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African Nova Scotian 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.
• 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.