Ontario Council Speaker: Declaring Intimate Partner Violence an Epidemic in Ontario
Ontario Council Speaker: Declaring Intimate Partner Violence an Epidemic in Ontario
Saturday, October 25, 2025
Description
On October 25th, via ZOOM, we will explore the legislative process involving declaring Intimate Partner Violence an epidemic in Ontario. The event is free but please register to attend.
Speakers
MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam will explain the purpose of the proposed legislation and its possible impact.
MPP Wong-Tam has served as a MPP Toronto Centre since 2022. She has had an extensive career in investing in Toronto’s diverse communities through both the public and private sectors. Her contributions have led to the development and support of improved social planning programs, new affordable housing, innovative economic development programs, community art projects, and investments in diverse, family-friendly neighbourhood planning.
Women’s Shelters Canada
To understand the propose and its practical applications of this legislation we have invited Women’s Shelters Canada to participate. They will also address what are the needs for additional legislation.
In 2009, the organization was drawn together by a shared vision to end violence against women, the provincial and territorial shelter associations. Together, we have become a national, collaborative voice for change. The Network was incorporated and became a charitable organization in November 2012.
It is working towards a world where:
- Everybody matters – people of all genders, all cultures, all faiths, all abilities are valued and have equitable access to resources, power and justice, and all are safe from violence.
- Society uses an inclusive, intersectional, equity-based lens to make decisions.
- Organizations and systems are collaborative and accountable.
- The Earth, on which we all depend for survival, is protected.
We will announce their speaker in the near future
The last component of this session offers a close look at the impact of IPV on families.
Fartumo Kusow -mother, teacher, author and podcaster
Fleeing her home country at the outbreak of the Somali Civil War, Fartumo Kusow immigrated to Canada in 1991. Her passion for storytelling began long before her arrival, with her first novel, Amran. In 2017, Fartumo published her debut English-language novel, A Tale of a Boon’s Wife, a powerful story that explores the complexities of Somali culture, gender, and identity.
Today she hosts a podcast “Break the silence Build the Future”. Fartumo’s real life experience is a result of the death of her daughter, who was a victim of alleged IPV, which allegedly culminated in her death in 2023. She is committed to amplifying the voices of survivors and advocates, bringing much-needed attention to the pervasive issue of gender-based violence.
Register HERE