N.S. announces $23.7 million to address ‘epidemic’ of intimate partner violence

The Nova Scotia government is spending more than $23 million to combat intimate partner violence.

Nova Scotia will spend $23.7 million to fund transition houses and address an “epidemic” of intimate partner violence, said the premier’s office in a Friday news release.

Premier Tim Houston said the funding will help ensure services and support are available for Nova Scotians.

“An epidemic-level response means working together to support victims, survivors, families and communities, and no one understands how best to do that than the organizations on the front lines,” said Houston.

The province will give $17.9 million over four years to members of the Transition House Association of Nova Scotia (THANS) to “stabilize operations at 10 transition houses.”

Nova Scotia will provide an additional $1.9 million in project-based funding to members to “advance initiatives that prevent gender-based violence.” This is part of $5.8 million in new project-based funding for the sector.

Leah Martin, the minister responsible for the advisory committee on the status of women, said THANS has been candid about the challenges faced by its member organizations.

“This funding is just one of the ways we are showing up for a sector that has always showed up for Nova Scotians,” Martin said.

Ann de Ste. Croix, the executive director of THANS, said they look forward to continued collaboration with the province.

“This investment is a vital step toward ensuring that our member organizations can continue providing safety, shelter and support to women and children experiencing violence,” Ste. Croix said.

The funding comes after the province has seen a spike in homicides linked to intimate partner violence.

Seven women and one man have been killed from alleged intimate partner violence in Nova Scotia since October.

The latest case involves an 85-year-old man who is accused of killing his 83-year-old wife in Bridgewater, N.S., last week. He has been charged with first-degree murder in her death.

In September 2024, The Nova Scotia government adopted a bill declaring domestic violence an epidemic in the province.

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