Bryony House closure puts women in peril

I wish to talk about a life and death situation in our province. Bryony House has closed its doors, after the house was deemed unsafe due to damage done by post-tropical storm Dorian in September. But I have heard about issues with the building for many years. It wasn't a surprise to me, but I am mortified by the inactions of the board and management. This shelter is supposed to be a haven for women and their families fleeing abuse.

While they haven't done anything to reopen beds, they have received $5.2 million in grants for a new house, but very little is being done to make sure women and their families stay safe when escaping abuse in the here and now.

When the shelter was open, women had six weeks or more of sanctuary, allowing them to start anew. I've heard women and their families are now given a one- or two-night stay elsewhere. All I can think about is what happens after that, when they are forced to return home.

Sadly, studies show leaving for a short time greatly increases chances of being killed or of suffering more violent abuse. From 1996 to 2015, 40 women have been murdered by their partners here in Nova Scotia, and with this shelter closing its doors, I hate to think that we aren't doing all we can to stop this number from rising.

I truly believe that by speaking out, our community will find a new space and Bryony House can resume operating a shelter that is so critical to the safety of all in our community.

Let's have Bryony house doors open sooner than later: lives depend on it.