Women in abusive relationships have another tool to help them get out.

The Provincial Government has put in place an amendment to the Landlord and Tenancy Act allowing women in that situation to break a lease without penalty.

Sherri Botten with Rowan House Emergency Women's Shelter says it's a big step forward.

"What women have to do is provide some paperwork, either come to shelter, go and find housing elsewhere but (she) doesn't have that financial barrier to stay in an abusive situation because they can't break a lease," she says.

The tenant needs to provide the province with an emergency restraining order, a peace bond or a statement from a professional that they, or their children, are in danger.

Tenants will also be provided with other services and supports for survivors of domestic violence.

"Those other supports that they will be connected with, many of them would be shelter related, but it just means we're all working together so if a woman can get herself out of an abusive situation, not have the financial barrier there to leave and either get into a shelter of another service that's going to provide support for her, education and advocacy, the likelihood of her being able to stay safe and keep her children safe and not return to an unsafe situation is just going to be greater," Botten says.

According to the government 1,064 Emergency Protection Orders were issued from April 1, 2015 to March 31, 2016.

Questions, comments, or story ideas? Email us at news@okotoksonline.com