Support sexual assault survivors
Around the world there is an important conversation happening about supporting survivors of sexual assault and intimate partner violence. In Nova Scotia, the rate of reported sexual assaults is higher than the national average, and survivors often don’t have access to the services they need. The Liberal government has underfunded the organizations working to support survivors and, earlier this year, failed to renew the sexual violence strategy.
One area where the provincial government could immediately step up would be by introducing paid leave for survivors of sexual assault and intimate partner violence. My NDP colleagues and I introduced legislation in the spring to amend the Nova Scotia Labour Standards Code to provide five days of paid leave for survivors. Instead of passing this legislation, the provincial Liberals brought forward unpaid leave. Survivors of sexual assault or intimate partner violence need time to heal and access to health care and mental health services. People should not be penalized for experiencing gender-based violence.
By proposing unpaid leave, the Liberals are putting women who must take time off for medical or counselling appointments in the situation of losing part of that week’s pay. This only adds to the stress and pain survivors deal with in the immediate aftermath of sexualized or domestic violence. We know women are often forced to stay in an abusive relationship because of financial concerns and paid leave is one way to help ensure that no one is forced to stay in an abusive home because of money.
Paid leave for survivors is becoming the norm in Canada. The federal government is moving toward providing five days of paid leave for survivors in all federally-regulated industries. New Brunswick just announced that they will also be providing five paid days of leave.
Labour Day was a day to celebrate the achievements of workers and their unions. This week, let’s add our voices to the call for more supports for survivors of sexual violence. Please take a moment to contact your MLA, and tell them that you want to see more supports for survivors, including paid leave. Tammy Martin
MLA for Cape Breton Centre