N.S. survivor of intimate parter violence getting noticed

The federal and Nova Scotia justice ministers have noticed Jessie Van der Wiel and the campaign of support she's received from the people of Pugwash, where she lives, including the hashtag Justice for Jessie, to keep the issue of intimate partner violence alive online. I'd like to say, first and foremost, credit to the victim in this case, lifting the publication ban and putting herself out there. to try to protect people in the future. What a profile and courage for somebody to have gone through an experience like that, to be able to have the fortitude to speak out in public about the importance of the issue. Fraser says the government has already taken some action. I want her and others who've been through such horrific experiences to know that they're not alone. You have governments, in my experience, at different levels, who want to work with survivors of intimate partner violence. VanderWiel's former partner was sentenced to six years for crimes including aggravated sexual assault. But with credit for time he's already served, his prison sentence going forward is only three years, to be followed by seven years supervision in the community. I think in particular, in cases of intimate partner violence and gender-based violence, we need to review the Criminal Code of Canada, especially in terms of penalties and sentencing for issues involving this. Armstrong says one of the challenges would be making sure tougher sentences comply with the Charter of Rights. Since Jessie VanderWiel was assaulted, the criminal code has been toughened when it comes to intimate partner violence, including the new charge of femicide when the violence results in death. Both ministers say they're open to doing even more. If there is more to do, we want to continue to receive advice from those who have lived experience often through tragedy such as this, but who have the ability to say I want to make change. So we're doing everything we can here and we'll continue to do more. We're going to continue to be open to consult with stakeholders across the province. CBC News, Halifax.