By Allison Groening, Colin Bonnycastle,  Marleny Bonnycastle, Kendra Nixon and Judith Hughes

This qualitative report looks at the experiences of women and children escaping violent relationships when they leave temporary solutions such as crisis centres in Northern Manitoba. Through our re­search, we explored both the geographic moves women make as they seek safety and shelter for themselves and their children and their reasons for making these transitions.

This study shows the gaps in services and supports for women and children exposed to do­mestic violence. It confirms the need to address housing issues and for a co-ordinated service re­sponse to reduce the vulnerability and increase the support to women and children affected by violence. Finally, it shows a need to address poli­cies and government programs that increase the availability of houses, transportation and second-stage and transitional housing for women to stay and work on long-term solutions instead of re­turning to their violent environment. It is complimented by the literature review Housing Needs of Indigenous Women Leaving Intimate Partner Violence in Northern Communities.