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The Right to Vote for Victim-Survivors


In Canada, the right to vote is fundamental, yet for many victim-survivors of intimate partner violence, this right is overshadowed by fear, control, and isolation. For victim-survivors, participating in elections—whether provincial or federal—can be fraught with unique barriers rooted in the dynamics of abuse. 

“When I was in an abusive relationship, my abusive partner told me that I didn’t need to vote.” 


This upcoming election, we at BWSS wants to ensure that victims-survivors have access to the electoral process and feel empowered to participate safely and make their voices heard.  

This campaign,“Reclaiming Our Vote” discusses the barriers to voting faced by victim-survivors, the importance of ensuring safe participation in elections, voting tips, and issues affecting women, femmes, and girls that should be addressed in the upcoming election. 

 

Barriers to Voting 


Victim-survivors of intimate partner violence face distinct challenges that make voting particularly difficult. These obstacles include: 

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Isolation from Election Information

Isolation is one of the common tactics of power and control that abusive partners use against victims-survivors, isolating them from their family, friends, employment, community. Isolation is a calculated choice by the abusive partner with the intention of making it harder for victims-survivors to disclose or report the abuse while making them more emotionally and physically reliant on the abusive partner for their basic needs and practical supports. Abusive partners use of coercive control includes restricting and monitoring victims-survivors access to the external world via phone, internet, email, and social media. Ultimately, through isolation, abusive partners can enforce their political control over victim-survivors of intimate partner violence effectively silencing their voice. 
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Intimidation and Threats

Coercive control and threats of violence are often employed by abusive partners to manipulate victims-survivors during elections. They may dictate how their partners should vote or threaten harm if their demands are not met, utilizing intimidation to ensure compliance. This manipulation can include threats of physical, sexual, or financial abuse, effectively silencing victim-survivors and preventing them from accessing voter registration information or understanding party platforms. The overarching goal of the abusive partner is to maintain dominance not only in the personal relationship but also over the victim-survivor’s civic rights, undermining their ability to participate in the electoral process. 
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Privacy Concerns

Survivors may hesitate to register to vote, fearing that their information could be used to reveal their location or intentions to an abusive partner or ex-partner. This fear of being tracked or retaliated against prevents many victims-survivors from participating in the democratic process. 

Historically, political control through abuse has deep roots. Since women gained the right to vote in Canada, many have faced retaliation from their husbands. As early as the 1900s, women cited “objections of husband” as a reason for not voting, often facing threats of divorce or other consequences for voting contrary to their husbands’ wishes.

Voting Tips and Safe Participation

As we approach the upcoming BC provincial election and the Canadian federal election in 2025, it is essential for victim-survivors of intimate partner violence to know their options for safely exercising their right to vote. Here are some tips and guides to ensure that their voices are heard without compromising their safety.

Voting by Mail

Voting by mail is a safe and convenient option for those who may be unable to vote in person due to safety concerns. Here’s how to do it:

  • Request Your Ballot: To vote by mail, you must request a special ballot. Make sure to do this by October 13 to ensure that you receive your ballot in time.
  • Complete Your Ballot: Once you receive your ballot, fill it out in a safe and private space.
  • Return Your Ballot: Mail your completed ballot no later than 8 PM on Saturday, October 19., allowing ample time for it to arrive at the election office by the deadline. You can also return your ballot in person to your local elections office.

Voting by mail can help maintain your privacy and reduce the risk of intimidation or coercion from an abusive partner.

Advance Voting

Advance voting is another option for those looking to participate in the election while minimizing risks. This year, advance voting will take place from October 10 to 13 and again on October 15 to 16. Here’s how to take advantage of this option:

  • Find Your Location: Check the Elections BC website or contact local election officials to find out where your advance polling station is located.
  • Plan Your Visit: Choose a time to vote when you feel safest. Consider going with a trusted friend or family member, if possible, to provide support and reduce the risk of intimidation.
  • Know Your Rights: You have the right to vote free from intimidation. If you feel unsafe at any point during the process, it is essential to trust your instincts and remove yourself from the situation.

Advance voting allows you to cast your ballot before Election Day, providing flexibility and the opportunity to avoid potential issues that may arise on the day itself.

Voting on Election Day

Election Day is scheduled for October 19. If you choose to vote in person on this day, keep these tips in mind:

  • Check Your Voting Information: Ensure that you know your designated polling station and the hours of operation. This information can be found on the Elections BC website.
  • Go at a Safe Time: Plan to visit your polling station during off-peak hours to minimize waiting time and avoid crowded situations. Early mornings or later in the evening may be less busy.
  • Bring a Support Person: If you feel uncomfortable going alone, consider bringing a trusted friend or family member for support. Their presence can help deter potential intimidation.
  • Stay Informed: Familiarize yourself with the candidates and parties ahead of time to make informed decisions. This knowledge can help empower you as you participate in the electoral process.

By utilizing these options and resources, victim-survivors can reclaim their right to vote, making their voices heard in a way that feels safe and secure. For more information on voting options and resources tailored to victim-survivors of intimate partner violence, contact of BWSS Crisis line 1-855-687-1868. We can provide assistance and guidance to ensure that your voting experience is safe and empowering. 

Issues to Address in the Upcoming Election 

The Province of British Columbia continues to fall behind on gender equality, with the alarming prevalence of violence against women remaining a critical issue. Violence in relationships, sexual harassment, and assault stem from the systemic subjugation of women, severely impacting their ability to lead healthy and fulfilling lives. When the needs of women are prioritized, BC becomes a better place for everyone.   

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Safer Transit

Women and girls experience harassment and physical assault on public transit which limits their ability to move freely through the city, to get to work, to school and to live their daily lives. Public transit for women and girls should be safe, affordable and accessible. Compass Card Safety Resources Transit Sexual Harassment and Assault Awareness Campaign
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Accountability of Police Services

The Independent Investigations Office does nothing to ensure the safety of women who have been sexually assaulted by police officers, or to protect partners who have experienced violence at the hands of officers. There needs to be a mechanism for women who are victims of violence, abuse or harassment at the hands of a police officer, either inside or outside of an intimate relationship, to report that violence without having to go to the RCMP. The RCMP still does not follow the Violence against Women Relationship Policy, which is a policy implemented by them.

Affordable Housing for women and their children

Women who leave abusive relationships and go to transition houses can be forced back to violent/abusive situations, due to the high rates of rent, when the 30 days in a transition house are up. Women should not have to be forced to choose between a roof over their head or abuse.

Increasing access to justice for women

Legal aid in BC has been drastically reduced, compromising access to justice and the rule of law. Without publicly funded legal advice and representation, women are compromising their rights in order to avoid costly trials or having to self-represent against an abusive, and possibly represented, former partner.

Indigenous Women’s Leadership

Hundreds of Indigenous women and girls have gone missing in Canada in recent decades. Indigenous women are less likely to be supported by police because of biases, and less likely to have access to justice. Support and funding for Indigenous women’s leadership is needed to help deal with this impact and is a strategy that can be used to create long term change.

Support for Refugees, Immigrants and women with Precarious Immigration Status

An increasing number of women’s advocates have reported that when contacting police, hospitals and other support services, the woman’s immigration status came under scrutiny. In some cases, women have been reported to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). This is dangerous as women will be afraid to contact police when experiencing violence, out of fear of deportation.

Supporting a Green Economy

In Canada, and the America’s –destruction of the land is linked to violence against women. The current system is rooted in the commodification and oppression of women and the land. The development and sustainability of a green economy moving away from resource extraction will benefit women and their families. Women, resource extraction, and climate change.
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Address the Feminization of Poverty

Poverty disproportionately impacts women –a real anti-poverty plan will help address our shocking levels of child and family poverty, including ensuring adequate social assistance rates and living wages that adjust for inflation.

Affordable Child Care

While child care costs have risen 35% since 2007, income has only increased 10%. On average, women spend 50 hours a week caring for children. This is even more difficult to balance while also doing other unpaid work, paid work and experiencing violence or trying to leave an abusive relationship. Providing access to affordable child care would allow women who are leaving abusive relationships access different support they need, such as legal support, find housing, counselling or other support services and income assistance or employment without the worry of looking for child care.

Fully fund essential services for women

Front line workers play a pivotal role in empowering and supporting a woman when she decides to leave an abusive intimate relationship and in helping a woman navigate the different systems. Women’s organizations have the expertise and knowledge to assist women to leave abusive partners. Currently, there is a high demand for access to counsellors and other services these organizations provide, but there are long wait-lists. Financially supporting these organizations will yield optimal return on investment.

Women’s Economic Empowerment

Women make up a disproportionate share of low-income Canadians and are particularly vulnerable in any economic crisis. Women account for 72% of part-time employees and approximately two-thirds of Canadians working for minimum wage. Canada has the highest levels of working mothers (working outside the home) in our recorded history; 36% of mother-led families still have incomes below the poverty line and 43% of children living in a low-income family live with a single, female parent. The median income for single mothers is more than a third lower than for single fathers. Supporting women’s economic empowerment through skills based training and supporting women’s micro-businesses through training and funding will help increase economic security for women.

Election Updates

At BWSS, we are committed to delivering essential information, resources, and support to empower women and femmes nationwide to engage safely in the political process. In the coming weeks, we will share more insights about the upcoming provincial election to help victim-survivors and our community stay informed about the election. Here are our latest election updates:

 

“Survivors of domestic violence should be able to engage safely in every part of the political process, including voting, without fearing retribution. It’s essential for them to have a clear understanding of how voter information is used so they can make choices that keep their safety front and centre. On average, a woman in Canada is killed every six days due to intimate partner violence and coercive control is often a dangerous predictor of femicide. We know that voting can be perceived as an act of defiance against relationship control. Our goal is to highlight these barriers, to provide information on how survivors can participate in the process, to vote and take that powerful step safely.” – BWSS Executive Director Angela Marie MacDougall

Ensuring Safe Participation in Elections

At BWSS, we are committed to ensuring that victim-survivors of intimate partner violence can safely participate in elections, without fear of retaliation from an abusive partner. The upcoming BC provincial election and the 2025 Canadian federal election present key opportunities for victim-survivors to have their voices heard.

Despite increased voter registration, voter turnout in BC has declined sharply since 1996, from 71.5% to 53.86% in 2020, according to Elections BC. For many, there are various reasons for this decline, but for victim-survivors of intimate partner violence, the obstacles are uniquely tied to the dynamics of control within their abusive relationships. Isolation, coercion, and fear all work to prevent them from exercising their fundamental right to vote.

We want to ensure that victim-survivors of intimate partner violence have access to the electoral process and feel empowered to participate safely. Voting is a crucial way for victim-survivors to reclaim their voice and autonomy. It is essential that they have the necessary information about how voter data is collected and used, enabling them to make informed decisions about their safety.

As we approach the upcoming elections, it is imperative that we recognize and address the significant challenges victim-survivors face. At BWSS, we will continue to provide vital information, resources, and support to ensure that women and femmes across the country have the tools they need to safely participate in the political process. We must uphold the right to vote for everyone, free from fear, control, and violence.

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