Shelter Movers filling gap for victims and survivors of intimate partner violence

The holidays can mask a silent pain some are living behind closed doors. One volunteer-based organization is keeping their phones on to let victims and survivors of intimate partner violence know that there is help available to them.

Leaving is one of the most dangerous times for victims and survivors of intimate partner violence and Shelter Movers says it’s filling a gap, helping clients pack up, store their belongings and move to safety all free of charge.

“If part of your abuse has been to be isolated from your social network and family, sometimes you don’t have anyone who can help you move,” explains Meredith Cammisuli with Shelter Movers Greater Toronto. “We come in with our amazing team of volunteers and help people collect their most important things.”

Referrals come from partners, including police. Shelter Movers then puts a plan in motion and executes it. But there are also urgent moves and that’s why volunteers are standing by during the holidays.

Shelter Movers, which has 10 chapters across Canada, has seen demand increase over the years. Volunteers are on track to complete 60 moves in the GTA this December and last Friday the group finished their 500th move of the year.

“It makes me incredibly proud of our work, it makes me worried about the other families we haven’t been able to support yet,” says Cammisuli, who adds there are many mixed emotions.

“It can be very challenging for our clients – often relief but often fear.”

A daunting stat released last month by Children First Canada says approximately 1 in 3 women and girls in Canada has experienced some form of sexual or physical violence in their lifetime.

The holidays can be an isolating time for many and during this period, the YWCA says calls tend to drop but only temporarily.

“The joy of the holidays can mark the honeymoon phase in relationships or in the cycle of violence,” says Hana Yassin, the manager of the YMCA Arise Shelter for Women. “Although there is tension and violence, it can subside during the holiday season to put on a face for family, friends and the children.”

The YWCA continues to urge the province to declare gender-based violence an epidemic saying calls for help spike after the holidays posing a challenge for service providers with a system that is already operating at capacity.

“Our concern is, will we be able to support the influx of people who will be calling after the holidays,” says Yassin. “Are the services available? Funding is an issue when it comes to resources and supports.”

The following resources are available for victims and survivors of intimate partner violence:

Assaulted Women’s Helpline
Call: 1-866-863-0511 or Text: #SAFE (7233)

Shelter Movers

YWCA Arise
24-hour line
416-929-3316

Additional resources for people experiencing abuse can be found here.