To the editor:
Re: "Teenage housing nightmare opens for business," Sept. 19.
Anti-violence advocates working in transition houses across the province, particularly those from rural and remote communities, caution us to examine our urban-centric notions and assumptions about their communities and conditions for women and girls who live in them. They tell us that it is every bit as difficult for girls and women in their communities where there is plenty of violence and risk, but proportionately fewer resources and alternatives.
When girls end up in the Downtown Eastside, it's because they are escaping violence in their communities and the lack of resources and alternatives for their safety. Atira's Imouto House will temporarily provide housing and support to young women who are homeless and currently living in the area.
Unfortunately, Mark Hasiuk's inflammatory remarks and accusations only serve to further conflicts between activists who share the goal to eliminate violence against women if not the methods to do so. Worse still, his journalistic style diverts attention away from systemic causes and, sadly, from those who have both the ability and responsibility to end violence against women and girls: violent men and democratically elected officials.
Shabna Ali, Executive Director B.C. Society of Transition Houses
