Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a crisis that touches every community, and Mississauga is no exception. Behind the doors of homes across the city, individuals and families are grappling with the devastating impact of abuse. In a landmark response, the Ontario government has passed the Intimate Partner Violence Epidemic Act, 2025, a sweeping piece of legislation aimed at transforming the systemic response to this emergency.

Known as Bill 55, this Act is a beacon of hope for survivors in Mississauga and the wider Peel Region. It promises what so many have fought for: faster and stronger protections, a more empathetic court system, and a clear mandate to treat this crisis with the seriousness it deserves.

But what do these legal changes actually mean for someone trying to escape an abusive relationship in Mississauga? This guide unpacks the critical details of the IPV Epidemic Act, its implementation timeline, and essential tips for navigating the court system in Peel Region.

The Intimate Partner Violence Epidemic Act, 2025 is founded on several key principles designed to protect survivors, increase offender accountability, and foster a coordinated community response. Here’s what Mississauga residents need to know.

The Act’s first and most powerful measure is the official declaration of Intimate Partner Violence as an epidemic in Ontario. This is not just a title; it is a directive. It legally mandates a province-wide, multi-sectoral strategy, unlocking dedicated funding and requiring all government bodies—from police to courts to public health—to prioritize IPV. For Mississauga, this means stronger collaboration between Peel Regional Police, local support services like Interim Place, and the justice system.

The process of getting a restraining order, now more robustly defined as a Protection Order, has been notoriously difficult. Bill 55 introduces vital reforms:

• Emergency Protection Orders (EPOs): This empowers police to issue immediate, short-term EPOs in high-risk scenarios, providing a survivor with a crucial window of safety.
• Simplified Application Process: The court forms required for long-term Protection Orders are being simplified. The main courthouse for Peel Region—the A. Grenville and William G. Davis Courthouse in Brampton—will have specially trained staff to help survivors with these applications at no cost.
• Mandatory Risk Assessment: Judges must now consider a specific checklist of risk factors when granting a Protection Order, including patterns of coercive control, stalking, and threats of harm, ensuring decisions are based on a full picture of the abuse.

The Act enshrines the core principles of "Keira's Law" into Ontario's family law framework, mandating comprehensive, ongoing training for judges on the specific dynamics of IPV and coercive control.

Furthermore, the Act significantly expands the court's ability to order electronic monitoring (GPS tracking) for high-risk IPV offenders as a condition of their release. This provides a tangible safety and enforcement tool for survivors in Mississauga.

The court process can be intimidating and retraumatizing for survivors. To mitigate this, the Act mandates the creation of specialized IPV courts. For Peel Region, this will begin with dedicated IPV dockets at the Brampton courthouse. This ensures that cases are heard by specially trained judges who understand the complexities of abuse, leading to a more sensitive and informed legal process.

The Intimate Partner Violence Epidemic Act, 2025 is being rolled out in phases to ensure the system is ready for these major changes.

• Phase 1 (Effective Immediately - August 2025): The declaration of IPV as an epidemic and the new requirements for judicial training under Keira's Law are now in effect.
• Phase 2 (Projected January 2026): The streamlined process for Protection Orders and the new rules for electronic monitoring are set to be implemented. This includes the rollout of new forms and support staff at the Brampton courthouse.
• Phase 3 (Projected Summer 2026): The launch of dedicated IPV court dockets in major hubs, including Peel Region, is planned for this phase, pending resource allocation and training.

If you are a survivor in Mississauga or Peel Region considering legal action, these new laws are designed to help you. Here are practical steps for navigating the process.

1. Connect with Local Support First: Your safety plan is the top priority. Before starting any legal process, contact a local organization. Interim Place, Family Services of Peel, and the Unsafe at Home Peel text/chat line are invaluable resources for counselling, safety planning, and guidance.

2. Document Everything Methodically: A strong case is built on good evidence. Keep a detailed and dated private log of all incidents. Include:

   • Dates, times, and descriptions of all abusive incidents (physical, verbal, financial, etc.).
   • Screenshots of harassing texts, emails, or social media messages.
   • Photos of any injuries or property damage.
   • Names of anyone who may have witnessed the abuse.
   • Any records of interactions with Peel Regional Police.

3. Understand Your Primary Legal Tool: The Protection Order is your key to safety. It can legally prohibit your abuser from contacting you or coming near your home in Mississauga, your workplace, or your children's school. Under the new Act, you have a stronger case to ask the court to consider electronic monitoring as a condition.

4. Get Help at the Courthouse: The main family courthouse serving Mississauga is the A. Grenville and William G. Davis Courthouse at 7755 Hurontario Street in Brampton.1 There you can find the Family Court Support Centre for free help with forms and navigating procedures.

5. Use Free Legal Resources: You are not alone in this process.

   • Legal Aid Ontario: Apply to see if you qualify for a free lawyer. They have specific programs for domestic violence survivors.
   • Peel Community Legal Services: This clinic offers free legal services to low-income residents of Peel Region and can provide advice on family law matters.

6. Prepare Your Affidavit with Care: Your affidavit is your sworn written testimony. Be clear, factual, and chronological. Use your documentation log to structure your story. Focus on the pattern of coercive control and the most serious incidents of abuse, and be specific about why you need the orders to feel safe.

The Intimate Partner Violence Epidemic Act, 2025 marks a critical turning point for Ontario. For survivors in Mississauga, it offers more than just new rules; it offers a system designed to be an ally, not another barrier. This legislation provides powerful tools and renewed hope for a future free from violence.

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1. What is the single biggest change for a Mississauga survivor in the IPV Epidemic Act?

The biggest change is the combination of a simplified, faster process for getting a Protection Order and the requirement for judges to have specific training in domestic violence. This means the system is now designed to be more responsive and understanding of a survivor's reality.

2. I live in Mississauga. How does this Act help me leave my abusive partner right now?

The Act immediately changes the landscape by mandating that IPV be treated as an epidemic. This puts pressure on all systems, including Peel Regional Police, to respond with greater urgency. You can contact local services like Interim Place, who are equipped to help you create a safety plan that leverages these new and upcoming legal protections.

3. Do I need a lawyer to get a Protection Order at the Brampton courthouse?

While legal advice is always recommended, the Act's goal is to make the process more accessible. You can get free assistance with understanding the process and filling out forms from the Family Court Support Centre at the courthouse and from organizations like Peel Community Legal Services.

4. What is "coercive control" and why does it matter under the new Act?

Coercive control is a pattern of non-physical abuse, including isolation, intimidation, and financial control, used to dominate a victim. The new Act formally recognizes it as a central component of domestic violence, and judges are now trained to identify it and give it significant weight when making decisions.

5. Will my abuser automatically be put on electronic monitoring if I report them in Peel Region?

Not automatically. Electronic monitoring is now a stronger tool available to the court for high-risk offenders, usually as a bail condition. A judge at the Brampton courthouse will assess the specific risk factors in your case to decide if this measure is necessary to ensure your safety.

6. Where can I find a list of IPV support resources for Mississauga and Peel Region?

Dialing 2-1-1 or visiting 211ontario.ca is an excellent start. Key local organizations include Interim Place (for shelter and support), Family Services of Peel (for counselling), and the Unsafe at Home Peel chat and text line for immediate, confidential advice.