Overview
As individual organizations and as a united Association, DVANB and its members sit on local, provincial, and federal government and service-based committees to lend our expertise in the field of domestic and intimate partner violence (DIPV). We have led gender-based violence research projects in New Brunswick with the goal of ensuring access to quality services for victims. We have facilitated training to support staff in delivering services, and developed campaigns to increase awareness among the general public about DIPV and the services that exist to address it. Here you will find some of our recent work.
Policies, Services, and Supports: A Needs Assessment Report on Domestic and/or Intimate Partner Violence (DIPV) in New Brunswick
In 2022, DVANB collaborated with Crossroads for Women and the New Brunswick Multicultural Council on a research project that was conducted by Mount Allison University. A needs assessment surveyed individuals who had experienced DIPV, as well as workers in the DIPV and settlement sectors, to identify systemic gaps and barriers to accessing services, and changes to policies and practices that might better support survivors.
Report on the Ongoing Impact of Covid-19 on the Domestic and Intimate Partner Violence Sector in New Brunswick
From 2022 to 2023, DVANB collaborated with Réseau des services pour victimes de violence du Nouveau-Brunswick on a research project that was conducted by the Muriel McQueen Fergusson Centre for Family Violence Research. Service providers within the DIPV sector were surveyed for the purpose of identifying the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on services and survivors, and how supports might be improved.
New Brunswick Council on Domestic and Intimate Partner Violence
In 2023, DVANB established a provincial council of government, community, academic, and lived-experience representatives all working on the issue of DIPV. The council collaborates in reviewing existing policies and practices on DIPV, identifying gaps and systemic barriers that survivors face when trying to leave an abusive partner, and developing potential solutions.
‘This is Domestic Violence’ Awareness Campaign
DIPV is commonly thought of as physical and/or sexual violence, however there are many types of abuse, including emotional, psychosocial, financial, legal, technological, cultural, and spiritual abuse. Regardless of the type of abuse, level of danger, or degree of severity that a survivor identifies with, everyone who experiences DIPV can access support services such as transition houses, second stage housing, and outreach services. The purpose of our campaign, launched in 2024, is to create this awareness amongst New Brunswickers and share where and how to find help.
Advocacy
DVANB advocates to the provincial and federal governments for informed policy, adequate funding, and quality services to support survivors of DIPV.
Our advocacy work includes maintaining regular communication with our government partners; submitting formal letters and recommendations on behalf of the DIPV sector; meeting with key representatives and decision-makers such as MLAs, MPs, senior civil servants, Deputy and Assistant Deputy Ministers, Ministers, and the Premier; attending government events such as sessions at the Legislative Assembly and the annual stakeholders’ lock-in for the provincial budget; participating in community-led advocacy events and initiatives; and creating awareness campaigns.
Much of our advocacy work is done in collaboration with our Francophone sister organization, Réseau des services pour victimes de violence du Nouveau-Brunswick, who represent Francophone and bilingual transition houses, second stage houses, and sexual violence prevention centers in New Brunswick. DVANB also sits on Women’s Shelters Canada’s Advisory Council.
Examples of our recent written submissions include our annual recommendations for the provincial budget and our recommendations for the New Brunswick implementation of the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence.”