This statement was shared during a press conference held by THANS in Dartmouth, NS on January 16, 2025.
We’re here because Nova Scotians are mourning deeply. The recent intimate partner homicides in our province have left families, friends, and entire communities grieving unimaginable losses. These tragedies are not isolated incidents. They reflect a larger epidemic of intimate partner violence that we must confront together.
This press conference is a direct response to a troubling silence from the leadership of the provincial government. This silence is unacceptable, and perpetuates further harm. Despite these devastating events, there has been no clear direction from the government on how affected families and communities can access the services and support they desperately need. When Nova Scotians are in crisis, they need to know where to turn for help. For decades, our front line workers have been helping women stay safe.
First, we want to ensure that all Nova Scotians know where to find help. THANS’ member organizations are here to support women and their families experiencing violence and abuse. Our services include emergency shelters, located across the Province, that offer a safe and supportive environment, as well as access to essential needs like food, clothing, and personal care items. But we are far more than just a bed. Our work extends beyond providing shelter, offering a wide range of services designed to meet the diverse needs of women and their families.
Our services are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and include 24/7 support lines, one-on-one counseling, outreach, personalized safety planning, and support for assessing an individual’s risk and danger. If you are considering leaving an abusive relationship, we are here to help you. We will help you to explore your options, prioritize your safety, and connect you with resources that align with your needs.
When you reach out, you are not required to share your name or any identifying information. You also do not need to stay in a transition house to access services. Our services are completely confidential and can be accessed anonymously, providing a safe space for those seeking help. Whether you need immediate safety, resources, or someone to talk to, our member organizations are ready to support you. We want you to know that you are not alone.
Secondly, we are here to call for immediate action and leadership from the Premier.
To the Premier: these tragedies require your urgent attention. Women in Nova Scotia need assurance that their safety is your priority. We are inviting you to meet with us to discuss and commit to concrete, actionable solutions to address this crisis. We call on you to provide the epidemic-level funding that our organizations require to address the scope and scale of intimate partner violence in our province. We need the necessary resources and support to address this epidemic. We look to continue to and further build partnerships within government and community so that we are able to do this work.
THANS and our member organizations bring decades of expertise and frontline experience. We are uniquely positioned to partner with the government in co-designing strategies that will prevent further violence, provide comprehensive supports, and save lives. This is an opportunity to demonstrate leadership and collaborate on solutions that can make a real difference in the lives of Nova Scotians.
This is not just an issue for those directly affected—it impacts all Nova Scotians. When violence tears through our communities, it leaves lasting scars. It affects workplaces, schools, health systems, and the very fabric of our neighborhoods. We must move forward together.
If you or someone you know is in a controlling or abusive relationship, help is available 24/7 at 1-855-225-0220 or thans.ca for a list of our member organizations across the province. To the men of Nova Scotia: We need your help. If you or someone you know is thinking of harming themselves or someone else, please call 211 for support. Reaching out is a sign of strength and can help break cycles of violence and foster healthier relationships.
To the media, thank you for being here and helping us amplify this important message. We must work together to ensure that every Nova Scotian knows that help is available and that their voices are being heard. Thank you.