A transition house in Bridgewater is working to expand its services in Queens County, where it is currently the only support option for women and children experiencing domestic violence.
Harbour House provides emergency shelter, transitional housing, and outreach programs across Lunenburg and Queens counties. However, there is no permanent physical location in Queens County for people to access in-person support.
The organization has been working to secure office space in Liverpool to offer a dedicated support day each week. Last year, it requested up to $5,000 from the Region of Queens to help establish this space, but due to municipal funding rules, it received only $1,250.
While staff members travel to meet with women in need, Harbour House says a consistent, secure location would improve access to services. The organization is looking to expand its presence in Queens County to meet increasing demand.
Transition houses across Nova Scotia report growing pressure on their services. The Transition House Association of Nova Scotia says its member organizations supported approximately 4,500 women and children in 2024. Police have also reported six women killed by their male partners in the past three months.
The province declared intimate partner violence an epidemic in September and increased funding to transition houses. However, organizations supporting people in abusive situations say additional resources are needed to address the problem.
