'Somebody Must Say These Things' explores Violence Against Women in Nova Scotia.
Episode Descriptions
Chapter 1: Abuse
Violence Against Women is a complex issue that is difficult to understand if you have not lived it. But it is all of our responsibility to learn so we can recognize the signs and help the women around us who may not be able to advocate for themselves. In this first episode, we break down what exactly Violence Against Women means, what causes it, and the systemic issues we face in trying to end it.
Chapter 2: Escape
Leaving an abusive partner is not as straightforward a decision as it may appear. The manipulation of victims and the threats made toward them make leaving the most dangerous time for women and children in abusive situations. In this episode, we spoke with transition house employees to understand what goes into leaving for a shelter safely and what women can expect upon arrival.
Chapter 3: Children
While many victims of abuse feel isolated alone, oftentimes they do not leave their abusers alone. Many women who escape to transition house bring with them the most important people in their lives: their children. In this episode, we spoke with Ginger and her daughter Jordan, who fled to a transition house together when Jordan was a baby. They recount their experiences and how they rebuilt a new life.
Chapter 4: Rural
Violence Against Women is different across the province. In this episode, we wanted to highlight the specific challenges transition houses face when operating in rural communities - from the logistical to the societal. In a largely rural province, what does best practice look like?
Chapter 5: Missing
Violence can happen to any woman. However, some demographics are targeted more than others. This episode is dedicated to understanding just one of those demographics - indigenous women. After centuries of colonization and assimilation, indigenous women in Nova Scotia fight to overcome the systematic oppression and generational trauma that has been put upon them. The Mi’kmaw Healing Centres, managed by Bev Walker, specialize in helping these women and their communities in a culturally informed way.
Chapter 6: Successes
“Success” is difficult to define for abuse survivors. It looks different for everyone. In this episode, we spoke with workers of transition houses to understand the different forms success takes and how shelters help women work toward these goals.
Chapter 7: Stakes
In 1978, the first transition house opened in Nova Scotia. In 1989, the Transition House Association of Nova Scotia was incorporated. While this organization has done so much for women and children in this province, the instability of funding means they are always in jeopardy. In this episode, we spoke with survivors of abuse, Brenda, Flo, and Ginger, who can remember a time before transition houses were widely accessible - and just what is at stake if we lose them.
Chapter 8: Future
In this final episode of Somebody Must Say These Things, we can see the tremendous role the Transition House Association of Nova Scotia plays to ensure a safer society for women and children. However, they need our help to secure stable funding. With less time devoted to lobbying for funding, THANS can dedicate themselves to assisting Nova Scotian women and children and building a brighter future for all. Because no one deserves to live with abuse.