homelessness that can persist for years. ACTO’s advocacy stresses that these two issues are deeply intertwined, with inadequate housing options exacerbating the struggles faced by survivors. For those fleeing abusive situations, the lack of stable housing means facing an impossible choice: remain in a violent home or risk homelessness.

The realities of Ontario’s housing system create significant barriers for survivors. According to ACTO’s research, landlords can refuse to remove the abuser from a joint lease, leaving survivors legally bound to their aggressors. Shelters are often at capacity, forcing many individuals back into dangerous environments. The eviction processes can overlook the complexities of financial abuse and coercive control, putting survivors at risk of losing their homes. Furthermore, priority programs for social housing can take months or even years to yield results, leaving many without viable options.

Systemic Barriers and Housing Abuse

Survivors of GBV experience a secondary form of victimization through what ACTO describes as housing abuse. This term encompasses the legal, financial, and structural challenges that penalize survivors for circumstances beyond their control. One survivor articulated the impact of these challenges, stating it creates an “awful, vicious, vicious, vicious circle.” They face liability for damages caused by the abuser and often lose access to their own rent deposits, compounding their suffering.

The connection between housing instability and increased risk of femicide is well-documented. Survivors report that the trauma inflicted by the housing system often compounds their previous experiences of violence. As one survivor poignantly asked, “Where are we allowed to exist? Please tell me, where am I allowed to exist? Nowhere.” This sentiment underscores the urgent need for systemic change to address the housing crisis alongside GBV.

Calls for Systemic Change

ACTO urges all levels of government to declare GBV an epidemic, embedding housing stability as a critical component of violence prevention strategies. Such a declaration could provide essential context in legal settings, highlighting the severity of survivors’ experiences during decision-making processes.

Increased funding is needed for housing and support services tailored specifically for survivors, including dedicated resources for Indigenous-led initiatives. Additionally, the limitations of the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 must be addressed to ensure adequate protections for survivors facing violence in their rental situations.

A mechanism prioritizing stable housing for survivors is essential. Current systems do not allow survivors to remain in their homes while removing the abuser from the lease, which is a critical gap that needs to be filled. Survivors deserve what every individual should have: a safe home, a stable future, and a life free from violence.

ACTO’s research and advocacy efforts highlight the urgent need to address the intertwined crises of housing insecurity and gender-based violence. As survivors continue to voice their needs, it is clear that a coordinated response is necessary to ensure their safety and wellbeing. The call for action is not just about survival; it is about enabling individuals to thrive in a safe and supportive environment.