Stop the Violence Against Women and Girls event being held in Wilmot

By Lee Griffi

In 2023, the Region of Waterloo formally declared intimate partner violence (IPV) an epidemic after local data and community groups made it clear the problem was widespread, persistent and profoundly harmful to individuals and families.

The seriousness of the issue hasn’t gone away over the last few years, and as a result, the New Dundee Women’s Institute and Southern Ontario Support Society (SOS) are teaming up to host a “Stop the Violence Against Women and Girls” event next month.

“All women’s institutes across the globe have this issue as a goal in supporting and we advocate for women at the United Nations,” said Nancy Birss from the New Dundee Women’s Institute. “Let’s put our mouth where our advocacy is supposed to be and hopefully educate some people.”

The day-long event will feature an expert panel in the morning with representatives from the Family Violence Project of Waterloo Region, the Sexual Assault Support Centre of Kitchener, Neighbours, Friends and Families/Rural Roots, and the Women’s Crisis Centre.

“The panellists will explain how they see the situation, what they do, how you can help a friend or neighbour, or help yourself. It’s an information gathering in the morning with a Q&A, and the afternoon will have a presentation from the Kitchener South-Hespeler MPP,” Birss said.

That MPP is Jess Dixon, who was the government lead and author for the province’s Subcommittee Report on IPV, which was presented to the Ontario Legislature in December of last year. Dixon is a lawyer and most recently worked in the Kitchener crown attorney’s office.

“It’s not like a private thing. Practically speaking, its presence is one of the strongest predictors we have of long-term harm and damage for children and communities,” said Dixon. “If it’s happening, it’s intersecting with child development, education outcomes, pressure on the justice system, health costs and long-term community safety.”

She added prevention is important in changing the trajectory of IPV to improve child development and families. It also reduces the downstream strain on police, the courts and social services.

“Through the committee, we had about 90 experts and around 60 survivors, plus a lot of research I did after. What it told me as far as Ontario is concerned, is our challenge isn’t a lack of passion or compassion, caring or expertise. The real challenge is the coordination of available resources.”

Dixon added no one is required to disclose anything personal or feel like they must have a personal experience to have a legitimate stake in the issue.

“I have seen the impact of IPV over 10 years of being a crown attorney and working in so many different communities across Ontario. From that perspective, domestic violence and impaired driving make up the brunt of the cases. I have seen how damaging and complex they are, along with the challenges getting them through the court system.”

Dixon does not expect most people to read the province’s 900-page report, but she encourages those who are interested to scan the table of contents for topics that catch their attention.

“If you are interested in a particular issue or solution, you’ll probably find it in the report. Getting the opportunity to come to this event is about helping translate that work into something a little more actionable and understandable.”

Birss said she would welcome an IPV survivor to speak at the event if someone felt comfortable and far enough removed from their situation to be able to speak. She is also hoping to enlist the services of a counsellor for the day in case anyone may be triggered by the topic.

She added volunteers are also needed to help set up and take down tables and chairs, and high school students in need of volunteer hours are welcome.

The event takes place on March 28 at the New Dundee Community Centre from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The $35 cost includes lunch, and registration is available by emailing pwelland@rogers.com. A cheque can also be mailed to Pauline Welland at 1101-75 York Street, Kitchener, N2G 1T5. The cutoff date to register is March 20.