“Sounding the alarm on intimate partner violence.”
Intimate partner violence, or IPV, is a major global health concern, according to The World Health Organization.
IPV, also known as spousal or domestic violence, is a prevalent form of gender-based violence. It can be multiple forms of harm which are caused by a current or former intimate partner.
In the past 6 months, the Nova Scotia RCMP have reported six incidents where people have been killed as a result of intimate partner violence in Nova Scotia, all victims being women.
The most recent case of IPV resulting in a death was here in the Annapolis Valley.
Police-reported data shows that women are at a much higher risk of experiencing IPV, which also includes being among victims of intimate partner homicides. Despite the severe impacts as a result of IPV, most cases are not reported.
The RCMP’s role with regard to IPV has traditionally been limited to investigating and charging offenders when reasonable grounds exist. However, their role is much larger here in Nova Scotia:
Their efforts have been focused on working with multiple agencies at many levels to advance stronger, more supportive programs and services for survivors and their families.
RCMP victim services team is leading, or participating in, provincial working and task groups, which include service providers from across Nova Scotia, on topics including coercive control; high-risk case conferencing; collaborative case management, among others.
RCMP has also taken steps to increase the number of intimate partner violence investigators and case coordinators.
It’s time to sound the alarm on this pressing issue, help raise awareness, and support those who are suffering in silence.
In many cases, children are also impacted by sources of violence as a result of IPV. There are local supports and resources available for those impacted by violence.
I reached out to our local Chrysalis House in Kentville, to help with getting the word out about the support and services that are offered locally to women and children in Annapolis, Hants & Kings Counties.
“At Chrysalis House, we remain dedicated to providing safe and supportive services for women and children experiencing violence and abuse. This loss is a devastating reminder of the critical importance of our work and the collective effort needed to create a community where everyone can live free from violence.”
You can reach out to the Chrysalis House by telephone at 902-679-1922 or toll-free at 1-800-264-8682, as well as by email at support@chrysalishouse.ca.
There are also lots of resources and information on their website, www.chrysalishouseassociation.org
THANS (Transition House Association of Nova Scotia) also has a website with numerous resources and information about transition houses across the province. https://thans.ca/
We encourage anyone experiencing, or at risk of, intimate partner violence to reach out to a person or resource that you trust.
You can access support anonymously.
Support is available across Nova Scotia and can be accessed by dialing 211, calling the provincial toll-free line at 1-855-225-0220, or visiting Nova Scotia 211 online.
If you or someone you know are in immediate danger as a result of intimate partner violence, don’t hesitate, call 9-1-1.
Information has been sourced with assistance by the Nova Scotia RCMP, The Chrysalis House Association & The Government of Canada.
https://www.canada.ca/en/women-gender-equality/gender-based-violence/intimate-partner-violence.html
Adrian J.
