I thought we were going to be homeless: B.C.s housing crisis affects women fleeing abuse [Video]

WARNING: Some of the details in this story are disturbing and may trigger some readers. Discretion is advised.

Gender based violence is on the rise in B.C., with the province declaring it an epidemic in January.

But the policies do not appear to translate into meaningful support for the women fleeing abuse.

Global News spoke to a mother who fled an abusive relationship with nothing but two suitcases and her child. We are not disclosing her name due to safety reasons.

She said that the discovery of B.C.’s transitional housing system was both a lifeline and a revelation. But the safety she found in that emergency space quickly turned into uncertainty, as she struggled to find long-term housing.

“They said okay, because of your situation, you are now on the top of the list,” she said. “But then you can see lots of other women that are still on that …