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Dealing with Spousal Abuse or Family Violence

Family abuse is a crime. It takes many forms, including physical abuse, mental and emotional abuse, intimidation, sexual abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation. We have information to help you get the facts and to get help.

Although some of the contacts featured on the site are from specific communities, other provinces, and geared towards women - many of the referrals and information are accessible to everyone and apply across Nova Scotia. The resources can also help men who are victims of abuse.

This resource is not intended as a replacement to emergency assistance or to offer legal advice.

If this is an emergency or you are afraid for your life, call 911 or your local police service.


Crisis Lines

Don't leave online traces


Internet browsers store a history of searches and visited sites. If you are worried about some one knowing that you visited this Web site use a friend's or library computer and make sure you have a safety plan. If you want to try removing the traces yourself, the links below provide the necessary instructions. Just remember: by doing so, all of the history in your browser address window will be cleared.

General Information

Developing a Safety Plan


Leaving the abuse behind is not a decision to be taken lightly. There are, of course, many factors to be considered. We hope the information on the sites collected will help you with your considerations or, should you have already decided to leave, assist you while preparing a safety plan.

Getting Help / Getting Out

You are not alone. There are many services across Nova Scotia providing assistance and advice to those who are in need of help to escape the violence. The links below provide a wide range of information from learning more about preparing to leave, to locating a shelter or obtaining a peace bond. Please note a reference to Making Changes: A Book for Women in Abusive Relationships  (PDF - 640KB)  is set out below.

Where to Go for Help Legal Information You Should Know

What happens when you call the police?


If the police are contacted, certain processes and procedures will follow. The links below may help you learn how the system works. Please note that a number of references to Making Changes: A Book for Women in Abusive Relationships  are set out below.

Related Legal Information

What you can do to help an abused woman

The following sites will help you understand the many issues women in abusive situations face: