Domestic violence survivor says housing crisis hurts shelter system [Video]

A domestic violence survivor is speaking out about the gaps in Waterloo Region’s shelter system.

The woman, whose identity has been concealed for safety reasons, has been staying at Anselma House for the past several months.

The Kitchener, Ont. shelter helps women and children trying to escape abusive situations.

“I thank them everyday,” the woman told CTV News. “They saved my life. When I went to them, I didn’t think my life was worth saving.”

She said she was a different person when she first arrived at Anselma House.

“Nervous. No confidence at all. Scared of my shadow,” she admitted. “Broken. I was broken.”

The woman had been in an abusive relationship for more than five years but she finally got away after many dangerous altercations.

“I was in a place where I couldn’t get away from him. Where he has talked about ending my life, where he’s going to …