BE IT RESOLVED THAT the presentation by Johanne St. Louis and Loretta Fernandes-Heaslip, Brock Community Health Centre, with respect to Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) be received; and
WHEREAS Intimate partner violence (IPV) is physical, sexual and emotional abuse and aggression that occurs in an intimate relationship; and
WHEREAS on the morning of September 22, 2015, Carol Culleton, Anastasia Kuzyk and Nathalie Warmerdam were murdered by a former partner; and
WHEREAS on June 28, 2022, a five-person jury established as part of a coroner’s inquest into the events of September 22, 2015 delivered 86 recommendations; and
WHEREAS specific legislation addressing family and domestic violence has been passed by six provinces and three territories; however, Ontario has not implemented this type of legislation; and
WHEREAS the Violence Prevention Coordination Council of Durham (VPCC), which represents 35 local agencies including: Brock Community Health Centre, The Nourish and Develop Foundation, and Victim Services of Durham Region, who has seen a significant increase in demand for assistance from local IPV support providers, with IPV victim
support up 32% over four years and sexual violence victim support up 277% over four years; and
WHEREAS the Town of Ajax, Town of Whitby, Municipality of Clarington, and the Regional Municipality of Durham Region have passed motions declaring an IPV epidemic, and acknowledging the 86 recommendations in the Renfrew County Inquest;
BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
- The Ontario Government declare an IPV epidemic, as per recommendation #1 of the Renfrew County Inquest; and
- This motion be distributed to Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock MPP Laurie Scott, the Ministry of the Attorney
General, the Ministry of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity, Region of Durham, all Durham municipalities, Renfrew County, and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario.