The housing crisis in Quebec is increasingly linked to rising rates of domestic violence and long-term educational challenges, according to a new report from the Observatoire québécois des inégalités (OQI). Released this Thursday, the study, titled “La facture collective de la crise du logement au Québec,” estimates that one percent of intimate partner violence cases in the province can be attributed to overcrowded living conditions, representing a social and economic cost of 23.2 million dollars in 2022.
How housing instability fuels domestic violence
Sociologist and researcher Sandy Torres of the OQI reports that overcrowded or inadequate housing creates an environment where tensions and conflicts are more likely to escalate into aggressive acts. While the study focuses on correlations rather than direct causation, data indicates a 7.8 percent increased risk of experiencing domestic violence for those living in overcrowded homes compared to those who are not. Financial constraints often trap victims in these environments, as the lack of affordable housing and social housing options acts as a significant barrier to leaving abusive relationships, according to the research.
In 2021-2022, approximately 12.7 percent of individuals who experienced intimate partner violence left their shared home, yet 7.8 percent of those who fled ended up in public spaces not intended for habitation, reflecting potential experiences with homelessness.
The long-term impact on student achievement
Housing conditions during childhood significantly influence a student’s academic trajectory, according to analysis of the Étude longitudinale du développement des enfants au Québec (ÉLDEQ). Children who grew up in homes requiring major repairs face an 80 percent higher risk of failing to obtain a diploma or qualification by age 21. Economist Geoffroy Boucher notes that 88.4 percent of children who lived in well-maintained homes graduated by age 21, compared to 76 percent of those in homes needing significant repairs. This academic gap is often exacerbated by parental stress caused by housing unaffordability, which limits both financial resources and the time parents can spend supporting their children’s education.
The data suggests a compounding economic burden. Beyond the immediate social costs of violence, the long-term impact of non-diplomation—estimated at a total economic loss of 20.3 billion dollars in Quebec—highlights that housing policy is essentially public health and education policy. Addressing the supply of social and community housing could be a preventative measure for both social stability and future economic productivity.
What may happen next
Public health officials, including Dr. Isabelle Samson, director of public health for Estrie, suggest that these findings serve as a strong argument for prioritizing the construction of social and community housing. Analysts expect that shifting focus toward “aide à la pierre”—direct investment in building new housing units—may provide a more durable solution than temporary subsidies. By expanding the availability of social housing, policymakers might mitigate inflationary pressure on the private market, potentially reducing the prevalence of the overcrowded conditions currently linked to domestic and educational instability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the estimated total cost of non-diplomation in Quebec?
According to 2024 data, the total cost—including lost individual income and government expenditures on social services, healthcare, and criminal justice—is estimated at 20.3 billion dollars.
How does poverty affect a victim’s ability to leave a violent relationship?
Statistical analysis shows that individuals who perceive themselves as very poor have a 59 percent higher risk of having considered leaving their home due to violence but being unable to do so, compared to those who are financially comfortable.
Is there a direct causal link between housing and school failure?
The OQI emphasizes that the study identifies correlations within the limits of its methodology. The research suggests that housing issues act as one component of a broader set of obstacles to success, alongside factors like financial stress and the inability to meet basic needs.
How might targeted investments in social infrastructure change the trajectory for the next generation of students?
