The New Brunswick Federation of Labour (NBFL) wants the province to declare intimate partner violence (IPV) an epidemic.

The push comes on the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, which is marked on Dec. 6.

Tasha Saleese, NBFL Vice-President for Women’s Issues, is calling on the province for more resources to prevent violence and support survivors.

“New Brunswick leads the country with the highest increase, 39%, in intimate partner violence rates over a 12-year period,” Saleese said.

The vice-president pointed out that 3,172 people in New Brunswick reported experiencing intimate partner violence in 2021.

“Nova Scotia recently declared intimate partner violence an epidemic, opening the door for more government resources to prevent violence and support survivors,” Saleese said. “If they can do it, so can we.”

The NBFL’s call to action coincides with the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, which runs from November 25 to December 10.