Nova Scotia Faces Criticism Over Response to Intimate Partner Violence

Concerns are mounting in Nova Scotia as advocates state that the provincial government is not fulfilling its commitment to address intimate-partner violence as an epidemic. Senior officials are acknowledging these worries, especially in light of a troubling rise in violence against women.

In a recent statement, Nicole Johnson-Morrison of the province’s status of women council highlighted the government’s declaration from one year ago, which recognized intimate-partner violence as an epidemic. This declaration marked a significant step towards addressing a pressing issue that affects many communities. Johnson-Morrison noted that the latest budget allocates over $100 million for initiatives aimed at combating intimate-partner and gender-based violence.

Despite these financial commitments, Johnson-Morrison refrained from promising “core” funding to victim support groups, which would cover their ongoing operational costs. This has raised concerns among advocates who emphasize the need for stable funding to effectively support survivors.

The urgency of the situation is underscored by the findings of the public inquiry into the 2020 Nova Scotia mass shooting, which resulted in the deaths of 22 individuals. The inquiry’s final report called for governments to provide what it termed “epidemic-level funding” for gender-based violence prevention and intervention initiatives.

Tragically, since October 18, 2023, seven women in Nova Scotia have reportedly been killed by their male partners. This alarming statistic has intensified calls for government action and the need for robust support systems for survivors.

Advocates like Meghan Hansford of the non-profit organization Adsum are vocal about the challenges faced by organizations that support survivors of gender-based violence. Hansford pointed out that many of these groups are caught in a burdensome cycle of applying for annual funding from the province, which can divert their attention from providing immediate assistance to those in need.

She stressed the importance of ensuring that funding is not only adequate but also sustained over the long term, allowing these organizations to focus on their critical work without the constant stress of financial uncertainty.

As the government grapples with these pressing issues, the conversation surrounding intimate-partner violence and its classification as an epidemic continues to evolve. Advocates are urging the provincial government to take decisive action to support victims and prevent further tragedies in the community.