There is an epidemic of domestic violence against women in Nova Scotia. Since October 2024, there have been many cases of violence by men against women in their lives reported by police, resulting in eight deaths. Federal statistics show that the number of reported acts of intimate partner violence causing violent harm or death has risen in Nova Scotia from 2,972 to 3,187. Since 2019, the number of women and children seeking help from women’s shelters in this province has increased by 182 per cent. And these are just the reported and known statistics.
Domestic violence doesn’t stop at home: it permeates all areas of our lives, including our workplaces.
As a union representing 38,000 workers, we recognize we have an important role to play in trying to address this crisis.
That is why we are calling on employers to sign on to this pledge, which both recognizes the epidemic of domestic violence and calls on them to take a number of concrete steps towards addressing it.
All employers in Nova Scotia are encouraged to sign on. Those who successfully complete one or more action items towards fulfilling their pledge will receive a sign that identifies them as an employer who has taken a meaningful step towards ending this epidemic.
It is time for individuals and organizations to take action and help turn the tide against domestic violence!