'Shadow pandemic': Waits for domestic violence, sexual assault counselling in Manitoba on the rise

WARNING: This story contains details some readers may find distressing.

In the depths of the COVID-19 pandemic, snapshots of another concerning and growing epidemic are beginning to emerge. 

Organizations and shelters that help women navigate and escape domestic violence are reporting sharp increases in their use and long wait-lists for support.

At The Women's Resource Centre in Brandon, Man., that wait-list could be as long as four dozen. Eighteen women are actively waiting to access services, according to Kim Iwasiuk, the centre's director of counselling and advocacy. 

But she said the centre, which assists women and families across western Manitoba, is aware of another 27 women who have asked for help, but can't be reached. 

"We're calling this the shadow pandemic for domestic violence and sexual assault, said Iwasiuk. "Abuse happens so often in isolation. Now it's really coming out." 

Kaitlin Geiger-Bardswich, communications and development manager at Women's Shelters Canada, said it's a phenomenon being seen across the country. 

She said organizations are facing staffing shortages and space shortages as facilities adjust to the pandemic.

"The phones are ringing off the hook," she said. "They didn't have enough space because the guidelines that were in place for COVID safety meant that a lot of shelters now had reduced capacity." 

Geiger-Bardswich said some federal funding has helped local organizations in Canada. The need continues to grow.

"They're using that to buy to pay for hotel rooms for women who can't stay at the shelter and even to do first month's rent or some rent support," she said. 

Iwasiuk said counselling, shelter spaces and help navigating the justice system have all been in record high demand since the COVID-19 pandemic began. But funding for the staff needed hasn't kept up, 

"We have been able to hire a staff member who is filling a parental leave at this point. We've also been able to take on a practicum student, which is something we haven't done before," she said. 

"As we're moving people around or connecting with people, more people are just calling. So we're not anywhere down really from our wait list that we had before."