SUBMITTED

As a rural agency located in eastern Ontario, our work to support women and their children fleeing violence is central in our community.

We are a 45-year-old agency active in our community; we provide education, counselling, advocacy and group support, community, and shelter-based support to empower women to live a life free of violence. 

We have created programs, services, and housing options in partnership with local agencies, councils, corporations, and community members. We are active and engaged with all levels of government and we collaborate with strong advocates provincially advocating for systemic change. 

This provincial election and the timelines do not prioritize issues for most Ontarian’s. 

And for anti violence advocates the issues and demands are simple and clear. 

Declare Intimate Partner Violence an epidemic. The first recommendation of the Renfrew triple femicide inquest states it clearly. It is critical for women to hear that their experience is valued, believed and that the Ontario Government is taking steps to eradicate violence. 

Appoint a commissioner on Intimate Partner Violence. Another important recommendation as the government needs someone to oversee, inform government and create a vehicle for meaningful change. 

Ensure stable core funding for all anti-violence agencies and include public and prevention education in the funding envelope. We continue to hear about the need for prevention, engagement with the general public and bystander intervention yet funding is not allocated. Instead, agencies must apply for funds across a variety of streams which is time consuming and time limited. Shelters and anti-violence agencies are often first responders, and this work requires acknowledgement and stable funding allocations. 

Build safe and affordable housing. The housing crisis in Ontario will not be resolved by skyrocketed inflated rents. Safe and affordable housing is a basic need, and a housing first approach means investing in new builds, repairs and maintenance and prioritizing safe affordable housing as a mechanism to combat intimate partner violence. 

Begin with a commitment to 0 in 10. 0 femicides in 10 years. Forecast and plan alongside agencies to campaign for 0 in 10 and take the necessary steps across all communities and sectors to make it a reality. At risk populations of women include women with disabilities, immigrant women, migrant women workers, Indigenous women, and all women must be protected in the 0 in 10 campaign. 

The needs in rural communities also include the realities related to internet access, cell phone reception, transportation, geographic landscape, and crisis response times. 

The time is now for Ontario to take a position and commit to the women (and their children) of Ontario. 

See it, Name it, Change it. 

Submitted by: Erin Lee 
On behalf of: Lanark County Interval House & Community Support