COLE HARBOUR, N.S.

In a tragic incident that has shocked the community, a 71-year-old woman was killed by her male partner in Nova Scotia. This distressing event is not just an isolated case; it highlights a growing trend of intimate partner violence, particularly among older adults, which experts are urging society to address urgently.

Katreena Scott, the head of the Centre for Research & Education on Violence Against Women and Children at Western University in Ontario, expressed deep concern over this increasing prevalence. She noted that homicides involving older couples are among the fastest-rising rates of intimate partner killings in Canada. "It's all too familiar," she stated. "This is a brutal reality that people tend to overlook when discussing violence against women, especially in older demographics."

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) reported that officers discovered the bodies of the elderly couple in their Cole Harbour residence, near downtown Halifax. Investigations revealed that the man had inflicted harm on the woman before succumbing to self-inflicted injuries. The nature of this incident has been classified as intimate partner violence, although the authorities have withheld the names of both individuals due to privacy concerns.

Statistics Canada sheds light on the troubling reality of domestic violence among seniors: police-reported intimate partner violence among those aged 65 and older surged by a staggering **45%** from 2014 to 2022. In the latest figures, 34 out of every 100,000 senior women and 23 out of 100,000 senior men reported experiencing intimate partner violence.

Scott highlighted unique vulnerabilities faced by older adults that can precipitate such violence. The transition into retirement can introduce a great deal of stress and uncertainty. Additionally, the loss of workplace networks can leave many isolated and without vital support. As health declines, individuals may find themselves in increasingly volatile situations, where stressors can escalate into violence.

"Violence thrives in isolation," Scott noted, pointing out that the social seclusion that often affects older adults can become a breeding ground for abuse. She urged for a community-driven approach to tackle these issues, emphasizing the need for collaboration between health services, elder care, and community programs to create a supportive network for the aging population.

Alarmingly, Scott identified that many intimate partner homicides exhibit warning signs that, when recognized, could avert tragedy. Signs such as a history of violence, increasing paranoia, and noticeable depression in the abuser are crucial indicators that should not be ignored. Drawing parallels to the 2020 mass shooting in Nova Scotia, which was preceded by profound domestic abuse, she reiterated the importance of community awareness and responsiveness to risk factors associated with intimate partner violence.

As of October 31, the Canadian Femicide Observatory reported that at least **155 women and girls** have been killed in Canada this year alone, with men being the accused in **95%** of these tragic cases. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for action to confront and combat the rising tide of violence against women—regardless of age.

The RCMP continues to investigate the recent deaths in Cole Harbour in cooperation with the provincial medical examiner. As these trends emerge, further dialogue and action are essential to protect the most vulnerable in our society.

In a world that continually grapples with issues of domestic violence, it is pertinent for communities to become vigilant about the signs and to take collective action to ensure safety and support for older individuals facing such horrific realities.