New Initiative Supports Gender-Based Violence Service Providers in Nova Scotia

A new initiative in Nova Scotia aims to support service providers dealing with the emotional toll of gender-based violence. The “You Matter” project will offer biweekly virtual support sessions to help those in the sector manage burnout and emotional strain. This initiative comes as organizations report an unprecedented rise in demand for their services.

Sue Bookchin, executive director of the Be the Peace Institute, emphasized the need for these support sessions, stating that service providers often encounter distressing situations. “They are first responders a lot of the time to horrific and awful situations,” she noted. The sessions are designed to help these professionals cope with the heavy emotional burdens they carry, particularly as many have reported feeling overwhelmed by the demands of their roles.

Launched with a $25,000 grant from the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia, the program will be facilitated by registered social worker and trauma therapist Kristina Fifield. According to Bookchin, many individuals in the sector have left their positions, especially since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, due to organizations being “stretched to their limits.”

Addressing the Emotional Toll of Gender-Based Violence Work

The sessions, which will commence in the coming weeks, are open to all individuals working in the gender-based violence sector, including frontline staff, managers, and administrators. Fifield, who has over a decade of experience in transition houses, stated that the sessions will focus on self-care practices such as mindfulness, movement, and nature connection. Participants will also engage in group discussions and educational components that explore responses to repeated exposure to trauma.

“People have not left this work not because they don’t like the work,” said Fifield. “It’s just they’re not getting the proper support and resources.” The initiative aims to address this gap and provide essential tools for resilience in a challenging field.

The virtual format of the sessions is intended to ensure accessibility for service providers across Nova Scotia, including those in rural areas. Plans are in place to eventually offer some in-person sessions as well. “We’re trying to build a community of support and practices to help individuals navigating the complexities of this really difficult work,” Fifield explained.

Growing Demand for Support Services

The need for such initiatives has become increasingly urgent in light of the province’s declaration of intimate partner violence as an epidemic one year ago. Despite increased funding for services, advocates like Bookchin argue that more comprehensive support strategies are necessary to sustain the workforce.

The impact of financial constraints on mental health care resources has also been a concern, particularly for those without health benefits. The “You Matter” initiative seeks to mitigate these challenges by fostering a supportive network for providers who often face the emotional repercussions of their work.

As the sector continues to navigate rising demands and emotional challenges, the “You Matter” project represents a critical step towards ensuring the well-being of those who work tirelessly to support survivors of gender-based violence in Nova Scotia.