Violence against women is not new, but when public health lockdowns began in March 2020, there has been a spike in the frequency and severity of the violence. Abusers have used the pandemic itself as a strategy to further control women who have been confined to the home due to COVID-19 public health restrictions.

While anyone can experience domestic violence regardless of ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, religion or class, domestic violence is a gendered issue, and the vast majority of victims are women while perpetrators are men.

For many women leaving a dangerous domestic situation is complicated. It involves challenging logistics and often affects the survivor’s ability to support themselves financially due to missed workdays and lost wages. The pandemic only made things worse. Because of that, far too many women continue to suffer in silence.

PSAC is calling for 10 paid days of universal domestic violence leave.

Will you show your support for women?