Crisis hotlines are a lifeline for survivors of gender-based violence and are critical support services. During the pandemic, the demand for crisis hotline services has significantly increased across Canada. Today, the Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, announced $700,000 to support crisis hotlines across Nova Scotia. Minister Ien was joined by the Honourable Karla MacFarlane, Minister responsible for the Nova Scotia Advisory Council on the Status of Women, to announce the bilateral agreement.

“Crisis hotlines are a lifeline for women fleeing domestic violence because they serve as a connection to safe resources. We will continue working closely with provincial and territorial governments to prevent and address gender-based violence — a pervasive, deadly, and deeply rooted human rights violation. Today, we are heartened to continue to work with Nova Scotia as we sign yet another agreement to support crisis hotlines.”

The Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth  

“Gender-based violence can happen in any relationship, and we want Nova Scotians to have access to services and supports they need to ensure their safety and mental and physical well-being. By working with the federal government and other partners, we can develop approaches and build capacity to address this complex issue and break the harmful cycles of violence.”

The Honourable Karla MacFarlane, Nova Scotia Minister responsible for the Advisory Council on the Status of Women

“Our evaluation of GuysWork shows a shift in attitudes towards healthy masculinity that promises both the short and long-term health of boys and those around them, specifically their future partners. With this funding, we can expand the program throughout the Atlantic provinces and do a longer-term evaluation, which I’m hoping will demonstrate a significant behavioural change in young men and prevent gender-based violence.”

Dr. Chris Gilham, Evaluation Lead, GuysWork

"The Transition House Association of Nova Scotia (THANS) is pleased with the announcement of this investment that will further strengthen and build the capacity of provincial GBV helpline supports in Nova Scotia. Throughout the pandemic, transition houses across the province saw a sharp increase in demand for services and an increase in crisis calls. This funding has to ability to save lives by improving existing 24/7 helpline supports to better meet the needs of women and children experiencing violence in our province."

Ann de Ste Croix, provincial organizer, Transition House Association of Nova Scotia (THANS)

• Since April 2020, the Government of Canada has invested over $240 million of emergency COVID-19 funding in 1,400 women’s shelters, sexual assault centers, and other organizations, including nearly 140 organizations that serve Indigenous individuals. 

• GBV disproportionately affects women and girls. Certain intersectional populations also experience high levels of violence or are underserved in the GBV sector, such as Indigenous women and girls; Black and racialized women; immigrant and refugee women; members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities; people with disabilities; and women living in Northern, rural, and remote communities.  

• In 2019, Nova Scotia conducted opinion polling and found that 24% of Nova Scotians surveyed did not know where to go for help related to intimate partner violence (IPV).

  • This poll also suggested that 58% might reach out to a helpline if they needed support.

• Crisis hotlines across Canada saw a dramatic surge in calls from June to October 2020, when the COVID lockdown measures first eased. 

• The number of people in Nova Scotia seeking help during a mental health crisis has risen by 30% since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Nova Scotia reported that:

  • The number of calls to the provincial mental health crisis line rose to 24,265 in 2020, up from 19,115 in 2019.

  • Between January and November 2021, the number of calls to provincial mental health crisis hotlines totalled 23,752 and exceeded 2020 numbers by the end of the year.

Associated links

• Women and Gender Equality Canada
• Gender-Based Violence Knowledge Centre
• Budget 2021
• News Release National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence

Johise Namwira
Press Secretary and Issues Manager
Office of the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth
873-353-0985
Johise.Namwira@fegc-wage.gc.ca

Media Relations
Women and Gender Equality Canada
819-420-6530
CFC.Media.SWC@fegc-wage.gc.ca

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