A Holiday Message from CCFWE
The holidays can be a joyous occasion filled with friends and family, but for victims and survivors of abuse it’s often one of the most difficult times of year. And while we may be returning to pre-pandemic level celebrations, those impacted by domestic and gender-based violence are still in a state of constant struggle. The struggle is exacerbated by inflation and the ongoing housing crisis.
While surrounded by holiday celebrations, victims of intimate partner violence are often further isolated by their trauma. Family violence continues to increase in Canada, and is particularly high during the holidays as abusers tend to gain more power due to the added pressure of money issues and families staying home together for the holiday break.
Victims of Economic Abuse often don’t have access to money for gifts or necessary groceries to provide delicious family meals or even potluck items that many look forward to over the holidays
For survivors of domestic violence, the holidays can be an equally trying time. Even after moving out, survivors often continue to experience the trauma of their previous Christmas memories. Many feel hopeless and alone because leaving an abusive relationship has not only left them without access to their money, but it might also prevent them from seeing their children as well. Studies have shown that 1 in 4 women continue to experience financial abuse even after leaving the abuser, making it especially difficult for survivors to reach out for necessary resources and get the help required to regain control of their lives.
As isolating as it is to experience abuse, particularly during the holidays, CCFWE wants to take this moment to highlight the hope we feel for a more inclusive economic future. Meseret Haileyesus, Executive Director for CCFWE, says:
“I wish for all those who identify as a woman to keep strong, have courage, and to love themselves. Because love is a very important thing to renew resilience. More than ever, this is a critical time to invest in women’s economy; to create inclusive policy for everyone that addresses the inequalities in poverty and the stigma around Economic Abuse. Policy makers must change their mindsets to address this issue equitably. Victims and survivors of Domestic Abuse are often rejected by the system.”
Haileyesus goes on to say that policy makers must create their own system based on survivor stories and the data available through recent research conducted by CCFWE. And our governments need to show us their promise from the National Action Plan. “2023 is the time for governments to… translate those promises into action,” says Haileysus.
When considering hope for the future of women’s economy, it is important to understand critical barriers that relate to all forms of violence. CCFWE is committed to continued research and data collection because we strongly believe that numbers represented by research on Economic Abuse are an important aspect in our fight for system change.
Haileyesus would also like to remind everyone that self-worth doesn’t define status. Your bank account doesn’t define your status:
“Life is a journey; an often rough, rocky, and challenging one. But CCFWE is committed to collaborate and work together with other organizations and policy makers to dismantle barriers for victims and survivors of Economic Abuse. I’m very happy and grateful for everyone’s support and contribution because this form of violence is hard to understand but… we are the voice of hope. Our organization is small, but we are doing amazing things because of the support of our volunteers and directors. Thank you to everyone for their time and generosity…we know that dismantling the patriarchy is hard, but it’s worth it.”
For anyone struggling over the holidays, we encourage you to reach out. Connect with friends, family members, and trusted loved ones who can offer support. Especially during this busy holiday season, take some time to yourself and please remember to keep hope in your heart. You are not alone.
Signs of Economic Abuse
- A partner takes control of the finances and refuses the other person access.
- A partner encourages or forbids the other person from working, forces them to quit their job, or tries to control where and when they can work.
- A partner withholds food, transportation, and other resources from the other person, denying them access to necessities thereby making them less self-sufficient.
More information about the signs and impact of Economic Abuse can be found on our website.
If you are in crisis, please contact the Assaulted Women’s Helpline at 866.863.0511.
Photo by Sixteen Miles Out on Unsplash
Written by Ranee Parker for CCFWE
Ranee Parker is a nonfiction writer whose writing focuses mostly on feminist intersectional issues and gender justice rights. She believes everyone deserves equality and attempts to use her voice to empower those who might not feel able to use their own. As a Social Justice Writer for the Canadian Centre for Women’s Empowerment, she hopes to use her passion for equality to bring awareness to the issues facing Canadian women.
Ranee has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from the University of North Dakota and has studied creative writing through various organizations, universities, and colleges over the past two decades. Through her work with the Canadian Consortium on Performance and Politics in the Americas (CCPPA), together with the Hemispheric Institute of Performance and Politics at New York University, she participated in conferences in Santiago (Chile) and Mexico City. Both conferences highlighted local Indigenous history through panel discussions and performance art, helping to broaden Ranee’s views and knowledge on human rights.
Ranee prefers deep conversations over small talk and is eager to continue learning and educating herself on issues facing marginalized women, with the goal of opening conversations that will ultimately eradicate discrimination and inequality for all.
