Thank you.
Some of my points, I think, will touch on both questions.
Nova Scotia has had, over the years, some of the lowest reporting, charging, conviction, and sentencing rates. Certainly as we try to understand and make sense of that, some of it we feel comes from the history of how hidden sexualized violence has been in the province and the lack of, until recently, comprehensive services across the province to address these issues with victims and survivors. There simply haven't been the resources or the specialized programs and services that can provide the supports that victims need throughout the spectrum, from the time that they disclose and then if they do choose to report right through the criminal justice process, but also beyond that.
Avalon Centre 20 years ago started the first specialized trauma-specific sexual assault therapeutic counselling program. It was the only one of its kind until very recently. The fact is that people have gone without access to services and supports or there haven't been the resources to provide the advocacy and the long-term activism and action that people need at all levels. Those are crucial here in Nova Scotia.