The intent of AWR is to offer resettlement opportunities that might not otherwise be available to women whose ability to start life anew is hampered by young dependant children, poor ability in either official language, weak job skills, or a combination of these factors. Such women normally have no family or friends to whom they can turn for support and protection. As a result, they become vulnerable to the threat of rape or to other forms of violence to themselves or to any children they may have.
Some women are in such critical situations that urgent processing is required.
Since the introduction of this program, Canada has offered almost 1,100 women and their dependents a safe haven and the opportunity for a better future. Some women and their dependants may be in need of immediate protection, while others may be in permanently unstable circumstances. The AWR program is designed to offer resettlement opportunities to women in perilous or permanently unstable situations who do not have the resettlement potential usually required for refugee or humanitarian designated class applicants. While it is expected that the women and accompanying dependants will eventually become established in Canada, the integration of most persons selected under the program can be difficult and of a longer duration than for other refugees or members of designated classes. The women and their accompanying dependants have to satisfy admission requirements that cover medical condition, potential security risk, and criminal record.