Barriers in the System
Because of our patriarchal system, there are many, many barriers that survivors face when trying to tell their stories, seek justice, or simply trying to move on to a violence free life.
We don’t live in a culture that values women’s voices as much as men’s, so the justice system can often be more traumatizing than the violence itself. Women’s voices are not believed, sometimes by their close circles of support. In reality, our systems are designed by, and for, white men. It’s not surprising that many of those who have been victimized find it challenging to navigate these systems.
Rural Challenges
In addition to the barriers experienced by all those with lived experience, rural women often have additional challenges to deal with.
- Geographical isolation – Support may be many kilometres away, and impossible for women to access.
- Transportation – Women may not have access to a vehicle, and often no public transportation is available.
- Poverty – When deciding whether or not to leave a dangerous situation, women often have to choose between poverty or violence. Leaving her home could mean she has zero access to bank accounts or finances.
- Leaving livestock and animals – One of the biggest barriers for women leaving violence is fear of what will happen to pets and livestock. Often, perpetrators of violence threaten to harm animals as a means of controlling women.
- Social Isolation – This is something that many women in violent and controlling information have to deal with, but it can sometimes be amplified in the rural setting. Friends and family may be further away geographically and harder to access.
- Poor internet connection – This again makes seeking help, or support from social circles more difficult.