Ontario Government Refuses to Declare Intimate Partner Violence an Epidemic

On June 6, 2025, Ontario’s provincial government once again refused a unanimous consent motion to declare intimate partner violence (IPV) an epidemic. This decision sparked public outrage, especially as municipalities, advocates, and survivors continue to push for recognition and action amid rising IPV reports.

The Motion

• Proposed by opposition members, the motion called for Ontario to formally recognize IPV as an epidemic.

• The recognition would have aligned with recommendations from the 2022 Renfrew County Inquest.

• Government members blocked the motion, citing ongoing funding and current action plans as sufficient.

Backlash and Advocacy Response

• Advocacy groups called the refusal a betrayal of survivors.

• Survivors and families of femicide victims staged public protests at Queen’s Park.

• Over 95 municipalities had already declared IPV an epidemic, intensifying criticism of the province.

Government’s Position

Ontario officials argue:

• The province has invested $1.4 billion over four years into gender-based violence and victim services.

• Declaring an epidemic, they claim, is symbolic and does not change policy outcomes.

Why Symbolism Matters

Advocates argue that symbolic recognition is essential for:

• Driving policy urgency.

• Securing federal funding partnerships.

• Breaking stigma by validating survivors’ experiences.

Conclusion

The Ontario government’s refusal has widened the divide between survivors, municipalities, and provincial leadership. While funding is critical, advocates stress that recognition of IPV as an epidemic would send a strong message that the province is committed to real change.

FAQs

1. What happened on June 6, 2025, at Queen’s Park?
   The Ontario government blocked a unanimous consent motion to declare IPV an epidemic.

2. Why do advocates want IPV declared an epidemic?
   To push urgency, secure federal funding, and publicly validate survivors.

3. How much is Ontario investing in gender-based violence prevention?
   The province pledged $1.4 billion over four years.

4. Which municipalities have declared IPV an epidemic?
   Over 95 municipalities across Ontario, including Ottawa, Sudbury, and Toronto.

5. Does declaring an epidemic change policy?
   Not directly, but it sets symbolic precedent and pressures governments to act.