A local victims services provider is impressed by the understanding of domestic violence demonstrated through the government’s changes to the residential tenancies act.
“What I’m really impressed with is that they understand that there are many points of entries into the system,” said Doreen Slessor, executive director of Stop Abuse in Families (SAIF). “We don’t just see (domestic violence) at the shelters; we don’t just see it at the RCMP; we don’t just see it at hospitals.”
The Safer Spaces for Victims of Domestic Violence amendment act came into force last Monday. Survivors of domestic violence can now break their lease without financial repercussions by presenting their landlord with a certificate verifying they are at risk.
Certificates are obtained by sending the Ministry of Human Services an existing court order, such as an emergency protection order, a restraining order or a peace bond, or a signed statement from a certified professional declaring the tenant or their dependant is in danger.
The list of certified professionals that can sign the statement includes doctors, nurses, social workers, psychologists, psychiatric nurses, police officers and shelter and victim services personnel.
The broad spectrum of approved professionals ensures that a greater number of individuals will access the service when needed, said Slessor.
Under the amended legislation, victims of abuse must give 28 days notice to the landlord, along with the signed certificate confirming there are grounds for ending the lease. The termination applies to all co-tenants.
Co-tenants can ask to stay on the premises, but must work out a new lease agreement with the landlord.
Housing and finances are two of the biggest factors that prevent victims from breaking the cycle of violence, said Slessor. Removing financial penalties associated with breaking a lease is a “step in the right direction.”
Kris Porlier, spokesperson for the Jessica Martel Foundation based in Morinville, was also pleased to see the legislation come into force. “Any movement forward is a positive thing,” he said.
But Porlier reiterated that what would truly make a difference in the lives of survivors is stronger supports and more effective judicial tools.
“Landlords have been able to work with tenants in the past,” he said. “If there was proof of a domestic violence situation there has been leniency in the past. It’s great that it’s in place now, but what really needs to be in place is more support for people when they’re fleeing a domestic violence situation.”
There are no shelters or transition houses in Morinville or St. Albert.
