The declaration that intimate partner violence is an epidemic in New Brunswick has sparked strong reactions from survivors and advocates.
For many, the move is seen as long overdue, and they expect it to lead to concrete support and policy action.
Roxane McCarthy from Survivors United Against Violence was deeply moved by the announcement.
“I could not believe that after 20 years of having left my abusive situation that our province had finally taken the time to acknowledge that it is a problem. It is a crisis. It is an epidemic,” she said.
Her words highlight the personal impact of the province’s recognition and the hope that change will follow.
The push from groups such as Survivors United Against Violence helped the Legislature declare intimate partner violence an epidemic on June 5.
McCarthy recounted the coalition’s advocacy leading up to the declaration.
In November 2024, her group sent a letter to the new premier and the Liberal caucus, asking for a series of actions that included formally declaring intimate partner violence as an epidemic.
She explained that their efforts gained additional momentum when the White Ribbon campaign joined the initiative, a move that reinforced the call for a united approach to address the problem.
Looking ahead, McCarthy stressed that the declaration is only the first step.
“I would like to see all of our allies get together and we will be in the coming weeks to put actual recommended policies and recommended actions that the government can then adopt,” she said.
Survivors like McCarthy are watching closely to see if government leaders will turn this recognition into lasting protections and tangible support for those affected by intimate partner violence.
While the declaration shows growing political will to tackle gender-based violence, advocates remain focused on making sure that the new policies result in real, practical change.
