Local professor hopes to shift response to gender-based violence

A Dalhousie University Professor is working to forge a new pathway forward on how to help those dealing with gender-based violence.

Nancy Ross is an associate with the Restorative Research, Innovation and Education lab who says gender-based violence is a complex issue and there is evidence that early trauma has a lasting effect.

“A lot of literature reviews have said that if you have experienced four or more adverse childhood experiences, you are eight times more at risk of being either a victim or offender of gender-based violence,” Ross said.
 
Ross also mentioned Statistics Canada noted that 1 in 10 women felt unsafe in their homes during the pandemic. The lab, she feels, will help clear a path to better help those dealing with gender-based violence. 

Ross says we need to recognize experience in trauma as cumulative and that victims need to feel safe and secure when they report the crime.

She believes gender-based violence should be seen as a public health and social issue, adding they need to support families rather than punish them.