‘Look at what is the root cause’: Counselling group for abusive men seeks funding increase
New Leaf, a group counselling program for abusive men, has been operating for nearly four decades in a small office in Westville, N.S. Over the years, the program has seen a significant increase in the number of men seeking help, with roughly 120 men starting the program in the last year alone. Executive director Russell Borden is concerned about the program’s capacity to respond to this growing demand, prompting him to put forward a proposal to the provincial government to more than double the funding received by New Leaf.
In the 2025-26 budget, the province allocated approximately $100 million for various initiatives related to intimate partner violence, including prevention and intervention programs, transition houses, and organizations supporting victims. While funding for New Leaf has increased in recent years, Borden believes more should be done in the area of men’s counselling and prevention. He emphasizes the importance of parity in funding to adequately address the issue and work with all those affected.
New Leaf, also known as the Pictou County Opportunity for Men Association, serves men from Pictou, Antigonish, and Guysborough counties. The program aims to help men who have been through the program act as role models for new participants. Borden describes the transformation he witnesses in men who learn to stop hurting their partners and children, highlighting the importance of open communication and emotional expression in addressing abusive behavior.
The group discussions at New Leaf are guided by staff and take place two nights a week, with the remaining days dedicated to administration. While the province provided just under $359,000 in funding this fiscal year, Borden’s proposed changes would require an additional $440,000 to hire more staff and expand programs. Tod Augusta-Scott, executive director of the Bridges Institute in Truro, echoes the importance of intervention and prevention in cases of intimate partner violence.
Augusta-Scott emphasizes the need for men to take responsibility for their actions and address learned behaviors and societal expectations that contribute to abusive behavior. He acknowledges that while some abusers may not respond to interventions, most cases involve emotional abuse, yelling, and other forms of non-physical violence. Augusta-Scott believes that with adequate funding and support, men can learn to repair the harm they have caused and choose a non-violent path.
In recent years, the province has increased funding for intervention programs, allowing organizations like Bridges to offer outreach services and connect men with essential resources. Augusta-Scott emphasizes the impact of poverty and addiction on the risk of intimate partner violence and stresses the need for comprehensive support for individuals and families affected by abuse.
Minister Scott Armstrong of the Department of Opportunities and Social Development acknowledges the importance of expanding services for men and boys in addressing intimate partner violence. While funding proposals are under review, Armstrong assures that core funding for organizations will not be cut. Borden remains hopeful for increased funding to expand New Leaf’s services, including running group sessions every night, providing one-on-one therapy, and conducting educational programs in schools and correctional facilities.
As discussions continue on how to address the root causes of gender-based violence, organizations like New Leaf and Bridges are dedicated to supporting men in changing their behavior and preventing future instances of abuse. With increased funding and resources, these programs can make a significant impact in promoting healthy relationships and ending the cycle of violence.
