Gender-based violence really is an epidemic in our province. Despite a general trend towards understanding the nuances of power and control in relationships, and the vulnerability of marginalized genders to gender-based violence, investment in support services remains inadequate. Sadly, at North York Women’s Shelter, we needed to turn away 153 crisis callers last fiscal year because we could not provide the support they required – our shelter was simply at capacity with no extra space.

City News recently reported on how this pattern is extending across support services here in the city:

https://toronto.citynews.ca/video/2025/07/17/ontario-women-seeking-help-but-turned-away-at-shelters/ 

At North York Women’s Shelter, we believe that every survivor of gender-based violence should have access to safe shelter on the same day they present to services – and the system is currently failing to provide this. Through advocating for strengthened funding streams for gender-based violence shelters, we can look towards a future of safety and stability for families in need.

A monthly gift to North York Women’s Shelter can support us to continue to expand our services to meet the ever-growing unique needs of vulnerable families in their journey towards a safer life free from violence. Please give what you can today.