In this eye-opening episode of the Homegrown Show, host Sloane Rees sits down with the Executive Director of Sanctuary House, a 24/7 transition house in New Brunswick dedicated to providing safety and support for women and children fleeing domestic abuse. Drawing from her experience in crisis intervention and mental health, the director sheds light on the alarming epidemic of intimate partner violence in the province—where rates are 25% higher than the national average, and rural women face a 75% increased risk compared to urban areas.
The conversation dives deep into the misconceptions surrounding abuse, emphasizing that it's rooted in power and control rather than just alcohol or rage. Beyond physical violence, they explore financial, psychological, spiritual, and emotional abuse, and how these create cycles of trauma that rewire the brain and trap victims in toxic bonds similar to addiction. Intergenerational trauma, the impact of COVID-induced isolation, and systemic failures in the justice and mental health systems are unpacked, revealing why leaving is often the most dangerous step—and why 30 days in a shelter is rarely enough.
Touching on rural challenges like transportation barriers and the overlap with homelessness, addictions, and sex trafficking, the episode highlights Sanctuary House's wraparound services, including counseling, peer navigation, and emergency interventions. They discuss the dire need for community involvement, evidence-based therapy, and stable funding to break these cycles. A call to action urges listeners—especially men—to donate, volunteer skills, or raise awareness to combat this hidden crisis affecting families across Carleton County and beyond. This raw discussion underscores that abuse isn't just a "private matter"—it's a public health emergency demanding collective change.
00:00 - Introduction to Domestic Violence Myths
01:00 - Sanctuary House’s Mission and Services
04:28 - The Epidemic of Intimate Partner Violence
07:05 - Types of Abuse Beyond Physical
17:43 - Intergenerational Trauma Explained
24:28 - Impact on Children and Complex Behaviors
45:26 - Failures in the Justice System
51:24 - Funding Challenges for Sanctuary House
55:05 - How the Community Can Help