NS - Domestic violence, gambling linked
HALIFAX Herald, Thursday December 7, 2006
Problem gambling could be a factor in at least half the domestic violence cases reported to programs for abused women and abusive men in Cumberland County, and a group there is studying the correlation.
The Cumberland County Transition House Association has a $10,000 grant from the Nova Scotia Gaming Foundation to study the connection and design intervention programs.
An association spokesperson wasn’t available late Wednesday afternoon, but the foundation’s annual report released Wednesday says the 50 per cent figure is “alarming.” The report says that could be a conservative estimate, since it was only compiled informally, but the study will verify the links.
Liberal MLA Diana Whalen said it was significant the statistic came out on the day dedicated to recognizing and eliminating violence against women.
“I think it’s really an important piece of information,” she said.
The foundation provides funding to community groups, district health authorities and the Health Promotion and Protection Department for gambling research, education and treatment.
© 2006 The Halifax Herald Limited
