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Some women come to Canada through the sponsorship of a partner who already has citizenship. Under the Immigration and Citizenship Family Class, the sponsoring partner is responsible for the sponsored partner for 10 years. In some cases, their status in Canada may be revoked if the sponsored partner receives social assistance or no longer remains with the sponsoring partner.
Sponsored women are often unaware of, or denied access to available resources and information because of language barriers, isolation or an abusive or controlling partner. Fearing deportation or homelessness for themselves and their children, many women often remain in abusive relationships. They may not feel they are able to negotiate safer sex with their partner, seek further education, or employment.
There are some women living in Canada who do not have landed immigrant status and live with the stress and pressures of living ‘underground’. Women in this situation rarely have access to health care providers, other social services, or access to medications. Consequently, their overall health suffers, often leading to situations that place them at increase risk for infection with HIV.
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