A Nova Scotia legislative committee heard disturbing testimony Tuesday from a mother of four who described how her spouse allegedly subjected them to harassment while the police and courts seemed unable to help.
Lucy Bowser’s raw account of her family’s struggles were part of a wider discussion about gender-based violence. Several other advocates and government officials offered their take on what needs to be done to counter a problem that the province declared an epidemic last September.
“We have been left for years feeling helpless and scared,” Bowser told the health committee. “This is a ticking time bomb.”
She said her youngest children, ages 16 and 14, allegedly endured threats of kidnapping and harassment of every form, which left them traumatized. Her daughter did not leave their home for two years, and her son encouraged her to sleep with a crowbar in her bed for protection, she said.
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Bowser also …