After years of abuse, threats, violence, coercive control, and trauma, I lost my home, my health, my sense of safety, and parts of myself trying to survive. I was removed from my home for my own protection and forced to rebuild my life in a transition house. Then I watched the person charged be released on bail while I remained terrified.

This experience, unfortunately, is not unique. Across Nova Scotia, countless victims of domestic violence live in constant fear as their abusers are allowed to roam free while awaiting trial. The current bail system, which permits offenders to be released pending their court date, perpetuates a cycle of fear and instability for survivors already living through unimaginable distress.

Statistics from the Canadian Femicide Observatory for Justice and Accountability reveal a shocking rise in intimate partner violence across the country, with figures showing over 148 women killed by violence in Canada in 2022 alone. Yet, victims face additional trauma watching their abusers walk free on bail. This not only undermines their sense of justice and safety but also poses a serious risk to their lives and well-being.

We call on the lawmakers of Nova Scotia to implement legislation that ensures domestic violence offenders are held without bail. This essential change could provide much-needed protection for victims, giving them the safety they deserve to heal and rebuild their lives. To achieve this, we need a law tailored specifically for domestic violence offenders, one that defines clear criteria for denying bail in such cases, prioritizing victim safety and perpetrator accountability.

By enacting such a law, Nova Scotia could demonstrate its commitment to ending the pervasive issue of domestic violence, setting a precedent for other provinces, and strengthening trust in the legal systems designed to protect victims.

Please join us in urging the Nova Scotia government to take immediate action. Sign this petition to ensure that survivors of domestic violence can live free from the shadow of their abusers. Your support could lead to vital policy changes that enhance the safety and security of countless individuals across the province.