Nova Scotia government announces sexual violence prevention projects

The Nova Scotia government announced about $200,000 in grants Monday for projects to help prevent sexual violence, with about three-quarters of the money to be focused on First Nations communities.

Of the eight projects, six are focused on First Nations communities, one is aimed at youth in Whitney Pier and one is for sex trade workers in Cape Breton.

"The sad truth is that aboriginal women and girls are about three times more vulnerable to sexual victimization than non-aboriginal women," said Community Services Minister Joanne Bernard in a statement.

"It's wonderful to see solutions being led by aboriginal community members who know these realities far too well."

The amount of spending announced today for First Nations communities amounts to $156,000.

As part of the funding, $20,000 is being allocated for the Ally Centre of Cape Breton. Formerly known as the AIDS Coalition of Cape Breton, the Ally Centre has expanded its services beyond preventing the spread of blood-borne pathogens.

Executive director Christine Porter says this grant will be used to bring sex trade workers out of isolation and help empower them.

"Just kind of looking at different ways that they can come up with to protect each other and themselves," she said.

Teaching teenagers about healthy relationships

The Boys and Girls Club of Whitney Pier will also receive $11,000.

Youth outreach worker Nathan Brewer says it's alarming how little teenagers know about sex. He hopes to educate them about rape culture, media influence and healthy relationships.

"They are at an age right now where they are susceptible to rape," said Brewer. "The numbers are really alarming when it comes to rape."

The grants are a part of the government's sexual violence strategy, and it has committed to spending $600,000 on projects. 

More funding will be made available in the fall when another $600,000 in spending will be announced.