In light of a troubling rise in violence against women in Nova Scotia, a senior officer with the provincial RCMP, Chief Supt. Dan Morrow, has emphasized the importance of seeking solutions. Over the past three months, six women have tragically lost their lives at the hands of their partners in the province. The victims include Brenda Tatlock-Burke on October 18, another woman from Yarmouth, and a 22-year-old from Centreville who was injured in a fire. More victims include Cora-Lee Smith, 40, whose murder on New Year's Eve has raised significant concern, and most recently, Elaine Mosher of Mahone Bay, who was found dead on January 5, 2025.
Chief Supt. Morrow, who has served in Nova Scotia with the RCMP for 18 years, noted that he has never witnessed such a high level of violence or such a number of fatalities in such a short time frame. In response to the growing crisis, the RCMP has made numerous policy adjustments since the conclusion of the Mass Casualty Commission’s final report in 2023. These changes include fostering stronger relationships with advocacy organizations focused on the root causes of intimate partner violence (IPV).
One of the significant changes is that the RCMP now explicitly names incidents involving intimate partner violence leading to death in its public reports, a move that advocates believe is essential for breaking down the stigma associated with IPV. Chief Supt. Morrow stated that this initiative aims to encourage individuals who suffer from IPV to seek police assistance without fear of judgment. He acknowledged that historically, there has been a low reporting rate of IPV incidents, with approximately 80% of individuals not reporting such experiences to the police five years ago. This lack of reporting often means that survivors wait until they have endured many traumatic events before reaching out for help.
To provide a more supportive environment for survivors, Morrow highlighted the efforts of the RCMP to create a safe space for individuals when they come forward with their experiences. He noted that officers are trained to approach these situations sensitively and ensure that victims feel comfortable sharing details that are crucial for the investigation and their support.
Advocates and community leaders are calling for even more action in light of the current crisis. On a recent Tuesday, two provincial ministers, including the justice minister, met with advocacy organizations to reaffirm their commitment to supporting survivors and addressing the root causes of IPV. This meeting followed statements from community organizations like Adsum for Women and Children, which emphasized that the provincial declaration of IPV as an epidemic must be accompanied by substantial resources for organizations working to provide assistance and solutions.
Among the signatories of an open letter to the government, Kristina Fifield, a social worker and trauma therapist, stressed the urgency of government action. Over a dozen groups working in the realm of gender-based violence have voiced their concerns over what they describe as an alarming increase in violence. The provincial government has acknowledged this crisis by allocating an additional $7.1 million in annual core funding to transition houses and women's centers, raising their total budget to $16.9 million annually. This funding is a response to recommendations from the public inquiry that followed the mass shooting of 22 individuals in April 2020, which was linked to the perpetrator's assault on his partner.
Despite the funding increase, advocates like Fifield argue that the funds are insufficient to meet the pressing needs. They emphasize the necessity of enhancing resources for treatment programs aimed at men and highlight the importance of police transparency regarding the names of victims and perpetrators, provided families consent. They believe that fostering public discussion about domestic violence is crucial to initiating a cultural shift regarding this often-taboo subject.
In closing, Chief Supt. Morrow reiterated the RCMP's commitment to working with advocacy groups and implementing recommendations from the Mass Casualty Commission, affirming that they are a "continuous learning organization" dedicated to finding the best ways to tackle this pressing issue collaboratively.
