Krystal Lowe

Recently, members of THANS had the opportunity to meet with Premier Tim Houston and Ministers Martin, Druhan, Armstrong, and Thompson. We are grateful for the government’s continued commitment to addressing domestic violence and advancing the vital work of our member orgs.

Globally, reports of domestic abuse increase by as much as 38% during and after major sporting events. With one of the most highly anticipated sports events happening this coming Sunday, we want to remind folks about the supports available across the province.

Please join us on Thursday, March 6th, from 6 to 8:30 pm for a candlight vigil to mourn those lost to intimate partner violence, reflect on strategy for prevention, and demand action. We will be holding the vigil outside of Dalhousie Schulich of Law, with a short walk to follow. After our walk, we will move inside for impactful speeches and education sessions, focused on intimate partner violence prevention, advocacy, and survivor support. This is more than just an evening to grieve. Rather, we hope that you will join our call-to-action, demanding better funding for organizations that serve survivors and engage in multi-facted prevention of intimate partner violence and all other forms of gender-based violence. What does a multi-faceted approach to intimate partner violence prevention look like? Access to safe, secure, and affordable housing; Adequate mental and physical health care; Sufficient income, employment, and education support; Addressing root causes of gender-based violence through comprehensive education, awareness-building, and ongoing advocacy; And increased funding to the organizations that make it happen! Please stay tuned for information and tools for how you can participate in our call-to-action. Reach out to Robin at development@efrymns.ca for more information about the event or call-to-action participation. See you there!

On the night of December 31st, New Year’s Eve, Cora-Lee Smith and her father, Bradford Downey, were murdered in a horrifying act of intimate partner violence, a murder-suicide, perpetrated by the man Cora-Lee was in a relationship with. This is the fourth incident of murder-suicide linked to intimate partner violence in Nova Scotia in a span of just three months. The prevalence of intimate partner violence and other forms of gender-based violence across Nova Scotia, Canada, and beyond can be considered as no less than an epidemic. Where to find help if you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, intimate partner violence: Halifax and Dartmouth: Adsum for Women and Children | 902-423-4443 (Emergency Line) Alice House | 902-466-8459  Bryony House | 902-422-7650 (24/7 Emergency Line) Truro: Mi'kmaw Family Healing Centre | 902-893-8483 (24/7 Emergency Line) Third Place Transition House | 902-893-3232 (24/7 Emergency Line) Sydney: Cape Breton Transition House | 902-539-2945 Whycocomagh: Mi'kmaw Family Healing Centre (Waycobah) | 902-756-3440 (24/7 Emergency Line) Yarmouth:  Juniper House | 902-742-8689 (24/7 Emergency Line) New Glasgow:  Tearmann House for Abused Women | 902-752-0132 Port Hawkesbury: Leeside Transition House | 902-625-2444 (24/7 Emergency Line) Additionally, call or text the provincial toll-free line: 1-855-225-0220, available 24/7 On behalf of the Elizabeth Fry Society of Mainland Nova Scotia team, we are devastated by these acts of violence and our hearts are with the loved ones of Cora-Lee, Bradford, and all those who have been lost to gender-based violence.

We are deeply saddened by the recent femicide and stand in solidarity with all those affected. In our statement, we reaffirm our commitment to advocating for change and supporting survivors. Read our statement: thans.ca/urgent-call-to…

The Transition House Association of Nova Scotia’s 12 member organizations provide resources and support with safety planning for those experiencing intimate partner violence. Call 211 or 1-855-225-0220. You can seek support anonymously. In an emergency, call 911.

Our 12 member organizations across Nova Scotia are here to support you with things like safety planning, outreach, emergency shelter, and more. Visit thans.ca to find your local organization or dial 1-855-225-0220.

Day 1 of the #16DaysOfActivism to #EndGBV and the eve of our provincial election - check out @THANS_NS assessment of how the major parties plan to address GBV before you vote.

We conducted a comparative analysis of party platforms on 9 issues impacting GBV ahead of the 2024 NS elections. We also did a Q&A with each major party. Read here: thans.ca/research-polic… #nspoli #GBVPrevention #IPVEpidemic

🌟 Webinar "Spotlight on Nova Scotia’s Initiatives to End Gender-Based Violence" - Monday, Nov 25th, 12 PM - hosted by THANS and @CentreAvalon, this #16Days event showcases actions & initiatives to end GBV in NS. 👉 Register: smuniversity.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_7U… #EndGBV #NovaScotia

My colleague @THANS_NS did a comparative analysis of political party platforms ahead the election, which includes a Q&A on intimate partner violence with each major party. Read the report card here: thans.ca/research-polic… #nspoli #ipv @nspc @NSNDP @LiberalPartyNS

Interested in learning about the realities of intimate partner violence in Nova Scotia? This year, we released Season 2 of our podcast, where we dive deeper into survivor stories, systemic challenges, and the fight for change in our province. Listen here: thans.ca/somebody-must-…

Three N.S. women killed in 3 weeks by intimate partner violence ift.tt/1ESTib2

THANS’ member organizations provide free services including emergency shelter, crisis lines, safety planning, counseling, advocacy, and outreach. Anyone in Nova Scotia impacted by IPV, or those concerned for a loved one can 211 or the provincial toll-free line at 1-855-225-0220.

Important research being done for the GBV sector in Nova Scotia! Consider participating and sharing your insights if you work in the sector (frontline, advocacy, admin, prevention, etc) or do GBV related research in NS. 💜

Report asks Nova Scotian voters to consider gender-based violence in municipal elections halifaxexaminer.ca/government/ele… By @Suzanne_Rent

Bystander training needs to be mandatory in all high schools. As we learned in the Mass Casualty Commission & other reports, ending #GBV takes a collective response focused on prevention and safe intervention. @nseducation cbc.ca/news/canada/no…

We are excited to release our report "Nova Scotia Municipal Elections and the Elimination of GBV," which highlights how municipalities can play a role in preventing violence. Stay tuned each week for insights on our socials! Read the report here: thans.ca/research-polic… #nspoli

We commend the swift and unanimous passage of the bill declaring intimate partner violence an epidemic in Nova Scotia. Read our response here: thans.ca/thans-applauds… #nspoli #ipv

@SMUdianecrocker Thank you, Diane! :)

Successfully defended my MSc thesis today! My research looked at suicide among those with a history of criminality, where I tested the Three Step Theory of Suicide. Big thank you to my amazing supervisor, @megternes, for supporting & empowering me throughout my graduate studies.