Calls for Increased Funding as Domestic Violence Deaths Rise in Nova Scotia
The rising death toll from domestic violence in Nova Scotia sparks urgent calls for better funding for support agencies to combat this crisis
Nova Scotia, Domestic Violence, Support Agencies, Cora-Lee Smith, Matthew Costain
Halifax: Recently, there’s been a troubling rise in domestic violence deaths in Nova Scotia. Experts are saying it’s time to step up funding for programs that tackle the root causes of this violence.
The latest incident happened on New Year’s Eve when a man allegedly shot his girlfriend and her father before taking his own life. This tragic event is just one of many that have occurred recently.
Back in September, the legislature called domestic violence an “epidemic,” but since then, four women have been murdered, all by partners who later died by suicide. It’s a heartbreaking pattern that needs urgent attention.
Emma Halpern from the Elizabeth Fry Society pointed out that just declaring it an epidemic isn’t enough. We need real action and proper resources to tackle this issue effectively.
She emphasized that we can’t just throw a bit of money at women’s shelters and walk away. We need long-term funding and support for those who know how to help.
Halpern also mentioned the recommendations from a commission that looked into a mass shooting in 2020, which started with domestic violence. Sadly, many of those recommendations haven’t been acted upon.
One key recommendation is to provide consistent funding for centers that help victims and work with perpetrators. This way, they won’t have to keep chasing grants every year.
Housing is another big issue. Many women and children are left waiting for help because there aren’t enough resources available. It’s a tough situation.
Halpern believes we need places where women can report concerns about their relationships without having to go to the police, which many are hesitant to do.
During a commission hearing, a psychologist shared that abusive men can change with the right treatment. This highlights the need for prevention and intervention programs.
Robert Wright, who runs a counseling clinic in Halifax, echoed these sentiments. He said the recent killings are a tragedy and show how crucial it is to have programs for men to address their issues.
Wright pointed out that many men who commit violence have faced abuse themselves. We need to tackle these root causes to see real change.
Court records show that the man involved in the New Year’s Eve incident had a long history with the justice system, including past convictions related to firearms and a troubled upbringing.
Wright believes we need a comprehensive campaign to help men deal with their problems, including addiction and mental health issues.
In response to the recent deaths, Nova Scotia’s attorney general acknowledged the critical need to address domestic violence and stated that while progress has been made, there’s still a lot of work to do.
This situation is heartbreaking, and it’s clear that more needs to be done to protect those at risk and support victims of domestic violence.