December 5, 2023 Dec 05, 2023 9 min read
Everything You Need to Know About Domestic Violence Shelters
Highlights
- Sometimes referred to as “women’s shelters,” domestic violence shelters provide emergency housing and protection to adults and children fleeing active domestic violence situations
- Emergency shelters and transitional housing are the two most common types of shelter available to domestic violence victims
- Shelters and transitional housing typically does not cost money for residents, though some longer-term housing programs may require rent or deposits
- Most domestic violence shelters also provide counselling services, childcare, necessities (bedding, clothing, food, etc.), as well as job and housing search assistance
If you are in Canada and need emergency shelter or housing due to domestic violence, search for shelters near you using the Go Thrive Go database.
Across the US and Canada, approximately 30,000 people rely on domestic violence shelters for housing. While the demand for emergency housing is high, lack of adequate information could hinder some from taking advantage of the resource even when it’s needed.
This article provides an in-depth look at what domestic violence shelters are, what services they provide, how to find them, and more.
What Is a Shelter?
Sometimes referred to as “women’s shelters,” domestic violence shelters provide emergency housing and protection to adults and children fleeing active domestic violence situations. Shelters like these can be found in countries all over the world.
There are several different types of shelters, with some offering short-term housing and others offering longer-term solutions. Most domestic violence shelters are housed inside of discrete apartment buildings or houses.
