‘This is not just a women’s issue’: IPV in Stratford continues to rise

It’s a somber day in Canadian history.

On Dec. 6, 1989, 14 young women were murdered during the Montréal Massacre.

The day, now commemorated annually, marks The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.

It’s a time to remember those who have experienced gender-based violence and those who have been lost to it.

Yesterday, the community saw another violent act of IPV in Stratford, resulting in a women being taken to hospital for her injuries.

In October, the community lost Kassidy Ballantyne-Holmes after suffering a gunshot wound at an Ontario Street residence.

Last year in Perth County, there were 1,223 reports of domestic violence, a 15 per cent increase from 2022.

Jenniffer Olenewa, community projects lead at Optimism Place and coordinator for the Stop Violence Against Women coordinating committee of Perth County, explained that two out of every three women don’t go to any type of formal social services, instead seeking refuge from friends and family.

And according to Statistics Canada, 80 per cent of domestic violence victims do not report the violence they experience to the police.

“We know that there are a lot more incidents than even these two, that are occurring in Stratford and Perth County more broadly,” said Olenewa.

Lisa Wilde, executive director with the Emily Murphy Centre, talked about how the severity of violence is “growing exponentially”.

The Ontario Femicide Report published by Ontario Association of Interval and Transition Houses, has reported over 62 deaths of violence in Canada this year alone. 

Which means a women is murdered approximately every three days.

The Stop Violence Against Women movement has been around for more than 30 years, yet each year these services are seeing a higher demand for support.

And although Stratford declared IPV an epidemic in 2023, “that didn’t come with a whole lot of action,” explained Olenewa. 

Jo-Dee Burbach, city councillor for the City of Stratford, explained that it isn’t just an issue in Perth County.

“It’s a problem everywhere, and Stratford is no exception. We might be a charming, small city, but behind closed doors we have a problem, just like everywhere else,” said Burbach.

Burbach elaborates by explaining that the increase in statistics may be due to the fact that more women are bravely coming forward.

“It’s hard to know if the violence is really increasing or if we are just more aware of it, we’re seeing more and acknowledging more, which hopefully is a step to changing things,” said Burbach.

There are many barriers that prevent women from leaving their abusers, such as not being able to afford a place to live due to the housing crisis, not being able to secure a job due to the unstable job market, not being able to afford food due to rising food costs, mental health and addiction and other barriers that keep women with their violent partners.

And more significant government funding and support is needed to support the reactive and specifically proactive measures the services provide.

“We are all underfunded and under-resourced”, said Olenewa.

Wilde also explains that this issue impacts everyone, not only women.

“This is not just a women’s issue, this is an issue that affects every single person in this country, one way or another.”

Olenewa said raising awareness in the community is important, so that people can recognize, respond and report IPV and provide intervention before it becomes a femicide.

Education, prevention, awareness and advocacy at all levels is critical to making an impact.

The shame and stigma around violence against women needs to be addressed as well.

“We commemorate the pain and the loss, but also move towards action, and say listen we really don’t want to have to keep commemorating this,” said Olenewa.

If you or someone you know is experiencing intimate partner violence, know you are not alone and there is support for you. Speak up and save a life.

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The following is a list of some of the resources available in the community:

Optimism Place – This is Perth County’s only women’s shelter.

270 Freeland Drive, Stratford

(519) 271-5550

Emily Murphy Centre – This is a second stage housing facility for women and children.

67 Barron St, Stratford

(519) 273-7350

Victim Services Huron Perth – This is a support agency for victims and survivors of crime, trauma and tragic circumstance.

325 Albert St, Clinton

(519) 600-4108