New Democrats push for renter protections for survivors of gender-based violence

HALIFAX –New Democrats continue to push the Houston government to ensure that survivors of gender-based violence have a safe, affordable place to live when exiting an abusive relationship.

“All too often, survivors are forced to make the difficult decision between staying in an unsafe home, or facing housing insecurity. Housing is often the top barrier for survivors looking to leave an abusive relationship. This should not be the case,” said NSNDP Leader Claudia Chender. “These changes would give survivors the ability to rebuild their lives without fear of eviction or retaliation.”

On Friday, ahead of International Women’s Day, New Democrats introduced a bill to strengthen renter protections for domestic violence survivors. The amendments would require landlords to offer survivors a new lease on the same terms and change the locks if they end a lease due to abuse.

New Democrats also believe that much more can be done, like ensuring the housing benefit for survivors of gender-based violence also covers survivors who stay in their home after an abuser moves out.

“No Nova Scotian should be forced to start over with nothing because they made the brave decision to leave an abusive partner,” said NSNDP Status of Women Critic Susan Leblanc. “This is the bare minimum. Survivors need real, tangible protections to stay safe, and it’s past time for this government to act.”

Since October, eight Nova Scotians have died in confirmed instances of intimate partner violence.

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