S2 Episode 1: Should I have Just Stayed - Part 1

ABOUT THIS EPISODE: In the first episode of Season 2, we dive into the critical housing barriers faced by people experiencing family violence. Our internal guest speaker, Haley Hrymak, helps illuminate how housing challenges directly intersect with survivor safety.

Haley’s research report, “Should I Have Just Stayed”, explores the complex experiences of survivors navigating both housing instability and the family law system. In this episode, we unpack key themes from the report—financial insecurity, ongoing housing crisis, and coercive controlling behaviours, highlighting how these factors shape a survivor’s choices and overall well-being.

Join us as we shed light on the realities survivors face, the systemic gaps that worsen their situations, and the urgent need for trauma‑informed, survivor‑centered housing solutions.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER: Everything that we have said today is not legal advice. If you or someone you know needs legal advice, please consult with a lawyer.

TRIGGER WARNING: Our podcast series will discuss difficult topics such as gender-based violence and intimate partner violence, including physical, sexual, emotional, psychological and financial abuse. Please be aware that this is a thread that is woven throughout all the episodes, and we hope you will take care of yourselves however you need.

MUSIC: Song "Crushing", performed by Reveille (license purchased for use)

GRAPHICS: By Melanie Ligale

This episode is made possible the generous contribution by Women and Gender Equality Canada, Femmes et Égalité des genres Canada

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION: Rise is a community legal centre providing accessible legal services to self-identified women and gender diverse people in British Columbia since 2016. Our programs and services are aimed at providing limited legal services to economically disadvantaged clients, who are self-representing in their family law matters in BC

For more information on our organization, visit Rise Women's Legal Centre