Pictou County Chapter Silent Witness Nova Scotia

06/08/2026

She survived years of abuse. Then her actions, and the circumstances surrounding them, became the focus of one of Canada’s most significant legal cases involving intimate-partner violence.

Jane Stafford Hurshman of Nova Scotia lived in fear for years. According to evidence later presented in court, she endured repeated violence, threats, and controlling behaviour at the hands of her common-law partner. She feared for her own safety, for her children, and for other family members whom she believed could be harmed if she attempted to leave.

In 1983, Hurshman was charged with murder after the death of her partner, Billy Stafford, in rural Nova Scotia. During the trial, witnesses described a pattern of severe abuse and intimidation. Testimony indicated that police often approached the residence with caution, and experts spoke about the effects of prolonged abuse and fear on Hurshman’s state of mind.

The jury ultimately acquitted her. The verdict drew significant public attention and prompted discussion about how self-defence should be understood in situations involving ongoing domestic violence.

The legal proceedings did not end there. The Crown appealed, and Hurshman later entered a guilty plea to manslaughter. She served six months in custody. During sentencing, the judge emphasized deterrence and made remarks reflecting legal perspectives that were being debated and challenged at the time.

Following her release, Hurshman worked to rebuild her life. She pursued training as a nurse’s aide and was able to continue her studies while incarcerated. Friends and acquaintances described her as dependable, caring, and devoted to her children.

In February 1992, Jane Hurshman died. Her death was ruled a su***de.

Today, her case remains an important part of discussions about intimate-partner violence, coercive control, and the challenges faced by survivors navigating the justice system. It continues to be examined by those interested in the evolution of Canadian self-defence law and society’s understanding of domestic abuse.

If you are experiencing intimate-partner violence and need help finding resources in your area, please reach out to a trusted local service provider, crisis line, shelter, or emergency services. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

05/14/2026

02/06/2026

International Women's Day Lunch! Join us March 9th from 12-1

02/05/2026

Doreen Paris was a founding member of the Pictou Co. Chapter Silent Witness Nova Scotia. She strongly believed in the work to be done in our own community around Domestic Violence and Intimate Partner Homicide. We miss Doreen and her wisdom. We are grateful for her hard work and influence to create a Silent Witness chapter in Pictou County. Thank you Doreen.

Today, we remember and honour Doreen Paris, a pillar of leadership, advocacy, and deep community care in New Glasgow and beyond. Doreen spent her life dedicated to her community, from her work in law, to 19 years with the StFX Extension Department, to nearly two decades with PCWRSAC supporting women and facilitating programs that empowered women and girls, she showed up, consistently, and where it mattered most.

Doreen also made sure African Nova Scotian voices were heard at every table: serving on community boards and initiatives across the county, supporting survivors and families, and contributing to justice-seeking work including the Nova Scotia Home for Coloured Children Inquiry. She represented Nova Scotia through the Advisory Council on the Status of Women, even taking that advocacy to the United Nations hearings in New York City.

A devoted member of Second United Baptist Church, Doreen broke barriers in faith leadership too, serving as the third non-clergy female Moderator for the African United Baptist Association of Nova Scotia and as President of the AUBA Women’s Institute.

Thank you, Doreen, for your courage, your consistency, and your fierce belief that everyone's voice deserves to be heard.

02/05/2026

Human Trafficking is REAL! NS has the highest rate of Human Trafficking in Canada. Provincially, Pictou County is on the map, it is happening in your own community. The NG Regional Police have hosted several public information sessions on human trafficking. Take advantage of every opportunity to educate yourself, and your children. Please watch this video, it explains how easily it can happen, sometimes without knowing.

If you or someone you know may be a victim of human trafficking, call the Nova Scotia Human Trafficking Hotline at 902-449-2425.

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1dfu1yiFr4/

02/05/2026

01/23/2026

You are not alone. Help is available.
Visit nsdomesticviolence.ca to find resources and support. You can also call the 211 Men's, Women's, or All Genders Helplines. The helplines are available 24/7 and can connect callers to a number of supports and services specific to their needs.

01/23/2026

🗓️Hold the date for “Thriving at Work: Prioritizing Women's Mental Wellness - Part 2: From Awareness to Action”

This free, virtual event will be held on Wed March 4, 2026 | 12:00pm - 1:00pm EST
Register now: https://ow.ly/sptI50Y0I0P

This second event in The Globe and Mail’s Thriving at Work series deepens the conversation we began last year, moving beyond awareness to action - equipping leaders, teams, and individuals with concrete strategies, tools, and resources to foster mental wellness for women at work.

Whether you're a corporate people leader, HR professional, part of an employee resource group, or a passionate ally and advocate, this webcast will help you turn insight into impact. Join us for a timely and meaningful conversation as we mark International Women’s Day and the continuing progress being made in advancing equity and well-being in the workplace.

01/23/2026

She survived years of brutal abuse. Then the justice system put her on trial for surviving.

Jane Stafford Hurshman of Nova Scotia lived in constant terror. For years, she endured violent abuse, relentless threats, and total control at the hands of her common-law partner. She feared not only for her own life, but for her children’s — and for the safety of her family members, whom he had promised to harm if she tried to leave. Isolated, trapped, and convinced escape would lead to more bloodshed, Jane came to believe she had no way out.

In 1983, Hurshman was charged with murd3r after k*lling her abusive partner, Billy Stafford, in rural Nova Scotia. The evidence at trial revealed years of extreme violence: repeated beatings, degradation, threats to harm her children, and fear so pervasive that even police approached the home armed when they were called there. Witnesses testified that her children, including her infant son, showed signs of abuse. Psychologists told the court she lived under constant threat, unable to leave without risking lives.

The jury acquitted her — a rare and powerful moment. The courtroom erupted in applause. For many Canadians, the verdict reflected a growing understanding that self-defence cannot always be measured by a single moment, especially in cases of prolonged abuse.

But the case did not end there.

The Crown appealed. Under pressure, Hurshman later pleaded guilty to manslaughter and served six months in prison. In sentencing, the judge emphasized deterrence, stating that wives did not have the right to take the lives of their husbands — a remark that revealed how little the law, at the time, understood coercive control and defending oneself against intimate-partner violence.

Despite everything, Hurshman tried to rebuild her life. She enrolled in a nurse’s aide program and was allowed to continue her studies while incarcerated. After her release, those who knew her described her as reliable, kind, and deeply devoted to her children. Outwardly, she carried on.

But survival did not mean healing.

In February 1992, Jane Hurshman was found deceased. Her death was ruled a su***de.

Her death is a stark reminder that even landmark cases leave scars. Jane Hurshman helped change how Canadian law understands self-defence for abused partners. But the fear she lived with — and the burden of being judged for surviving — never fully let her go.

Her story forced Canada to look at violence behind closed doors. It also reminds us that justice, delayed or incomplete, can exact a lifelong cost.

If you are experiencing intimate partner violence we have placed a link to services available for you in comments. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.