Elizabeth Fry Society of Mainland Nova Scotia

Purpose

Through this 41-month project, the Elizabeth Fry Society of Mainland Nova Scotia will develop, implement and evaluate a Restorative Approach in Multiple Proceedings (RAMP) model that will strengthen the Gender Based Violence Sector. Partnering with the Restorative Research, Innovation and Education Lab at Dalhousie University, and community and justice sector collaborators they will build a process that empowers and supports families impacted by Gender Based Violence to identify their needs related to safety and wellbeing and develop plans to meet these needs. RAMP will facilitate system and service stakeholders’ collaboration in support of these plans by building their capacity to work in more responsive, integrated and holistic ways. Specifically, the project will facilitate support teams and work collaboratively with partner agencies, identify and shape family-led restorative pathways, develop education and training to support system change, gather learnings through a formative evaluation and develop a knowledge dissemination strategy. With the supplemental funds and extension provided in early 2026, Elizabeth Fry Society of Mainland Nova Scotia will further elaborate and test key components of the promising practice Restorative Approach in Multiple Proceedings (RAMP) model and strengthen coordination across the GBV and justice sectors. The extension will enable the organization to build on formative evaluation results and mobilize knowledge within local and regional GBV networks. Through these activities, the organization will further advance gender equality by addressing gaps in coordinated responses to gender-based violence, reducing systemic barriers to accessing supports for individuals and families at heightened risk of violence, including underserved populations, and strengthening collaboration across justice and community systems.