Women living in Vancouver encampment victims of violence, including sexual assault: survey
A new survey is highlighting safety concerns among women living in the tent encampment on Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, with every respondent reporting they have been victims of violence, including sexual assault.
The survey was conducted by Atira Women’s Resource Society, and looked at the experiences of women living in tents and on the street around the intersection of Main and West Hastings streets.
Out of 50 women who took part in the survey, all reported feeling unsafe in the area, and all had been subject to violence, including sexual assault. Nearly 54 per cent of women reported living in a tent, 33.8 per cent were sleeping on sidewalks or in alleys, and 12.6 per cent were living in single room occupancy (SRO) accommodation.
The survey was conducted between November 2022 and January 2023 by Atira staff. All respondents identified as female with 41 per cent identifying as white, 38.1 per cent as Indigenous, 7.9 per cent as African/Carribean/Black, 1.6 per cent as Asian, and 11.3 per cent did not disclose.
The survey was referenced by Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim during an announcement Sunday, where both Sim and Housing Minister Ravi Khalon outlined plans for more housing for the Downtown Eastside.
“Being on the street right now is not a safe environment,” Sim said. “There was a recent survey done amongst 50 women on the DTES, and all 50 had been sexually assaulted and all 50 do not feel safe.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires air defence batteries in provinces as explosions heard near Isfahan
Iran fired air defence batteries early Friday morning as explosions could be heard near a major air base near Isfahan, raising fears of a possible Israeli strike following Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.