City of Kitchener declares gender-based, intimate partner violence an epidemic

The City of Kitchener has joined dozens of other municipalities in declaring gender-based violence and intimate partner violence an epidemic. 

Ontario saw 30 femicides in 30 weeks from November 2022 to June 30, according to a report released by the Ontario Association of Interval and Transition Houses in July. 

City councillors voted unanimously Monday during a city council meeting, joining municipalities like Ottawa, Halton, Toronto and Peel. The motion, tabled by Coun. Christine Michaud, highlighted that one quarter of all criminal charges laid in 2022 in the region were related to intimate partner violence.

The motion also highlighted local frontline service organizations raising concerns about the increased demand for sexual assault support services, while operational funding has not increased.

Coun. Aislinn Clancy commended the motion yesterday, saying the number of women accessing the shelter system increased during the pandemic. 

"It was the most difficult type of situation when people are living contained like that during the hardest time of their life, and the pressure cooker families were under that I think shed a lot light of the gaps that exist," Clancy said.

Coun. Paul Singh said though issues like health services and social services fall outside the city's purview, council can play a role in raising awareness.

"Many things are on the outside of the purview of what this council can effect some change on," he said. 

"But that's not to say that it's not our responsibility to access our privilege around this table to point out serious issues and challenges in our communities, in our society as Councillor Michaud's motion is endeavouring to do."

Women's Crisis Services bringing issue to regional council

Jenna Mayne, communications and funds development manager at Women's Crisis Services of Waterloo Region, said Kitchener declaring gender-based violence and intimate partner violence an epidemic shows the city's understanding of how serious the issue is.

"It really brings weight to the problem and highlights the severity of the issue. It brings something that was previously seen as a private matter into the public and it demands some action," she told CBC News.

"The city is recognizing the issue of violence against women, girls and gender-diverse individuals within the region."

Mayne said in 2022, 383 people stayed at the service's two emergency shelters and over 1,100 people were supported through their outreach services, as well as over 2,500 people were helped through the service's support lines.

She said the service is preparing to the bring the issue to regional council in September alongside The Family Violence Project.

Mayne said they will be asking the region to declare intimate partner violence an epidemic and for it to be integrated in the region's community safety and wellbeing plan.

Mayne said that would help bring the issue into regional discussions, support prevention programs as well as provide more funding for organizations that support women.