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In a growing movement, advocates in New Brunswick are urging the provincial government to declare intimate partner violence an epidemic, mirroring the recent actions taken by Nova Scotia. This call to action comes in light of alarming statistics that reveal New Brunswick had the highest rate of police-reported intimate partner violence cases in Atlantic Canada in 2023.
Statistics reveal a troubling trend
According to Statistics Canada, a staggering 3,043 individuals reported incidents of intimate partner violence in New Brunswick last year, with over two-thirds of these victims being women. This data highlights a critical issue that demands immediate attention and action from both the government and the community.
Sarah Sherman, a representative from Survivors United Against Violence, emphasizes the importance of raising awareness: “The more we raise our voices, and the more we shout it out loud, the more people are going to realize there is help.”
Advocates push for legislative changes
In response to the escalating crisis, advocacy groups such as Survivors United Against Violence and White Ribbon Fredericton have taken proactive steps by drafting a letter to Premier Susan Holt. Their demands include not only the declaration of intimate partner violence as an epidemic but also the implementation of Clare’s Law.
This proposed legislation would empower individuals with the right to know if their partner has a history of domestic violence, potentially saving lives and preventing further abuse.
Funding and resources are crucial
While the declaration itself is a significant step, advocates stress that it must be accompanied by adequate funding and resources to effectively combat intimate partner violence.
Barry MacKnight from White Ribbon Fredericton states, “It has to be properly resourced by governments in order for us to make any headway in dealing with it.” Without the necessary support, any declaration risks being merely symbolic, failing to bring about the real change that victims desperately need.
As New Brunswick grapples with this pressing issue, the voices of advocates and survivors alike are calling for urgent action. The time for change is now, and it is imperative that the government listens and acts decisively to protect its citizens from the devastating impacts of intimate partner violence.
