News release

Working Together to Improve Services

Status of Women

NOTE: A list of projects follows this release.


Thirteen projects across the province are receiving grants to provide victims of sexual violence with the support they need.

"We need to make sure survivors and their families can get the help they need no matter where they live," said Marilyn More, Minister responsible for the Status of Women. "These approved projects are taking a collaborative and coordinated approach to address sexual violence across the province. They are an important step to help prevent and address sexual violence.

"We know, and have heard that there are gaps in services for victims of sexual violence. Today's funding will help community organizations strengthen their network to improve sexual assault services and provide a better future for families through projects like these."

In May, the province announced $200,000 in grants to support collaboration between organizations that address sexual violence. Organizations can use funding to expand upon partnerships, or to support proposals for potential demonstration projects being announced in September.

"Today's project funding will enable us to build more robust collaborative linkages with existing services for victims," said Paula Marshall, executive director of the Mi'kmaw Legal Support Network, Eskasoni office. "This is a positive step to help us move from passively serving aboriginal women to a more active and engaged stance."

The grants are part of the province's $1.1 million investment to address sexual violence. It builds upon the emergency funding some community organizations received in May, when they experienced an increase demand for their services.

"Over the past three months there has been a collective determination to do things differently - and it's happening," said Ms. More. "From working differently together to ensuring services are developed in under-served areas, we are helping more survivors get support and we are taking steps to help change the culture around this issue, recognizing we still have a long way to go to end sexual violence."

More information, visit http://novascotia.ca.


Projects receiving funding are as follows:

  • LEA Place Women's Resource Centre, Sheet Harbour: $5,000
  • Avalon Sexual Assault Centre, Halifax: $22,000
  • Every Woman's Centre Association, Sydney: $14,000
  • Pictou County Women's Centre, New Glasgow: $4,650
  • Tri County Women's Centre, Yarmouth: $18,000
  • YWCA Halifax, Spryfield: $4,000
  • Central Nova Women's Resource Centre, Truro: $7,500
  • FSENS and Alternatives Association, Antigonish: $10,000
  • Antigonish Women's Centre and Sexual Assault Services Association: $4,500
  • New Start Society, Dartmouth: $11,240
  • Mi'kmaw Legal Support Network: Eskasoni, $14,750
  • Survivors of Abuse Recovering Society, Kentville: $8,500
  • Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia, Halifax: $38,000