WINDSOR – NDP MPP Lisa Gretzky (Windsor West), Shadow Minister for Children, Community and Social Services, and MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam (Toronto Centre), Shadow Attorney General, issued the following statement in response to growing calls to formally declare intimate-partner violence (IPV) an epidemic in Ontario:
“More than 100 municipalities have already recognized intimate-partner violence as the public health and safety crisis that it is” said MPP Gretzky. “They’ve done what they needed to do to sound the alarm.”
“Declaring intimate partner violence an epidemic would unlock real, life-saving support, including stable funding for shelters, counselling, mental health services, and prevention programs that stop the violence before it starts. The Ford government has the power to step up, to make the declaration and show survivors they are not alone. So far, they have chosen not to. That needs to change,” said MPP Gretzky
“The Ontario NDP has given this Government multiple opportunities to declare IPV an epidemic, but they voted against it every time. Reports of IPV are rising at an alarming rate and Indigenous women are disproportionately affected. More victims will suffer unless this Government declares the epidemic and commits to core funding for survivor support and IPV prevention,” MPP Wong-Tam added.
“That’s why we introduced Bill 55, which would implement vital and lifesaving inquest recommendations. There is no reason for delay. The Government must support this bill and make Ontario safer, not only on the streets but inside people’s homes as well.”
The Ontario NDP is urging the government to support and pass Bill 55 without delay when the Legislature reconvenes this fall.