Transition House Association of Nova Scotia’s Initial Reaction to Release of Mass Casualty Commission Final Report
HALIFAX, March 30, 2023—The Transition House Association of Nova Scotia (THANS), an organization who held participant standing in the Mass Casualty Commission’s inquiry into the events of April 2020, says it is encouraged by the main findings and recommendations outlined in the inquiry’s final report.
The inquiry states in the report that gender-based, intimate partner, and family violence is an epidemic and that like the COVID-19 pandemic, it is a public health emergency that warrants a meaningful, whole of society response. “The acknowledgement of the epidemic of violence in our province and the recommendations outlined in the final report to address this epidemic are a step in the right direction” says Ann de Ste Croix, THANS Provincial Coordinator.
The report also notes among its main findings that funding related to preventing and effectively intervening in gender-based violence has been inadequate for many years and, for that reason, endangers women’s lives. “While nothing can undo the devastation and damage caused by the events of April 2020, together we can work towards preventing future tragedies. This begins with recognizing the work that community-based organizations in the gender-based violence sector provide in tandem with other non-discretionary services and funding them appropriately.”
According to THANS, the epidemic of gender-based violence in Nova Scotia can only be addressed with substantial reform. “We need a systemic shift to eradicate gender-based violence in our society, and this requires commitment from government, community-based organizations, and the public to address the root causes of violence directly. We are hopeful that the recommendations included in this report can mark the beginning of this shift in our province.”
Media contact:
Ann de Ste Croix
Provincial Coordinator
Transition House Association of Nova Scotia
902-429-7287
coordinator@thans.ca
About THANS
Transition House Association of Nova Scotia is an umbrella association of Violence-Against-Women organizations across Nova Scotia. It oversees and supports 11 women’s shelters in rural Nova Scotia. It exists to help eliminate gender-based violence in Nova Scotia, while advocating for and increasing public awareness around violence against women.
Visit www.thans.ca for more information.