Gender-based violence is a scourge deeply embedded in our societal fabric, an epidemic wreaking havoc on lives throughout Nova Scotia and beyond. Acknowledging this crisis for what it is —an epidemic— is a call to unite to end it. To dismiss or diminish its severity as merely a private affair is not just negligent; it’s a dangerous denial that inflicts further harm and ignores the agony of countless victims. Such a stance, especially from those in positions of power, drags the issue back into the dark, allowing the cycle of violence to persist unchecked.
The impact of gender-based violence stretches immeasurably, compromising the health, security, and financial stability of survivors and placing innocent children directly in the crossfire. The resulting trauma jeopardizes their developmental and future well-being.
For too long, calls for meaningful action and adequate funding to support women from harm have been met with lackluster reactions. This inertia is magnified by systemic flaws across numerous sectors —in taxation, wage equity, childcare, income support, affordable housing, archaic laws, and deficient social services— all amplifying the crisis at hand.
Dismissive attitudes towards gender-based violence sustain a legacy of inaction and marginalize those advocating for fundamental change. There is a clear need for a shift towards strategies that address the roots of violence, including economic inequality. Advocacy by women’s centres, shelter homes, and family resource entities for more robust support mechanisms to help survivors and halt the violence spiral has never been more critical.
Social workers recognize the urgent demand for systemic changes to forge a safer future for women. In solidarity with every victim of intimate partner violence, we commit to creating communities where the safety and wellness of all individuals are held supreme.
Can we also recognize the inadequate funding and resources available for treating those who are at the very heart of the issue – men? This includes working directly with men on healthy relationships, treating mental health issues and working through childhood trauma, addiction, and the other societal issues that continue DV to be perpetuated (such as poverty and our current housing issues).
It’s important that we help the victims but if we keep ignoring the source, how can we ever work to end it. It’s like treating the symptoms of a virus without any work on the cause and a preventative vaccine.