After spate of intimate partner violence, N.S. announces $24M for transition houses
The Nova Scotia government has recently announced a significant investment of $23.7 million to support transition houses in the province, in response to the growing concerns over intimate-partner violence. This funding will be allocated to the province’s 10 transition houses, which provided temporary shelter and services to 3,500 women and children fleeing violence last year.
Premier Tim Houston stated that the decision to increase funding for transition houses was a direct result of a meeting he attended in January with a coalition of support groups advocating for more resources and government support. The urgency of the situation was highlighted by the tragic deaths of seven women in Nova Scotia since October 18, 2024, at the hands of their male partners.
The bulk of the funding, $17.9 million over four years, will be dedicated to stabilizing operations at transition houses, while the remaining $5.8 million will be reallocated from various government departments. This additional funding comes after criticism from women’s groups regarding the lack of long-term operational support in the previous budget.
Anne de Ste Croix, executive director of the Transition House Association of Nova Scotia, expressed gratitude for the new funding, emphasizing the importance of exploring long-term solutions to prevent violence. She acknowledged the government’s commitment to continued collaboration and support for transition houses.
In response to the funding announcement, the Opposition NDP introduced legislation aimed at enhancing protections for domestic violence victims who rent their homes. The proposed bill includes measures to assist victims in breaking leases to escape abuse, such as offering new leases on the same terms and changing apartment locks. It also seeks to extend provincial housing benefits to survivors who choose to remain in their homes after the abuser has left.
Service Nova Scotia Minister Jill Balser assured that her department would consider the proposed legislation, noting that existing provisions in the Residential Tenancies Act already offer some protection for survivors of intimate partner violence. The government’s efforts to address intimate partner violence were further underscored by the adoption of legislation declaring it an “epidemic” in September, following the recommendations of a public inquiry into a tragic mass shooting in April 2020.
As the government continues to prioritize support for victims of family and intimate partner violence, it is essential for individuals in need of assistance to reach out to crisis lines and local support services. Immediate danger or safety concerns should be reported to emergency services by calling 911. If you or someone you know is struggling, there are resources available to provide help and support during difficult times.
