African Nova Scotian Communities

Women suffering abuse in African Nova Scotian communities also face additional challenges and barriers to leaving their home and getting help. They may face the prospect of leaving kinship, social support networks, and their own communities.

This may be more difficult if they live in isolated communities and have limited transportation services.

Some issues African Nova Scotian women face when leaving an abusive relationship may include:
•     Historical oppression, discrimination, and unequal treatment have resulted in mistrust and fear of justice and social    service systems and reluctance to turn to these agencies for help.

•     The extended family is highly valued in African Canadian communities, so many women feel pressured to keep silent about abuse or downplay its severity because of kinship. 
 

•     Reporting abuse may be seen as betraying partner and furthering stereotypes of African Canadian men.

•     Concerns that their partner may be subjected to racism makes it even more difficult for women to report their abuser.

•     Fear of being shut out or blamed by the community often leads to silence about abuse.

•     It is important for African Nova Scotian women to secure support from members, especially other women, from their own communities.