Family Violence Prevention Week Feb. 8 to 14

Family violence is an issue that concerns many Nova Scotians. The Department of Community Services works together with communities across the province to help end violence in the home.

This week -- Sunday, Feb. 8 to Saturday, Feb. 14 -- is Family Violence Prevention Week. The special week is held each year to raise awareness about the importance of preventing and eliminating violence in the home.

"The home should be a safe place for each member of the family," said David Morse, Minister of Community Services. "We recognize the issue of family violence is a priority and provide close to $5 million each year for transition houses, men's intervention programs and other related support services."

Each year, Family Violence Prevention Week is used to increase public awareness about the issue. The Department of Community Services works with transition houses, men's intervention programs and other local community organizations to provide support, assistance and education to families that have experienced violence. Community services and children's aid societies also provide child-welfare and child-protection services under the Family and Children's Services Act.

As part of the Domestic Violence Intervention Act, which was passed in 2003, victims of family violence now have access to emergency-protection orders that preserve financial and physical well-being. Emergency protection orders can range from 30-day orders, which provide for temporary possession of the home or bank accounts, to orders that direct an individual to have no contact with the victim.

"Community Services is working with many dedicated organizations toward an end to family violence in Nova Scotia," Mr. Morse said. "Together with our community partners, we will continue to work hard to eliminate family violence in Nova Scotia."