October 24, 2024 – In an open letter to Premier Ford, United Ways across Ontario express their profound concern with the enduring prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV) in our province which, in addition to the devastating impact on survivors, has broader social and economic impacts and consequences felt in our communities, neighbourhoods, cities and province.
With deep connections in community, Ontario United Ways have long partnered with agencies and survivors to address IPV and other forms of gender-based violence. IPV also intersects with our work on affordable and adequate housing, availability and access to mental health supports and crisis responses, employment opportunities, food security, countering hate and violence, and youth programming.
United Ways are encouraged that Bill 173, Intimate Partner Violence Epidemic Act, 2024 is being considered by the Standing Committee on Justice Policy and urge the provincial government to adopt the Bill without delay. United Ways also recommend action government can take to end IPV and other forms of gender-based violence, and to ensure survivors have the supports they need.
Ontario United Ways look forward to continuing to work closely with government, partners, and communities to bring lasting changes to the lives of women, girls and gender-diverse people and their families across Ontario.
Read the full open letter
About United Way: As the largest non-government funder of community services in the GTA, United Way Greater Toronto reinforces a crucial community safety net to support people living in poverty. United Way’s network of agencies and initiatives in neighbourhoods across Peel, Toronto and York Region works to ensure that everyone has access to the programs and services they need to thrive today. Mobilizing community support, United Way’s work is rooted in ground-breaking research, strategic leadership, local advocacy and cross-sectoral partnerships committed to building a more equitable region and lasting solutions to the GTA’s greatest challenges.