Access to $10-a-day child care is a critical lifeline for women fleeing violence, providing the stability they need to rebuild their lives while ensuring their children’s safety and well-being. As advocates call for a dedicated task force to advance affordable child care in British Columbia, it is essential to recognize its role in supporting survivors, fostering economic independence, and breaking cycles of violence.
Affordable child care reduces a major financial barrier that often prevents women from leaving abusive relationships, as many survivors face economic insecurity and limited access to stable employment. With low-cost child care, women can pursue work, education, or training opportunities, increasing their financial independence and long-term stability.
Access to child care also allows women to attend counselling, legal appointments, and support services that are critical in the transition to a life free from violence. For many, the lack of affordable and reliable child care creates an additional layer of vulnerability, making it more difficult to secure housing, maintain employment, or participate in community-based support networks.
Children who have experienced or witnessed violence benefit from access to high-quality child care programs that provide stability, social development, and early learning opportunities in a safe and nurturing environment. This helps to mitigate some of the negative impacts of exposure to violence, supporting both their emotional and cognitive development.
For women facing intersecting barriers such as poverty, racial discrimination, or disability, $10-a-day child care plays a crucial role in improving access to essential services and resources. It ensures that child care is not a privilege reserved for those with higher incomes, but a right that supports the safety and empowerment of all families, including those escaping violence.
