Shelters supporting women and girls fleeing domestic violence in Manitoba have seen a significant increase in demand for their services in recent years. Lisa Fast, the housing and outreach co-ordinator for Agape House in Steinbach, Man., has noted a drastic increase in the number of individuals seeking shelter and accessing crisis support services. Last year saw the highest numbers in over a decade, with this year on track to be 87 percent higher. The shelters are currently at capacity and are working with other shelters in the area to find ways to support all those in need. However, the high demand has pushed them to get creative with the options available for those seeking help.
A recent tragic event in the rural community of McCreary has drawn attention to the issue of domestic partner violence in Manitoba. Marlon Glover, 41, is believed to have committed a horrific act of violence against his former partner’s family members, resulting in multiple deaths and his own suicide. This incident has highlighted the urgency of addressing domestic violence in the province. In another case, Ryan Manoakeesick of Carman, Man., was charged in the killings of five individuals, including his partner and three young children. Angela Braun, the executive director of Genesis House in Winkler, expressed concern over the escalating rates of domestic violence in Manitoba, stating that the demand for shelter and support services is at an all-time high, forcing shelters to make difficult decisions about who to prioritize for available rooms.
The overwhelming demand for shelter and support services for those fleeing domestic and intimate partner violence in Manitoba has left shelters struggling to meet the needs of all individuals seeking help. With limited resources and increasing numbers of callers, shelters are faced with difficult decisions about allocating available rooms to those in need. This has placed strain on shelter staff and highlighted the urgent need for additional resources and support to address the escalating rates of domestic violence in the province. Braun emphasized the emotional toll that these decisions take on shelter staff, as they work to prioritize the safety and well-being of those seeking assistance.
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew has acknowledged the issue of intimate partner violence in the province and stated that the government is working to address and prevent such tragedies. Kinew expressed a commitment to learning from recent events and implementing changes to prevent future incidents of domestic violence. He recognized the contagious and learned nature of intimate partner violence and emphasized the need for collaborative efforts across government departments to address the root causes of this issue. By working together to raise awareness and provide support for those affected by domestic violence, the government hopes to prevent further tragedies from occurring in the future.
The recent incidents of domestic violence in Manitoba have underscored the urgent need for increased support and resources for individuals fleeing abusive situations. Shelters and support services are facing unprecedented demand, leading to difficult decisions about the allocation of limited resources. The tragic events in McCreary and Carman have brought attention to the prevalence of domestic violence in the province and the need for immediate action to address this issue. By prioritizing the safety and well-being of those affected by domestic violence and working collaboratively to implement preventative measures, Manitoba aims to reduce the incidence of intimate partner violence and provide support for survivors. It is crucial for all sectors of society to come together to address this issue and create a safer environment for all individuals living in Manitoba.
