Taking action on domestic violence requires stable funding - not pilot projects and grants

HALIFAX - The NDP Caucus is calling on the provincial government to invest in sustainable core funding for organizations that provide assistance to survivors of domestic violence. Today the Liberals’ announced a second round of year-long grants on domestic violence.

“These grants are important for organizations who deliver services to survivors of domestic violence however, eradicating domestic violence can’t be done on a one year timeline, and government supports should reflect that,” said Claudia Chender, NDP Status of Women Spokesperson. “While this kind of funding may allow projects to get off the ground, the government relies on community organizations to deliver a number of important services for survivors. This short-term approach leaves survivors behind when the money runs out at the end of the year.”

Second Story Women’s Centre in Lunenburg County has often had to use short-term, unsustainable grants to help fill community needs in its core programming.

“Any new funding for addressing domestic violence is always appreciated; however, it would be more appropriate if the provincial government would increase core funding to organizations that provide direct support to those who have been subjected to gendered violence.” said Second Story Women’s Centre’s Executive Director, Rhonda Lemire. “Community organizations are often the only services positioned to offer much needed trauma-informed specialized therapy and programs in comprehensive manners.”