In addition to living under pandemic restrictions, women of African descent have experienced anti-Black racism and gender-based violence for too long. In an ongoing series Creating Communities of Care profiles the work of the Nova Scotia Association of Black Social Workers.
“Over the last year I watched my mom trying to escape Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), and learned how the pandemic has increased the already substantial barriers for women trying to navigate the systems and resources.”
After reporting his neighbor for domestic abuse journalist and activist Stephen Wentzell became the victim of a brutal hate crime.
Members of the CUPE Nova Scotia Transition House Sector Committee (NSTHSC) are adding their voices to the call for the provincial and federal government to conduct a comprehensive, transparent public inquiry into the mass shooting murders that occurred in April.
“The fact is that even speaking openly about rebelling against men, against husbands, against fathers, against bosses – can be dangerous. Maybe not a capital offence, but an offence nonetheless—with often violent repercussions,” writes Judy Haiven.
News release: “The change announced today is an important start in addressing domestic violence in Nova Scotia, but it is not far enough and we would like to see ten days of paid domestic violence leave as the best way to give victims true economic stability”, says Nova Scotia Federation of Labour president Danny Cavanagh.
Nova Scotia Federation of Labour president Danny Cavanagh looks at new legislation proposed by the feds (pay equity, domestic violence leave, casual workers, etc.). It may not be perfect, but it’s a step in the right direction, and much better than what provincial legislation offers.
Media release: Failing to make domestic violence leave paid leave allows a major barrier to remain for Nova Scotia women who need to flee violent homes says Unifor.
Applied to current events, no march on Saturday will be better than any other. However, ensuring that there are marches in rural as well as urban areas is crucial in signifying both difference in lived experience and togetherness in the struggle for female empowerment, writes Lori Oliver. She then takes a closer look at two key problems for women in rural Nova Scotia are difficulties accessing abortion services and a higher rate of domestic, intimate partner violence—both of which disastrously intersect with how women continue to earn, on average, 87 cents to men’s $1. Barriers faced by racialized groups are even more severe.