Regardless of your chosen practice area after law school, the likelihood of encountering a client being affected by intimate partner violence (IPV) is high. Between October 2024 and January 2025, six women in Nova Scotia were murdered by their male partners, which makes it clear that IPV is a significant issue in our community.
While nobody should jump to conclusions, knowing some of the warning signs of IPV may allow future lawyers to check in with their clients and, potentially, provide resources if they open up about their experiences.
Here are some signs of someone who may be experiencing IPV:
They have physical injuries and possibly attribute them to accidents or being clumsy;
They show sudden signs of anxiety or fear;
They are chronically late to your meetings or ask to reschedule multiple times;
They mention distancing themselves from family and/or friends;
They are protruding lower self-esteem and confidence in themselves;
They have a sudden increased use of alcohol or other substances; and/or
They seem distant, spaced out, or on edge.
None of these signs are confirmation that a client is experiencing IPV. However, these signs may indicate that you should ask whether a client is okay and share resources if they are in need of support. Not everyone will be trained in how to employ a trauma-informed approach to situations where IPV is involved. There is no shame in asking for help when addressing these sensitive subjects. Rather, it is crucial we are aware of the supports that can step in where our abilities falter.
Resources for individuals leaving IPV-affected relationships
The following are resources in Nova Scotia that help individuals who are leaving IPV-affected relationships, whether in crisis, for shelter, or for programming.
Nova Scotia:
211 Nova Scotia – 2-1-1
Provides individualized helplines for all genders to connect individuals with someone who can help or just listen
Association of Black Social Workers Black Support Line – 1-855-732-1253
Provides support for Black community identified needs and helps to navigate available resources that help individuals get the support they need
Nova Scotia Sisterhood – 902-399-5473
A province-wide free program for Black women to access healthcare in the community, including having a therapist on staff to provide clinical therapy and offer community resources
Halifax and Dartmouth:
Adsum for Women and Children – 902-423-4443
Provides emergency shelter, housing, programs and services for women, youth, children and trans individuals who are experiencing homelessness
Alice House – 902-466-8459
Provides safe second-stage housing and supportive counselling for women and children with programs aiding in recovery from IPV
Bryony House – 902-422-7650
Provides a safe emergency shelter for women and children fleeing IPV with a 24-hour distress line
Truro:
Mi’kmaw Family Healing Centre – 902-893-8483
Provides protection, safety, shelter and basic life necessities to Indigenous women and children with a 24-hour crisis support telephone line, and they provide culturally-relevant, holistic programming to all Indigenous folks who have experienced family violence
Third Place Transition House – 902-893-3232
A 10-bed shelter that offers support services for women and children fleeing abuse and violence
Sydney:
Cape Breton Transition House – 902-539-2945
Provides 24 hour a day crisis support line and a safe emergency shelter for women and children affected by IPV
Whycocomagh:
Mi’kmaw Family Healing Centre (Waycobah) – 902-756-3440
Provides protection, safety, shelter and basic life necessities to Indigenous women and children with a 24-hour crisis support telephone line, and they provide culturally-relevant holistic programming to all Indigenous folks who have experienced family violence
Yarmouth:
Juniper House – 902-742-8689
Provides a safe refuge for women and children who have experienced abuse through maintaining a 15-bed shelter and 24-hour crisis support line
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