Family Violence and Abuse
Abuse is any act that results in physical or psychological harm or suffering. Women suffering from physical, emotional, and sexually abusive relationships often have trouble telling others - family, friends, authorities about what’s going on. Often, they feel that they are to blame for the abusive behaviour. Any abuse, physical, emotional or sexual is unacceptable, any form of physical or sexual abuse is a punishable offence. There are many women’s shelters and transition houses where women and their children can be given shelter if they wish to leave abusive situations
Many immigrant women in violent or abusive situations feel they have nowhere to turn for help. They sometimes feel they will bring shame to their family if they report abuse and they often hide abusive situations for fear of deportation or threat to their immigration process. A woman will not be deported if she reports abuse, neither will her children, or spouse. There are 10 group homes for women who need shelter from abusive relationships located in Nova Scotia. Most are in an unknown location, so that abusive partners cannot find them.
Form more information visit the
Transition House Association of Nova Scotia website.