This morning, YWCA Toronto’s Chief Executive Officer, Heather McGregor, sent a message to our supporters. Her message is so important that we are also sharing it here. Please keep reading…
It's been almost eight years since Carol Culleton, Nathalie Warmerdam, and Anastasia Kuzyk were killed in the Ottawa Valley. The 2022 coroner’s inquest report on this triple femicide made 86 recommendations to address Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) in the province. Yet, the very first recommendation – declaring IPV an epidemic – remains glaringly unaddressed by our provincial government. Despite municipalities across Ontario, including Toronto, and even the federal government acknowledging this epidemic, Premier Ford has so far refused.
These tragedies are still happening. Just last month, 5 people – including 3 children – were tragically lost due to Intimate Partner Violence in Sault Ste Marie. One life is too many; It needs to stop.
So we are calling for urgent action.
Will you join our campaign today to help eradicate gender-based violence? Sign our petition right now to demand that Ontario recognize Intimate Partner Violence for what it is – an epidemic. When you do, an email will be automatically sent to Premier Ford asking for action.
For many experiencing intimate partner violence, the most difficult step is deciding to leave. When they flee; they are seeking a home free from fear, free to start again, and free to build their future.
However, without the province's recognition of the frequency and severity of this violence, how can we ensure that every woman and gender diverse person has access to safety? Declaring intimate partner violence as an epidemic sends an important message to survivors, to advocates, to the loved ones of those lost to femicide and beyond - we see you, we believe you and your life matters.
SIGN THE PETITION
We need you. Help us send a message to the Ontario government, asking them to finally take the necessary step of declaring IPV an epidemic.
We are counting on you to add your name. There is strength in numbers; Will you help us be too loud to ignore?
Toronto's City Council, and over 60 other municipalities, understood the severity of this issue and unanimously passed a motion to declare IPV and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) an epidemic. This gives me hope and I am confident that with your help, the Ontario government will hear our plea and consider doing the same.
Together, let’s create a brighter, safer future for all Ontarians.
With determination and hope,
Heather McGregor
Chief Executive Officer
P.S. Once you add your name, please share this message with your communities. Together, we can raise our voices and say enough is enough, let’s end Intimate Partner Violence.