National Day for Truth and Reconciliation September 30, 2021

2021 marks the first year of the observance of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada. This holiday is in place to honour the indigenous Survivors and lost children of the residential school system. Learn more about National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Canada.ca. Events There are several events across the country online […]

Virtual Remember Me Walk 2021

Please join us in this year’s virtual Remember Me Walk from October 1 to October 31, 2021. Due to Covid, the walk is virtual for a second year in a row, but if it were in person we would be hosting it on Saturday, October 23rd. See the Facebook Event here. Location: Wherever you are! […]

Don’t let a lease agreement keep you from seeking safety

In Nova Scotia, tenants can end a lease prematurely without financial penalty if they are experiencing domestic violence. If you or someone you know feels they cannot leave an unsafe home because of lease agreement obligations, there is a way out. Usually a lease is a year-long agreement that requires three month’s notice to end […]

2021 Annual General Meeting

Please Join us for our annual general meeting hosted on Zoom. RSVP by June 4, 2021 to receive the Zoom link. The meeting takes place on June 9, 2021 at 7pm. Visit the Facebook Event here.

For Women by Women – Postcards of Positivity

Postcards of Positivity are colourful images and words of encouragement created by women for women. This support is especially meaningful to women experiencing or escaping from intimate partner violence. Inspired by The Women’s Resource Centre in Brandon, Manitoba, Silent Witness Nova Scotia asked women to create Postcards of Positivity – messages to other women who […]

Recap: The Virtual Remember Me Walk 2020

The Remember Me Walk went virtual this year from October 24 to November 20. Past years we’ve walked to remember women who lost their lives to domestic violence together in person – 2020 required a different approach. The Remember Me Walk was special this year for a reason other than going virtual. October 2020 marked […]

30 Years After Barbara Baillie’s Death, Barb’s Bench Project Continues to Raise Awareness of Domestic Violence

On October 19, 1990, Barbara Baillie was killed by her husband of 25 years in Spryfield, Nova Scotia. After 30 years without their loving and caring mother, her five children continue to miss and remember Barbara. However, over the past five years, Barbara has been honoured differently thanks to the Baillie’s starting the Barb’s Bench […]

What is gaslighting?

Gaslighting is a form of manipulation that is so insidious it can be very difficult to identify while it’s happening. It is a form of mental and emotional abuse. Gaslighting is a way abusers gain power over their victims by making them believe they are wrong or ‘crazy’ for things like: Standing up for themselves […]

A free app for those at-risk or experiencing intimate partner violence

There’s a free app made to be in the hands of those experiencing intimate partner violence. myPlan App features risk self-assessments, local resources and safety planning strategies. myPlan App is available on The Apple Store, Google Play and through a web-version that requires no download. Access it here. A safety app made to be hidden […]

Nova Scotia Healing After the Mass Shooting

Tragic history was made on April 18-19 2020, when the lives of 22 people were taken during a violent shooting rampage starting in Portapique and ending in Enfield. The shootings have been called-out by the media as a violent demonstration of misogyny. Since the shooting, survivors, victim’s loved ones, first responders, impacted communities and the […]

Domestic Violence in the LGBTQ+ Community

In mainstream media, domestic violence is often depicted an issue concerning heterosexual relationships, but intimate partner violence is a very real concern in the LGBTQ+ community as well. People who identify as LGBTQ+ may be more at risk to intimate partner violence in some situations according to NCDAV.org, an American anti-domestic violence organization. Additionally, This […]

Local photographer takes stunning photo of Barb’s Bench in Stronach Park

Karen Cook’s Stunning Photograph Karen Cook, a local artist and photographer, captured Barb’s Bench in Stronach Park in a touching scene. The adverse weather on a spring day, the bench empty and the lens peering through the leaves of a nearby bush. The photograph, The Purple Bench, is nothing short of stunning, as it demonstrates […]

Checklist: Are you at risk of abuse?

The following are signs that you are in an abusive relationship or are at risk. Does your partner… Get jealous when you are around other peopleEmbarrass you in front of your family or friendsDestroy or threaten to destroy your thingsMake you choose between them and your family and/or friendsPut you down and/or blame you when […]

Our Response to NS Mass Shooting

With recent events resulting in unprecedented loss in NS our organization has been approached to join the conversation in unpacking and exploring intimate partner violence. Our community is curious about where we stand. We wanted to let you know we are standing in solidarity with our grieving province as we continue to provide support, information, […]

WTD When you have to “Stay the blazes home” with an abuser

COVID-19 stay home orders can be boring or annoying for some, but if you are living in a domestic violence situation, “Stay the blazes home” is not a welcome request. In fact, staying home can be downright dangerous when you share a home with an abusive partner. If this sounds like your situation, you are […]

How to create a safety plan

A safety plan is essential if you: Are living in an abusive environmentConsidering leaving an abusive environmentHave left and do not want to return to an abusive environment Anyone can make a safety plan and they don’t have to be physically written down to be effective. What is a safety plan? A safety plan is […]

Desmond Fatality Inquiry Updates

Desmond Fatality Inquiry provides insight into tragic murder/suicide On January 3, 2017 the bodies of Shanna, Aaliyah, Brenda and Lionel Desmond were found in the Desmond home in Monastery, Nova Scotia. It is believed that Lionel shot his wife Shanna Desmond, his mother Brenda and his daughter Aaliyah to death before turning the gun on […]

Seeking Volunteer Board Members

Volunteer with Silent Witness! We are seeking passionate volunteers to serve on the board of Silent Witness Nova Scotia. Volunteer with Silent Witness and help raise awareness of family violence Join passionate, dedicated people who are spreading awareness of domestic violence in Nova Scotia and how it affects our communities. You may be a good […]

What You Should Know About Family Violence Prevention Week

Family Violence Prevention Week raises awareness of a devastating issue that families face everywhere. Here in Nova Scotia, we are all-too-familiar with the consequences of family violence and the deaths that result from it. Since 1992, 62 women have lost their lives due to intimate partner violence in Nova Scotia. Family Violence Prevention Week is […]

What to do with your pet when fleeing domestic violence

A common barrier preventing women from leaving an abusive living situation is their pets. The SPCA recognizes this and now offers refuge to pets whose owners are fleeing domestic violence. Contact the SPCA to keep your pet safe Moving to a relative’s or into transition housing often is not conducive to bringing a pet along. […]