‘Anger and frustration’ over progress report into N.S. mass shooting recommendations

The committee tasked with monitoring the response to the inquiry into the 2020 Nova Scotia mass shooting has been met with concerns from survivors of gender-based violence. The head of the committee recently released a report stating that progress is being made in implementing the inquiry’s 130 recommendations, but some are questioning the lack of meaningful action in addressing gender-based violence.

The commission of inquiry into the tragic events that took place in Nova Scotia highlighted domestic violence as a key theme. The inquiry revealed that the gunman had a history of domestic violence, and the initial violent assault that sparked the mass shooting was on his common-law spouse.

Kristina Fifield, a social worker and trauma therapist representing the gender-based violence advocacy sector on the committee, has been hearing from survivors and those who work with them about their frustrations. Many feel that the progress reported in the committee’s first annual report does not reflect the lack of meaningful action in tackling gender-based violence.

Fifield emphasized that she was not criticizing the committee’s report but felt compelled to share the concerns being brought to her attention. She highlighted the anger and frustration felt by many who are asking why progress is not moving fast enough.

In response to these concerns, committee chairwoman Myra Freeman stated that while progress has been made in implementing the inquiry’s recommendations, more work needs to be done. She pointed to gender-based violence prevention programs, support services, and the implementation of a national plan to end gender-based violence as areas where progress is being made.

Despite these efforts, Fifield noted that rates of domestic violence continue to rise in Nova Scotia. She highlighted the need for meaningful action to address the root causes of gender-based violence and support survivors in fleeing violent situations. She pointed to an increase in instances of coercive control, strangulation, and suffocation related to gender-based violence.

A recent Statistics Canada report found a significant increase in police-reported family violence and intimate partner violence. The normalization of violence and under-reporting of these incidents contribute to the lack of awareness around the rising rates of gender-based violence.

Fifield stressed the importance of providing consistent support to organizations that assist survivors of gender-based violence. She called for core funding for these organizations to ensure they can provide ongoing support instead of relying on project-based funding.

The committee’s report acknowledges the need for “epidemic-level” funding for the prevention of gender-based violence and highlights the importance of training justice, health, and police systems to believe victims. Initiatives to counter victim-blaming and create safe spaces for reporting gender-based violence are also considered underway.

In conclusion, Fifield emphasized the need for swift and meaningful action to address the crisis of gender-based violence. She called for increased funding for support organizations, training for systems that interact with survivors, and efforts to counter victim-blaming. It is essential to listen to the concerns of survivors and advocates to create a safer and more supportive environment for those affected by gender-based violence.