Nearly 100 municipalities in Ontario have declared intimate partner violence/gender-based violence (IPV/GBV) to be an epidemic. These declarations bring IPV/GBV to the forefront, and with Bill 173 —the Intimate Partner Violence Epidemic Act, which has passed its second reading at Queen’s Park, there is hope that the province will begin to action the 86 jury recommendations from the Renfrew County Inquest. These recommendations outline a way to move forward with policies that will prevent IPV/GBV and provide support for victims and survivors. But what is the municipal role in this work? This session will unpack what comes after the declaration, including why this step should be taken, and how establishing meaningful community partnerships are essential to solving this problem. Panelists will include speakers from Lanark County—the first municipality in Ontario to declare IPV/GBV as an epidemic—among other experts, who will examine how to meaningfully address this crisis and why it should be a component of all community safety and well-being plans. Areas of Focus: Intimate Partner Violence; Gender Based Violence; Victim Advocate; Renfrew County Inquest; Public Education; Organizational Education.

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This breakout session is sponsored by the Regional Municipality of Durham. Thank you for your support