Michelle Porter, the CEO of Souls Harbour Rescue Mission, expressed her excitement over the provincial government's decision to provide a funding increase. The organization has been allocated $40,000, which will be utilized for its two women's specific retreats, one located in Brightwater and another on the eastern shore of Nova Scotia. These facilities are designed to assist women and children in a range of circumstances, with the recent grant being particularly aimed at women who have escaped domestic violence situations.
In an interview, Porter emphasized the importance of tailored support for women emerging from crises like domestic violence. “A lot of times women who are coming out of a situation of crisis such as violence in particular will need extra support,” she explained. The funding will help cover essential services such as counseling, which often has associated costs even on a sliding scale. Additionally, it will address expenses related to transportation for appointments as well as childcare, especially crucial for women residing in rural areas where access to towns can be difficult without a vehicle.
Souls Harbour's centers serve a diverse group of women seeking assistance. Porter highlighted the soothing environment of the retreats, illustrating one woman's sentiment, who described the experience as akin to a "spa retreat." She shared that this calming atmosphere by the ocean significantly contributes to the well-being of those who stay there.
The $40,000 funding is set to cover various costs, including potential training for women seeking to re-enter the workforce or pursue educational opportunities, thus maximizing the impact of the investment as it won’t be allocated toward capital projects. Porter believes that this funding can last approximately a year, indicating the vital role it will play in the lives of women benefiting from their services.
As Souls Harbour and similar organizations increase their support, the timing of this funding is particularly critical. Recent reports indicate a concerning rise in intimate partner violence incidents in Nova Scotia, with seven women and one man tragically killed in domestic violence situations since October 18. Notably, in five of these homicides, the perpetrators subsequently took their own lives.
Porter has labeled the situation an “epidemic,” pointing out the growing urgency recognized by the provincial government. She mentioned an observable increase in the number of women arriving with their young children at their drop-in center. In response to this alarming trend, pressure from advocates has led the province to take action, including a recent commitment of $23.7 million for transition houses. This investment is directed towards the province's ten transition houses, which provided temporary shelter and crucial services for approximately 3,500 women and children fleeing violence last year.
