Clarington Supports Declaration of Intimate Partner Violence as an Epidemic

On May 29, 2023, the General Government Committee of Clarington passed a resolution supporting the declaration of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) as an epidemic. This decision aligns with the Region of Durham's similar declaration and calls on the Ontario Government to follow suit, as recommended by the Renfrew County Inquest. The resolution highlights the significant increase in demand for IPV support services in Durham, with Victim Services reporting a 32% rise in supported victims over four years, and a 37.5% increase in crisis line support in the last fiscal year. The resolution also mandates the integration of IPV into the Region's Community Safety and Well-Being Plan and directs staff to investigate the recommendations from the Renfrew County Inquest for potential implementation in Clarington. The motion will be distributed to various stakeholders, including local MPPs and the Ministry of the Attorney General.