Local agencies are working together to share information about intimate partner violence (IPV) during the month of November as the epidemic continues.
The Women's Interval Home, The Centre Sarnia-Lambton (formerly known as the Sexual Assault Survivors Centre), and Sarnia Police Service (SPS) have teamed up for the social media awareness campaign as November is recognized as IPV Awareness Month.
"The reason we like to take this approach is that we need to educate and make our community aware of all the challenges that we're facing -- the harmful stereotypes -- to foster an understanding of the impacts of gender based violence (GBV) here in our local community, as a reminder that awareness is the first step toward prevention and accountability," said Women's Interval Home Executive Director Jennifer Vansteenkiste.
While IPV refers to multiple types of harm caused by a current or former partner, Sarnia police said women are "significantly" more likely to experience IPV than men.
Between January 1 and October 22, 654 females and 191 males were identified as victims of IPV, read an SPS media release.
It appears 2024 may yield similar statistics compared to 2023.
City police investigated 1,742 domestic dispute incidents and laid 395 charges in 2023.
Between January 1 and October 22, 2024 police investigated 1,302 incidents and laid 373 charges.
“We recognize that these are complex issues that require a coordinated response, and we are dedicated to working closely with our community partners to provide support, resources, and justice for survivors," said Deputy Chief Ron Hansen in a statement. "Our goal is to foster a safer, more supportive community where all individuals can live free from violence and fear.”
Lambton County declared IPV an epidemic in 2023.
However, Vansteenkiste said it's important for the province to follow suit with Bill 173, the IPV Epidemic Act.
"We use the language epidemic since IPV is considered a public health concern," she said.
Vansteenkiste said IPV and domestic violence can be difficult to detect. Signs could include someone who detaches from their family or friends, constantly cancels plans to attend events, and seems withdrawn.
The Centre Public Education Coordinator Trish Vanoosterom also stressed the importance of knowing the warning signs of IPV and GBV.
"A lot of people don't think things are their business if it's not happening in their home or directly in front of them," Vanoosterom said. "We just really want people to recognize the warning signs of folks that may be around them that might be struggling with IPV and also give them tools to address and to know how they can assist or help without causing further harm."
Aside from awareness and education, Vanoosterom said organizations and communities are also looking at 86 recommendations for change, stemming from the 2022 inquest into the murders of three women in Renfrew County.
"We're also going to focus on the recommendations from Renfrew and seeing what Sarnia is doing about that and how much progress we're making there," Vanoosterom said. "Basically, it's showing that the laws need to change, that our systems need to change, that we really need to get a hold of this problem because it is becoming so prevalent."
During the remainder of the month, a few other awareness events and initiatives will be observed.
An international campaign, 16 Days of Activism Against GBV, will be held from November 25 to December 10. The pillars of the campaign include education, awareness, policy, and legal advocacy.
As part of the 16 Days of Activism, a candlelight vigil will be held at The Centre, located at 145 Christina St. N, to recognize those who have died as a result of IPV and the victims of the École Polytechnique massacre. The sombre event will be held on December 6, beginning at 5 p.m.
Meanwhile, the Women’s Interval Home is encouraging people to participate in the Shine a Light campaign in November. Buildings, such as Lambton College and Sarnia City Hall, will be illuminated purple to raise awareness about domestic violence and show solidarity with survivors in the community.
The Women’s Interval Home is also holding a free book launch on December 5 from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at the auditorium at Sarnia Library Theatre with feminist lawyer and IPV expert Pamela Cross. She'll be discussing her new book about IPV in Canada called, And Sometimes They Kill You.
Available resources in Sarnia-Lambton and southwestern Ontario for those dealing with IPV can be found below.
Women’s Interval Home 519-336-5200 https://www.womensintervalhome.com/
The Centre (formally Sexual Assault Survivors Centre) 519-337-3154 info@sascsl.ca
Three Fires Ezhignowenmindwaa Women’s Shelter 519-627-3635
Family Counselling Centre 519-336-0120 https://www.familycounsellingctr.com/
Reseau-femmes du sud-ouest de l’Ontario 1 888-946-3029 https://rfsoo.ca/
Victim Services of Sarnia-Lambton *services provided at the request of the police 519-344-8861 ext. 5238