WINDSOR – MPP Lisa Gretzky (Windsor West) joined Windsor advocates today as they called for Intimate Partner Violence to be declared an epidemic in Ontario.
“Today we're standing together as part of the fight to stop an epidemic of Intimate Partner Violence – something that’s claimed the lives of too many people in Windsor and across Ontario,” said Gretzky. “I am deeply grateful for the family members and advocates who have joined us today. Together, we’ll make our voices heard loud and clear.”
On April 10, Gretzky and the Ontario NDP will debate Bill 173 at Queen’s Park, which would declare Intimate Partner Violence an epidemic in Ontario. This was the number one recommendation of the Renfrew Inquest – a recommendation that’s been repeatedly rebuked by Ford and the Conservatives.
“We need every tool in our toolkit to make a difference,” said Gretzky. “This is one we have right at our fingertips, and I call on every member of legislature – including the Premier - to do the right thing and pass this. We must call this violence for what it is - an epidemic”
Quotes
Fartumo Kusrow, Mother of Sahra Bulle
"Intimate Partner Violence is pervasive, predictable and preventable and that is the definition of epidemic. My daughter Sahra was murdered by her partner last year, and it has been an ongoing nightmare. We need the provincial government to step-up and do the right thing: declare Intimate Partner Violence an epidemic in Ontario."
Sylvie Guenther, Executive Director of Hiatus House
"Since October 2021, 5 women have been killed in Windsor Essex by their current or former intimate partner. The Violence Against Women Coordinating Committee and Hiatus House are speaking out for the women we see and work with every day, who are living with the impacts of intimate partner violence. The issue continues to grow and this declaration will help women in Ontario by bringing awareness to it. We want to do better for women living with violence and we will if we come together and acknowledge the reality of violence - that women are being killed where they are supposed to feel the safest."