N.S. non-profit says more support needed to tackle intimate partner violence

Crystal Garrett speaks with Adsum for Women and Children about what to do if someone suspects a friend may be in an abusive relationship.

Those who work in the non-profit sector say more support and services are needed to tackle intimate partner violence.

Since October, there have been seven suspected cases of intimate partner violence in the Maritimes resulting in eight homicides.

A Nova Scotia woman was also killed in Alberta with authorities in that province charging her partner with second degree murder.

These incidents come after Nova Scotia adopted a bill in September declaring domestic violence an epidemic in the province.

Dr. Meghan Hansford, a program manager with Adsum for Women and Children, says there is an alarming increase nationally in episodes of domestic violence that are being reported to the police and captured.

“I think part of declaring intimate partner violence as an epidemic has meant that were kind of reporting this and tracking it a little bit more which is really crucial. But what we really need to do is see a society wide response to the crisis,” she said in an interview with CTV Atlantic’s Crystal Garrett.

“So, individuals experiencing abuse can be quick to identify the warning signs and know how to seek help before it gets to that crisis. It’s also really important for the wider population to know what we need to be looking for and how to provide support.”

Hansford says the warning signs of abuse don’t always appear overnight and may emerge or intensify over time.

“Every relationship is different and domestic violence doesn’t always look the same, but one sign that is really common is the partner trying to establish and gain power and control,” she says.

“Some signs to look out for is if your partner is telling you that you are never doing anything right. Preventing you from spending time with others and isolating you from friends and family or preventing you from making decisions on your own and controlling finances.”

From the outside, Hansford says it might look like someone who is afraid of their partner or nervous when their partner is around. She says people should look for changes in behaviour or mood or physical signs of abuse.

“It can take a long time for an individual to recognize or emit they are experiencing abuse. On average, it takes a person seven times of attempting to leave before they are able to,” she says.

“There is a lot we need to do in the community to provide more support and services for people. But that means it is not possible to safely leave a relationship.”

She says anyone experiencing violence of any kind should reach out for help.

“If you are in that situation, or someone you love or know is in that situation, its important to plan to keep you and your children safe. A good first step is to reach out to someone you trust like friends, family, colleagues, or healthcare providers. We strongly recommend if you are concerned that you reach out to local domestic violence services so they can help you to create a safety plan and walk you through some steps to help your own unique circumstances.”

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page