More funding over the next 3 years for survivors of gender-based violence

The Nova Scotia government is giving funding to programs run by the YWCA Halifax for survivors of gender-based violence.

Several funding announcements have been made as of late on intimate partner violence and other issues disproportionately affecting women in the province. This time the government is investing $2.95 million over three years in two community projects.

The first is the Safer Spaces program, which gives young people fleeing human trafficking situations 24/7 support. This includes safe housing and wraparound support for up to a year to help them regain independence. About $1.2 million of the funding will be dedicated to the project.

Another $1 million — and an additional $250,000 over the next three years — will go to the December 6 Fund, which provides interest-free loans up to $500 for women and gender-diverse people who have left domestic violence situations.

The money can go towards housing-related costs, utility payments and moving expenses.

According to the YWCA, about 70 per cent of people in its programs indicated that finances were the main reason for them not leaving an abusive relationship.

“Gender-based violence has a devastating impact not only on victims, but on their families and communities as well,” Leah Martin, Minister responsible for the Nova Scotia Advisory Council on the Status of Women, said in the release.

More funding needed

Critics have said that the government needs to do more to address gender-based violence in Nova Scotia.

The province’s 2025 $17.6-billion budget fails to adequately address the crisis of gender-based violence, advocates and opposition parties say.

“It’s really disappointing that there’s not an epidemic-level response to the epidemic of gender-based violence,” Kristina Fifield, a trauma therapist who works with survivors of intimate-partner violence, previously said. “We have seen the reports and recommendations about what is needed. And now we need the political will and money to support that work.”

Abut $100 million in previously announced funding for intimate-partner and gender-based violence was included.

Since October, seven women in Nova Scotia have been killed by their partners.