Minister Announces Domestic Violence Prevention Committee

Justice Minister Cecil Clarke is establishing a domestic violence prevention committee to enhance Nova Scotia's response to domestic violence.

Mr. Clarke will appoint two co-chairs, one from the Department of Justice and one as a representative from the community.

The committee will look at prevention initiatives, public education programs, victim support services, and intervention programs in other provinces and compare them to existing ones in Nova Scotia to recommend where services can be enhanced.

An inaugural meeting will be held in June hosted by the departments of Community Services and Justice. Co-chairs will be announced at that time.

"Government has consistently shown concern and demonstrated action on domestic violence. We will continue to work collaboratively with our community partners through this new committee," said Mr. Clarke.

"We recognize that we all want a province where every person is free from family and intimate partner violence. This goal is supported through our deputy ministers' leadership committee made up of Health Promotion and Protection, Health, Justice and Community Services."

Starting this fall, the domestic violence prevention committee will begin consultations. The department will invite representatives from the Transition House Association of Nova Scotia, Avalon Sexual Assault Centre, Women's Centre Connect, men's intervention programs, second stage housing programs, and others to join the committee. The committee will report to the deputy ministers leadership committee.