Stiles: Time to call intimate partner violence what it is – an epidemic

QUEEN’S PARK – Following the tragic and horrific loss of five people, including three children, as a result of intimate partner violence in Sault Ste. Marie, Official Opposition NDP Leader Marit Stiles urgently called on Premier Ford to take action and declare intimate partner violence an epidemic in Ontario.

“Tragically, gender-based violence and femicide is on the rise, and we are long overdue for urgent change. A report from July of this year found that 30 women were killed in 30 weeks.

68 out of 86 recommendations from the Renfrew Inquest fall under provincial jurisdiction. It is shameful that the Ford government not only rejected many of these recommendations, but also chose to not declare intimate partner violence an epidemic.

We don’t have time to waste. We should be doing everything we can to prevent even one more death from intimate partner violence.”

ADDITIONAL QUOTES:

Official Opposition Critic for the Attorney General Kristyn Wong-Tam (Toronto Centre):

“This government is failing women, families, and victims of gender-based violence across the province. They fail to see the urgency of this issue. They have the power to immediately implement the provincial recommendations in the Renfrew Inquest to prevent more tragic events from happening. We must go beyond individual incidents and build capacity within the justice system to address intimate partner violence as an epidemic.”

Official Opposition critic for Women's Social and Economic Opportunity MPP Jill Andrew (Toronto - St. Paul’s)

“Intimate partner violence is an epidemic. It is absolutely shameful that the Premier failed to see the urgency of the situation, especially following the tragedy that unfolded in Sault Ste. Marie. Violence against women is a persistent issue deeply rooted in social inequities. The Premier’s commitment to acknowledging the urgency and accepting the Renfrew Inquest recommendations would mean resources that is beyond necessary.”