An opinion editorial by Mica Daurie with contributions from Liz LeClair and Krista K. Smith and art by Bria Miller
On April 7 – 8, 2025, over 160 representatives from community-sector organizations, government and academia gathered at Oak Island Resort to continue collective efforts to meaningfully address the epidemic of Gender Based Violence (GBV) against women, girls and gender-diverse individuals in Nova Scotia.
In a first-of-its-kind event, the Summit brought together voices from across the sector including organizations, advocates, government officials, community elders and front-line workers to meaningfully discuss and strategize and coordinate sector work in the coming year. The conversations were both tough and tender. Be the Peace Institute, T.R.A.N.S., and our program partners are committed to addressing the GBV epidemic through internal and cross-sector collaboration. Summit organizers focused on creating supportive conditions for attendees to communicate across differences in lived experience and professional orientation. Attendees explored connections between the day-to-day work at women’s centres and transition houses and the systemic factors (in legal, political, health and social service, economic and educational spheres) that make GBV so difficult to meaningfully address. Summit attendees, inspired by roundtable discussions with thought leaders from diverse communities, government, academia and first-voice perspectives, worked together to identify priorities and develop action plans to address the GBV epidemic.
A key theme emerging from these discussions was the need for more sustainable core funding for community organizations, and consistent engagement with community. While the need for “epidemic level” funding has been asserted from all sides, and government has announced funding increases in recent weeks, it still falls short of the level of need. While projects like the removal of tolls at the Halifax Harbour Bridges receives immediate and appropriate funding, the funds needed to ensure community organizations can meet the increasing demand for their services remains insufficient. The number of deaths continues to rise in the Province, and more immediate action, including long-term sustainable core funding, is needed.
At the Summit, Advocates – who have long encouraged government to review and update non- inclusive social policies like those surrounding child welfare – received information about the government’s new Child and Family Wellbeing (CFW) Practice Framework that promotes child- and family-centered approaches. Advocates will continue to be a source of innovation, but innovation requires a stability that only epidemic-response-level core funding can provide. Stability allows innovation to flourish.
The Nova Scotia Government has also endorsed the Mass Casualty Commission’s recommendation to improve public safety by taking a “whole-of-society approach,” but progress remains slow.
Every person, in every sector (political, private, non-profit, etc.), and even you, the reader, has a role to play in stopping violence against women and gender-diverse Nova Scotians. As leaders in business, there are immediate steps we can take to make things safer for those impacted by GBV. Does your business have comprehensive violence and harassment prevention policies? Does your employee wellness plan include topped-up leave for those escaping domestic, family, and intimate-partner violence? Are you supporting advocates and community leaders doing the work, even when those conversations sometimes feel uncomfortable?
For more information about steps you can take and organizations you can support, partner, or collaborate with to address the Gender Based Violence epidemic, contact Mica Daurie at:
