Our Mission

THANS exists to eliminate violence against women in Nova Scotia. We:

Work with other equality seeking organizations, and the 3 levels of government, to address barriers that prevent women, and their children from living free of Violence and Abuse.
Advocate for sufficient programs, services and funding for Transition Houses in Nova Scotia.
Increase public awareness of Violence and Abuse in our society.
Conduct and/or participate in Feminist Participatory Research.
Provide training and networking opportunities for Boards and Staff of our Member Organizations.

Our Work

The Transition House Association of Nova Scotia (THANS) members provide transitional services to women and their children who are experiencing violence and abuse. This includes culturally relevant services to Mi’kmaq People. THANS' 11member organizations work with women and their children in 13 locations across Nova Scotia:

Sydney
We'koqma'q First Nation
Port Hawkesbury
Antigonish
New Glasgow
Amherst
Truro
Millbrook First Nation
Dartmouth (Halifax Regional Municipality)
Bridgewater
Yarmouth
Digby
Kentville

Our organizations provide a full range of support services to women and their children in a safe, supportive environment. We provide survivors of violence with opportunities to learn about available resources and alternatives to help make informed decisions.

There are frequent barriers that prevent our service users from moving forward in their lives:

Poverty
Lack of safe supportive affordable housing
Lack of childcare
Literacy and education,
Transportation
Court support

THANS works from a feminist-based perspective that seeks to work collaboratively with other community organizations and the 3 levels of government. We are allies in addressing these barriers and eliminating violence against women.

THANS' focus is on men’s violence against women in relationships. This is not intended to ignore violence in male same-sex relationships, or of vulnerable males in heterosexual relationships. THANS uses the language of men as the perpetrators and women as victims. This is the reality in the overwhelming number of cases of violence between intimates. It’s what THANSmember organizations see everyday.

Our History

Transition Houses grew out of a need of women for safety and support in spousal abuse situations. The first transition house in Nova Scotia opened in Halifax in 1978, and the provincial association incorporated in 1989.

Our Philosophy

THANS member organizations are guided by a Feminist Philosophy and believe that:

Domestic violence and family violence exist in our province.
No woman or child should be abused physically, psychologically, emotionally, sexually or economically.
Every woman and child has the right to live free without fear.
A secure, non-judgmental and supportive environment will enable women to become active agents in their own lives.
The needs of children exposed to domestic violence and family violence should be paid particular attention.
Ongoing services should be available to women and children who are victims of domestic abuse and family violence.
Communities should be educated on the extent and consequences of domestic violence and family violence.
Communication and cooperation between agencies concerned with women abuse and family violence should be encouraged at every opportunity.
THANS members are accountable to those who access their services and to their community. We extend services to women and their children of every:

- Age
- Race
- Ethnic background or national ancestry
- Language
- Religion
- Marital status
- Socio-economic status
- Mental/physical ability
- Sexual orientation
- Political affiliation
- Citizenship status

who meet the THANS member organization intake criteria.

Women have the right to personal dignity, to freedom from fear and to freedom from physical and/or emotional coercion.
Women have the right to:
- Information.
- moral and personal freedom.
- exercise personal autonomy in making decisions.
- make choices affecting their own life.