Women and the Housing Crisis
Violence against women is often viewed as an isolated or individual issue. In reality, it is closely connected to material living conditions. Poverty and the housing crisis are not simply contextual factors—they are major barriers for women in the Gaspésie Peninsula and the Magdalen Islands who are trying to leave situations of violence.
At the same time, experiencing violence can result in lost income, debt, isolation, and increased economic insecurity. This creates a vicious cycle in which violence, poverty, and housing instability reinforce one another. We cannot effectively address any one of these issues without recognizing how deeply they are interconnected.
Analysis: Poverty, Violence, and Housing — A Cycle That Perpetuates Gender Inequality
This analysis is the result of a collaborative reflection process that combines documentary research with the expertise and contributions of feminist organizations across the region. It also draws on the Argumentaire féministe sur le droit au logement du (The Feminist Argument for the Right to Housing), developed by the Réseau québécois des Tables régionales de groupes de femmes (Quebec Network of Regional Women’s Groups).
It highlights the close relationship between violence against women in the Gaspésie Peninsula and the Magdalen Islands and the material conditions that shape their lives. Poverty, precarious employment, and the housing crisis are major barriers to leaving a violent situation, while violence itself often results in lost income, debt, and increased economic insecurity.
Poster Poverty·Violence·Housing
This poster illustrates the connections between violence against women, poverty, and the housing crisis in the Gaspésie Peninsula and the Magdalen Islands. It demonstrates how these issues intersect and can significantly limit women’s ability to leave a violent environment and access safety. Print and display it to encourage discussion and raise awareness.
Alex’s Journey: The Choose-Your-Own-Adventure Book
This facilitator’s guide was developed for community organizations to support the delivery of a popular education activity with participants. It includes the interactive book, Alex’s Journey, along with step-by-step facilitation instructions in a ready-to-use format.
If you use our resources, we’d love for you to acknowledge the Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine Feminist Roundtable.
Download the facilitator’s guide and the book