project willow

Taking a multi-pronged approach, Project Willow was an innovative systems change project funded by Women and Gender Equality Canada designed to explore alternative justice opportunities for women and gender-diverse community members without housing, and for precariously housed racialized survivors of gender-based violence.

Don't Tell Them You're Homeless

Project Willow Dont Tell Them You’re Homeless Impact Report – Experiences of gender-based violence among women experiencing homelessness in Waterloo Region

“I can’t go home because I don’t have a home so I am always exposed to people who are willing to take what I have.”

96%

of homeless women and gender-diverse people experience verbal violence on any given day

83%

have stayed in a housing situation that is abusive or violent because it felt safer than being homeless

65%

avoid critical services for fear of exposure to, or experiencing violence

41%

have had to use violence to keep themselves safe

12%

report their experiences of violence to the police.

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Safety is of the Utmost Importance Today

YWKW-ProjectWillow-CMWReport-R03-20230607 – Experiences of gender-based violence and resulting housing vulnerability among racialized Muslim women in Waterloo Region

“I reported sexual abuse of my daughter by my husband. I never reported mine.”

83%

of participants revealed that their safety and that of other women in their faith/cultural community was currently an important concern

70%

experience emotional or mental violence on any given day

24%

have experienced violence and not reported it

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our commitment

Our commitment to the cis women, trans, two-spirit, and non-binary folks who shared their life experiences and vulnerability with us throughout this research is that it will not be in vain. We are dedicated to weaving together the different branches of community to create solutions that prioritize the wellbeing of women, to develop stronger systems that address safety and justice and help women who have experienced gender-based violence move forward from their experiences. This work must always have roots in their shared experience.

project willow

Don't Tell Them You're Homeless

Safety is of the Utmost Importance Today

our commitment

YW KItchener-Waterloo

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