New Whitehorse women's shelter to provide support and lodging for victims of abuse

A transitional home for women and children fleeing domestic abuse has opened in Whitehorse.

The shelter is named Betty's Haven. It is named after Gwich'in Elder Betty Sjodin. Sjodin has worked as a women's advocate for over 30 years.

Women staying at the shelter will have access to legal aid, community and health services, and affordable housing for up to eighteen months.

Yukon Premier Darrell Pasloski said the government is aware of the issues faced by women in Yukon and that they understand the "importance of making sure that women and children in crisis…have the support that they need".

The Yukon government will be giving $4.5 million to the project.

Betty's Haven will be open in a few weeks.

STORY WRITTEN BY: KRISTOBAL M. EUGENIO