Saturday, December 09, 2006

Problem gambling could be a factor in at least half the domestic violence
cases reported to programs for abused women and abusive men in Cumberland
County, and a group there is studying the correlation. The Cumberland County
Transition House Association has a $10,000 grant from the Nova Scotia Gaming
Foundation to study the connection and design intervention programs. An
association spokesperson wasn't available late Wednesday afternoon, but the
foundation's annual report released Wednesday says the 50 per cent figure is
"alarming." The report says that could be a conservative estimate, since it
was only compiled informally, but the study will verify the links. Liberal
MLA Diana Whalen said it was significant the statistic came out on the day
dedicated to recognizing and eliminating violence against women. "I think
it's
really an important piece of information," she said. The foundation provides
funding to community groups, district health authorities and the Health
Promotion and Protection Department for gambling research, education and
treatment.