MPP Lisa Gretzky is calling on the provincial government to declare intimate partner violence an epidemic.
Next week, Gretzky and the NDP will debate Bill 173 at Queen's Park. The bill would make the declaration and complete the first recommendation of the Renfrew Inquest, which looked into the deaths of three women by the same man.
"This would be a very important first step and a very strong message from the province of Ontario to let people know that the government sees them, they hear them, they believe them and that things will change," said Gretzky.
The bill is supported by community advocates, organizations that assist women fleeing domestic violence and victim's families members.
Sahra Bulle, a victim of intimate partner violence, was killed in May 2023. Her mother Fartumo Kusrow is urging the government to take this first step.
"Intimate Partner Violence is pervasive, predictable and preventable and that is the definition of epidemic. My daughter Sahra was murdered by her partner last year, and it has been an ongoing nightmare. We need the provincial government to step up and do the right thing: declare Intimate Partner Violence an epidemic in Ontario," said Kusrow.
Gretzky says once the problem is properly identified the government can make investments to ensure victims of intimate partner violence have access to legal services, mental health services, and transitional housing.
