After a successful pilot run in Cape Breton, a domestic violence court is launching in Halifax.
However, there could be more courts in the works.
Luneburg West MLA Mark Furey says based on his experiences as a Mountie and as justice minister he sees a need for one on the South Shore.
“I believe the circumstances warrant a domestic violence court in our community and we’ll continue that dialogue and discussion with the judiciary and justice officials to move that forward.”
Furey says the court provides early interventions that give resources and support to both parties in a relationship to try to prevent violence.
The province announced the new court in Halifax last week along with news that the province and federal governments had expanded a pilot program that provides sexual assault survivors up to four hours of free legal advice.
It was launched in September with eight lawyers available to survivors and that number has now risen to 19.
Furey says they can be accessed in person, by phone, or Skype.
There’s also more diversity amongst the lawyers now.
“It captures legal representation from the Cantonese community, from the LBTQI+ community, as well as our Indigenous and African Nova Scotian communities.”
Recently some provincially funded grants for sexual assault services were criticized for not being long term.
However, Furey says this pilot program will last three years and will be monitored throughout.
He says it’s too early to speculate on what happens after the three years.
If you have been sexually assaulted and wish to access these services, click here, or call 211.
You do not have to give the details to the operator, you only need to say you were sexually assaulted and wish to speak to a lawyer.
Story by Brittany Wentzell
@BrittWentzell
