OAITH and our member organizations bring considerable expertise to the topic of Intimate Partner Violence, given the primary and core purpose of these organizations is to solely focus on ending gender-based violence. These organizations are more than programs and projects and as such the information provided in this written submission and the presentation to be made to the committee, aim to provide the depth and breadth to support the committee’s work.
In preparation for the hearings being held for Bill 173, OAITH convened our membership on June 19th, 2024 and structured the day to gather their experience, insights and recommendations as the Government of Ontario moved Bill 173, Declaring Intimate Partner Violence an Epidemic to committee for further study. Those key findings will be explored in more depth and included further down in this written submission to form the basis of the problem statement outline. To form a foundation and to educate committee members, a 5 Year Review and Analysis of Femicide in Ontario has been prepared. This review and analysis examine all types of femicide in the last 5 years, including Intimate Partner Femicide.