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On Nov. 25, while Ontario Premier Doug Ford refused to recognize the epidemic of intimate partner violence (IPV) while standing outside a women’s shelter, 150 Unifor women met in Windsor, Ont. to launch the union’s campaign demanding this declaration be made.
Samia Hashi, Unifor Ontario Regional Director, opened the day, identifying that passing Bill 173, the Intimate Parter Violence Epidemic Act, is a necessary step in supporting families and survivors, and in preventing further violence.
“All of us in this room, anyone touched by IPV, we know that there is an epidemic in our province,” said Hashi.
“In 2022 alone, in our province, there were 33,804 police-reported incidents of intimate partner violence. It’s in their honour and their memories that we do this work.”
Survivors, women's advocates, and Unifor members in the room faced the statistics and committed to take action, starting with sending an email to their MPPs and to the premier, urging them to declare IPV an epidemic.
Bill 173: Intimate Partner Violence Epidemic Act has passed the second reading but was referred to the province’s Justice Committee for study in the spring of 2024.
“We don't need another study, we know what needs to happen, we know what the government needs to do, and Unifor joins every survivor, organization and voice pushing to pass this bill,” said Tracey Ramsey, Unifor Women’s Director.
“The Renfrew County Inquest published recommendations. The very first recommendation was to declare IPV an epidemic in Ontario. There are more than 100 municipalities that have already done this.”
Participants were invited to review current statistics on intimate partner violence and participated in a workshop identifying the various forms of abuse and how abuse and violence are used to uphold power in relationships. At times, this power imbalance can be tied to cultural or religious patterns.
“Women are often seen as the upholders of cultural norms,” said Ayan Holland, Unifor Ontario Regional Council Member-at-Large and one of the event’s organizers. “That can make it more difficult to identify or stop some forms of abuse.”
Participants learned from a panel of service providers, including representatives from Hiatus House Windsor, Trans Wellness Ontario, and Legal Assistance of Windsor.
The impact of intimate partner violence was felt strongly in the room. One of the panelists had been a resident of Hiatus House as a child, along with her mother.
The shelter is currently fundraising for transitional housing, where survivors and their children can stay for 18 to 24 months.
Fartumo Kusow, founder of the Sahra Bulle Foundation, delivered a powerful message about how the grip of silence takes over in a family experiencing intimate partner violence.
She described how systems that should intervene including police and health care professionals have policies and practices that further isolate people experiencing IPV, leading to devastating consequences.
“I have two sides of myself, like a split screen before and after Fri., May 26, 2023. I lost my daughter, the woman who gave me that gift of becoming a mother,” Kusow shared.
“I called the police numerous times. I had 1,300 photos of injuries saved in a folder. I was told we cannot share what we have, that unless Sahra spoke to them, then anything I say is hearsay.”
Kusow identified the calls to demand IPV an epidemic as a key step towards ending the violence, and shared her hope that this declaration could empower more change in how institutions address IPV.
“We need to make sure that women's bodies are safe, in their homes, in the streets. And the next time someone comes knocking on your door for the votes, make sure that they will stand for this,” she said.
As the afternoon ended, two presenters brought clarity and love into the room.
Cher Obediah, poet and IPV activist, shared her stories through poetry, including empowering stories of her self-reflection, growth and strength both within and after leaving an abusive relationship.
Jenny Natyshak, owner of The Lodge at Lakeshore Wellness Retreat, led the room in a calming meditation to bring the agenda to a close.
On their way out, members filled their bags with posters, postcards and recommitted to the campaign ahead.
“This work will be difficult, but I could not pick a better group to take on this fight with than each of you,” said Hashi. “Thank you for your participation and for the commitment to supporting survivors.”
Join the campaign today. Send a message to your MPP and to Premier Ford, telling them to pass Bill 173.
