16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence – Day 7 – “I thought my life was over”- A Witness of Domestic Violence

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On February 16, 2022, Jennifer went public with her story of how she survived domestic abuse and hoped that by sharing it will help others (Saltwire, Feb 16, 2022).  This real-life example demonstrates the heroic effort it takes and the long-lasting toll it required to leave an abusive relationship.  Not to mention how the court system often perpetuates the cycle of abuse and victimization.  As you read about Jennifer, remember that 44% of women and 36% of men who had been in an intimate partner relationship have experienced violence in the context of an intimate relationship in their lifetime.

  • If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
  • If you are a woman or her children experiencing violence and abuse in Nova Scotia, contact a shelter near you for crisis support or emergency shelter through thans.ca. In the Halifax Regional Municipality, contact Bryony House at their distress line by phone or text message at 902-422-7650, the main shelter number at 902-423-7183 or email staff@bryonyhouse.ca.
  • If you are a man who has been abusive and would like to stop the violence, please contact your nearest Men’s Intervention Program.
  • If you are a child or teenager and need to contact Kids Help Phone, please call 1-800-668-6868 or visit KidsHelpPhone.ca.
  • If you are a tenant facing domestic violence, you can end year-to-year or fixed-term leases early without financial penalty. For more information or to begin the process of ending a year-to-year or fixed-term lease, call Victim Services at 1-888-470-0773.
  • If you need crisis services, call or text 211 or the toll-free number, 1-855-466-4994.

References: https://www.saltwire.com/atlantic-canada/communities/i-thought-my-life-was-over-domestic-abuse-survivor-shares-story-hopes-to-help-others-100693609/

https://policyalternatives.ca/publications/commentary/canadian-women-their-own-are-poorest-poor

https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/85-002-x/2021001/article/00003-eng.htm

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