November is family violence awareness month. In June, the New Brunswick legislative assembly unanimously passed a motion calling for the provincial government to declare gender-based violence an epidemic and systemic crisis. Dr. Jay Michaud, president of the Fergusson Foundation board of directors said the numbers reflect why the legislature declared it an epidemic. “Police reported intimate-partner violence in the province has increased 39 per cent since 2009 and rates of child sexual harm are nearly double the national average,” Michaud told CTV Atlantic’s Crystal Garrett. Michaud also said Indigenous women and girls are 12 times more likely to be missing or murdered than non-Indigenous women and girls. “These numbers might be hard to hear but naming the reality is very important,” Michaud said. “That’s how we mobilize real solutions.” Michaud said the rise in harmful messaging online against women and gender-diverse groups also has an impact in communities. The Fergusson Foundation president said signs of family violence can range depending on the person but warns people to look out for when someone they know becomes withdrawn from family and friends, has unexplained injuries or their finances are being controlled. “These are all things that might indicate that family violence is happening,” Michaud said. Controlling behaviours are a “red flag” she said. Signs of someone being controlled might be if their phone is being monitored or their access to support systems are being restricted. “If something feels off to you, trust that instinct and listen to them,” Michaud said. And when it comes to providing supports for someone who may be a victim of family violence, Michaud said the best thing someone can do is listen without judgement. The Fergusson Foundation aims to prevent family violence by funding research and education to promote awareness in Atlantic Canada. The foundation also helps organizations across New Brunswick that offer supports for those experiencing family violence. Michaud said donations to the Fergusson Foundation go towards these supports as well as research and projects that are aimed at ending family violence. “That helps us make a real difference in the community,” she said. For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
