Atlantic Network Aims To Reduce Domestic Homicide

New Brunswick has the highest rate of family-related murder-suicides in Canada.

The four Atlantic premiers have formed the Atlantic Domestic Homicide Review Network in an effort to lower the numbers.

The network was established at a recent meeting of the Council of Atlantic Premiers.

New Brunswick Women’s Equality Minister Sherry Wilson says having a network will lead to better prevention efforts and better system response to domestic violence.

“This is the first regional network to be created in Canada,” said Wilson. “The Atlantic provinces have a uniquely rural identity and we know that rates of domestic homicide for rural/remote populations, and for indigenous populations, have not decreased at a time when most of the country has seen a decrease. Preventative efforts must reflect our unique regional identity.”

The network will share information across jurisdictions on existing system responses and prevention efforts to learn and identify the best approach.

It will also establish a baseline study of the current situations in the four Atlantic provinces.