Nova Scotia stands at a critical juncture in its fight against gender-based violence and oppression. The data is clear, the evidence overwhelming: the province is grappling with a deeply rooted epidemic that demands immediate, transformative action. The 2023 Mass Casualty Commission Report has illuminated the severe implications of this violence, sending a stark message to our government. Now, it’s time for us to move beyond the stage of recognition and study. It’s time for decisive action and collaborative efforts to change the narrative and build a safer, more equitable future for everyone in Nova Scotia.
Highlighting the current state
- Nova Scotia faces a growing prevalence of gender-based violence and other forms of oppression—and a precarious precipice demanding action and change.
- Let us be clear: We do not have to study gender-based violence in Nova Scotia any longer. We have the data we need. We need to invest in action now.
- The 2023 Mass Casualty Commission Report (MCC) contains implications on our Nova Scotian gender-based violence endemic that went directly to our government’s “central nervous system.” Now we are waiting for action
- We don’t need any more blind hope that things will get better. We need the actionable, invigorating hope that comes when we bear witness to suffering without turning away.
- In the face of Nova Scotia’s gender-based violence endemic, existing levels of community-designated resources are dwarfed by the magnitude of need.
Talking about solutions
- When it comes to gender-based violence, no one person or entity can move the needle alone. Real transformation happens by activating collaborative relationships and changing power dynamics.
- Peer-based learning leads to improvements in the physical and mental well-being of individuals impacted by gender-based violence—and those who support them.
- What could an innovation lab focused on gender-based violence prevention accomplish? Conduct research and knowledge synthesis. Build and pilot new solutions to old problems. Advocate for real change.
- Intersections of gender and sex make women more vulnerable to violence—demanding an equally intersectional approach to gender-based violence treatment and support.
- A summit of diverse stakeholders ranked the top action priorities for addressing gender-based violence in Nova Scotia: (1) Implementing policy at all levels of government. (2) Gender equality in housing. (3) Better connecting DCS to the community. (4) Working with—not against—cultural differences.
- With additional funds, restorative approaches become standard practice in NS schools, leading to more inclusive policies and a deeper understanding of gender-based violence for all students.
- Imagine a future when much-needed gender-based violence prevention efforts are no longer one-off programs but integrated system-wide initiatives.
- When public awareness-raising efforts take a multifaceted approach to addressing holistic societal needs, youth are educated, seniors are supported, and survivors of gender-based violence are empowered with information and resources.
- We must move to a future state in which awareness work is no longer a responsibility left to frontline workers—where the responsibility to “educate up” is not piled on those already handling the real-world fallout of gender-based violence every day.
- Reorienting and redirecting resources/responsibilities is a specialized skill that deserves and requires dedicated time and support.
- When it comes to the work of gender-based violence prevention, departments must transition from a model of “doing to” to one of “doing with”—fostering more collaborative and community-driven initiatives.
- As collaboration across sectors continues to expand, we achieve more holistic and trauma-informed support systems that address the diverse needs of individuals and communities affected by gender-based violence.
- Continued attention to family violence in case law leads to more robust legal responses and protections for gender-based violence survivors and their families.
- Now is the time to unlock as yet untapped private sector funding for gender-based violence treatment and prevention projects—together, we can create a safer and more equitable society for all.
Read the executive summary here.
Implementing lasting change
The journey toward eradicating gender-based violence in Nova Scotia is not one that can be travelled alone. It requires the concerted effort of individuals, communities, and institutions working together to implement lasting change. From policy reforms to community-driven initiatives, the path forward is paved with opportunities to reimagine and rebuild our support systems. We can turn the tide on this pervasive issue by embracing a collaborative, intersectional approach and leveraging untapped resources. The time for action is now, and together, we can create a society where safety, equality, and justice are not just aspirations but realities for all.