More than 17,000 reports of family and partner violence reported in Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga last year

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Published November 25, 2022 at 12:55 pm

violence against women
Photo by Anete Lusina

Three people lost their lives in family and intimate partner homicides in Peel Region in 2021, and there were more than 17,000 reports of family violence.

These numbers are a stark reminder of the importance of speaking out against violence.

Peel Region is joining the United Nations in the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women for 16 Days of activism.

The United Nations declared Nov. 25 as the first day of 16 days of activism concluding on Dec. 10, International Human Rights Day.

Violence against women and girls is one of the most widespread, persistent and devastating human rights violations in the world today. It remains largely unreported due to the impunity, silence, stigma and shame surrounding it, the UN says.

Peel Region is urging people to speak out in a “Break The Silence” campaign, according to a press release from the Region of Peel.

Violence against women is any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual, or mental harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion, or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life.

The campaign is a collaboration with the City of Brampton, the City of Mississauga, Town of Caledon, Peel Regional Police, Ontario Provincial Police – Caledon Detachment and more than 15 community organizations.

In Peel, of the charges that were laid in 2021 for intimate partner violence-related incidents, 78 per cent of the victims were women.

“As a woman who is very passionate about pushing gender equity, we must work together with our partners to break down the walls of silence that enable violence against women,” said Rowena Santos, Brampton regional councillor.

“We encourage everyone to recognize the signs of abuse and speak up if they know someone experiencing abuse; let victims feeling isolated know they are not alone; and for those experiencing abuse, to seek help.”

Quick facts:

  • A woman is killed every six days in Canada by her intimate partner.
  • There were three family and intimate partner homicides in Peel Region in 2021.
  • Peel Police reported that the highest number of incidents are family and intimate partner violence related.
  • In 2021, police in Peel responded to more than 17,000 incidents of family and intimate partner violence. On average, that’s nearly 45 disputes every day or about two every hour. That’s just what gets reported. Most incidents are not reported.

Sharon Floyd, CEO of Embrave: Agency to End Violence, says talking about gender-based violence is an important step to let survivors know they are not alone.

“The unfortunate reality is that everyone knows someone who has experienced violence,” says Floyd. “If this is you or someone you know, we are here for you, and a phone call away.”

Women who need support can confidentially call the Embrave: Agency to End Violence crisis line at 1-(855)-676-8515, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

People can also call or text 211 or the Assaulted Women’s Helpline at 1-866-863-0511.

If it’s an emergency call 911 immediately.

To learn more about Violence Against Women in Peel, including statistics, resources and campaign materials, visit peelregion.ca/BreakTheSilence.

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