Received funds from the Department of Health to support a three-year demonstration project called the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program: we house the only community-based SANE program in Canada. The project aims to certify Registered Nurses in provision of medical attention and collection of forensic evidence after sexual assault.

The SANE program offers the opportunity to freeze forensic evidence for up to six months, providing women with more time to make legal decisions after an assault has occurred. HRM is the only area in Atlantic Canada where forensic evidence can be frozen.

A partnership is formed with Bryony House, National Association of Women and the Law, Women’s Centres Connect and the Elizabeth Fry Society: together we are conducting a participatory research project, “Restorative Justice in Nova Scotia: Women’s Experiences and Recommendations and Implementation for Positive Policy Development”, funded by Status of Women Canada.

Various fund-raising endeavors sponsored in support of Avalon Centre raise money, awareness and support for the agency—Athletes for Avalon Golf Tournament; Friends of Avalon Silent Auction and Benefit; The Vagina Monologues; Little Mysteries Book Store Freaky Fridays; Dalhousie Association of Women and the Law Dinner and Benefit.