‘It’s gotten worse’: gender-based violence on the rise in Nova Scotia

It has been almost 20 years since the tragic murder of Paula Gallant, a beloved 36-year-old mother and Grade 3 teacher. Her life was taken by her husband, Jason MacRae, in a senseless act of violence stemming from a dispute over a $700 online gambling debt on his credit card. Paula’s body was discovered in the trunk of her car in the parking lot of Beechville-Lakeside-Timberlea Elementary School, where she taught.

In 2011, Jason MacRae pleaded guilty to second-degree murder after a lengthy and high-profile investigation. Paula’s sister, Lynn Gallant-Blackburn, has since become an advocate for victims of gender-based violence. She recently published a memoir titled “For the Love of My Sister: Paula Gallant’s Legacy” with the support of Women’s Centres Connect.

Despite the passage of time, the issue of gender-based violence continues to plague Nova Scotia. In a tragic three-month span, six women lost their lives at the hands of their male partners. The names of these victims – Paiyton Pick, Elaine Mosher, Corelee Smith, Bradford Downey, Nicole Murphy, and Brenda Tatlock-Burke – serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing crisis of domestic violence in the province.

Statistics from the Transition House Association of Nova Scotia reveal a troubling trend, with a 182% increase in women and children seeking help from women’s shelters since 2019. Approximately 4,800 individuals affected by violence accessed support from association members last year alone.

In September 2024, the provincial government took a step forward by declaring domestic violence an epidemic in Nova Scotia. However, advocates like trauma therapist Kristina Fifield believe that more needs to be done to address the root causes of gender-based violence. She emphasizes the importance of funding community organizations focused on prevention and support, as well as ensuring diverse voices are represented in discussions on the issue.

Alexa Yakubovich, an assistant professor at Dalhousie University, echoes this sentiment and calls for greater collaboration across sectors to combat gender-based violence. Removing barriers and fostering cooperation between fields like housing and education could lead to more effective prevention strategies.

Gallant-Blackburn stresses the importance of honoring and naming the victims of intimate partner violence. She encourages families to share their loved ones’ stories and seek support to cope with their grief. By shedding light on these tragedies and offering support to those affected, we can work towards creating a safer and more just society for all.

For individuals impacted by family or intimate partner violence, crisis lines and local support services are available for assistance. In cases of immediate danger, it is crucial to call 911. If you or someone you know is struggling, do not hesitate to reach out for help.