Service helping victims of domestic violence move out seeks volunteers
An emergency moving service for victims of domestic violence says it is trying to keep up with demand.
Shelter Movers Montreal's goal is to get victims out of their homes before the abuse escalates.
"I feel that every time that we get a woman out of the situation and I see her starting over, I feel that at least this woman will be safe and at least she won't go through maybe another attack that might lead to her death," said Anathalie Jean-Charles of Shelter Movers Montreal.
According to the province, about 40 per cent of adult women have experienced at least one act of violence from their partner -- that's over 1.3 million women. For men, it's 26 per cent or 858,000 Quebecers.
"It's much more common that we think," said Jean-Charles. "It's too much."
There have been nine suspected femicides in Quebec so far this year, and according to a Canada-wide report from 2023, the number of women and girls killed in the past five years has risen. On average, it's up to one every 48 hours.
Shelter Movers started in Montreal in 2020. Last year, it moved 235 people, nearly 20 moves every month.
"We started with a lot of requests from the beginning, and we're just trying to catch up right now," said Jean-Charles.
The organization is looking for more help. It's currently seeking volunteer movers, drivers, scheduling coordinators, move coordinators and intake coordinators.
"I'm a full-time student and I don't always have the greatest flexibility or the most amount of time, but to be able to spend like four or five hours a month, even just being able to give to someone and to be able to see that immediate impact," said volunteer Ashley Bock.
Volunteers can be accompanied by security or even police if the abuser could be home. For those leaving, the move is free.
"It's mostly relief. Also a sense that it's a new life starting for them, a new chance for them to start over," said Jean-Charles.
Bock said helping others start over is rewarding.
"It's such a heartwarming experience when you can help somebody who genuinely – really genuinely – appreciates it," she said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Woman with liver failure rejected for a transplant after medical review highlights alcohol use
For nearly three months, Amanda Huska has been in an Ontario hospital, part of it on life support, because of severe liver failure. Her history of alcohol use is getting in the way of her only potential treatment: a liver transplant.
B.C. man 'attacked suddenly' by adult grizzly near Alberta boundary: RCMP
A B.C. man is recovering from multiple injuries after he was "attacked suddenly" by an adult grizzly bear near Elkford Thursday afternoon.
Box tree moths have infested Ontario and experts say more are coming. Here's what to do to protect your garden
An invasive moth species is on the rise in Canada and, if you've planted a certain shrub, it could stand to ruin your garden.
Banking mogul suing government after intelligence leaks leave him shut out of Canadian economy
Chinese Canadian banking mogul Shenglin Xian has launched a $300 million lawsuit against the federal government. It’s a means to find the source of intelligence leaks which Xian says has cost him his livelihood.
$500K-worth of elvers seized at Toronto airport
Fishery and border service officers seized more than 100 kilograms of unauthorized elvers at the Toronto Pearson International Airport on Wednesday.
Suspected would-be assassin ordered detained as Slovak prime minister's condition is stable
The man accused of attempting to assassinate Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico was ordered to remain behind bars Saturday as the nation’s leader was in serious but stable condition after surviving multiple gunshot wounds, officials said.
Here's how Robert F. Kennedy Jr. could make the first debate stage under stringent Biden-Trump rules
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has long argued that the biggest hurdle of his presidential campaign is the perception that independent candidates can't win. He has looked to the debates as a singular opportunity to stand alongside Joe Biden and Donald Trump in front of a massive audience.
N.B. man takes talent to the air, hoping others catch his love for extreme pogo stick performing
Duncan Murray is one of only a handful of Canadians to be considered a professional extreme pogo athlete.
Backlash over NFL player Harrison Butker's commencement speech has reached a new level
The NFL is distancing itself from controversial comments by Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker during a recent commencement address.