Less than four months ago, Bill 482 was adopted in the Nova Scotia Legislature, declaring intimate partner violence (IPV) an epidemic in this province. In the weeks since, we have seen a shocking escalation in tragic losses of life resulting from IPV. In addition to these preventable deaths, many, many people in our province are victims of IPV every day in ways that do not make headlines.
A formal declaration of this epidemic, while important, is not nearly enough. Government must quickly implement an appropriate epidemic response. Action is what is needed NOW. Organizations dedicated to preventing IPV and supporting survivors require immediate epidemic-level resources.
The research is done; we have road maps laying out where we need to go from here. In addition to the experience and expertise of organizations in the sector, the exhaustive work of the Mass Casualty Commission resulting in Turning the Tide Together provides many recommendations for government to implement to address and prevent gender-based and intimate partner violence. Too few of these recommendations have been adopted. There is no time to waste.
Additionally, findings and recommendations from the final report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and the Government of Nova Scotia’s own provincial action plan Standing Together, to “disrupt harmful cycles of domestic violence”, highlight actions still to be taken. Our government has invested millions of dollars into research, reports, and recommendations but has been slow and selective in addressing their findings.
Nova Scotians cannot wait any longer. An immediate response worthy of a life-threatening epidemic is required. We urge government to act now.