The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

OPINION INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE DECLARED AN EPIDEMIC IN HALTON As the executive direc- tor of ate Women's Place nization. committed to "supporting and empowering survivors of domestic violence, I On June 14, we markeda significant milestone as Halton Region, along with its municipalities, boldly declared intimate ‘partner violence and violence against women as an epi- demic. An epidemic is defined as “the rapid and wi spread occurrence of a par- ticular problem, often lead- this issue in our communi- nit ,< ttmowledges that LAURIE HEPBURN Column of resources. Domestic vio- lence is one of the most un- der-reported crimes, with studies showing up per cent of domestic vio- lence is never reported to lice. "epidemic" cognizes the profound impact that intimate part- ner violence has on indi- viduals and society. It cy- cles ugh families, schools, workplaces and every corner of our com- munit the urgency of collective ef- forts to prevent intimate partner violence, support survivors and foster a com- munity where healthy rela- tionships flourish. It is acall to address the root causes of violence, challenge harmful atti- tudes and provide compre- hensive resources for those in need. Let us remember that each one of us has a role to in iting lasting change. By fostering empa- thy, promoting education, and supporting survivors, we can build a community that is resilient against in- timate partner violence. Thank you to our re- gional council and the sup- port of our community leaders in declaring thi epidemic in Halton. Halton iS are. far. reaching, ending to physical and trauma, economic pervasive pattern ity and generational cycles ot abuse that affects indi- of Bm viduals of a the and walks ot magnitude of the problem, Nationally, approxi- we can mobilize resources, will experience intimate partner violence in their lifetime. These numbers are not just abstract fig- unwavering support. Last year, Halton police responded to over 3,400 in- timate partner violence calls, approximately 10 calls a day. At Halton Wom- en's Place, we saw 167 wom- nd cl mn calls to our 24/7 crisis, in- ition and support line. This is just the tip of the iceberg though, as many survivors suffer in silence and do not seek assistance due to fear, stigma or lack raise awareness and devel- op comprehensive strate- gies to address it effective- ly. Halton Women's Place, alongside other jocat orga- ‘izations, and advocates, ras firelessly worked to raise awareness, provide support and advo- cate for the rights and safe- ty of those affected by inti- mate partner violence. are immensely prod of the collaborative efforts that have ea fo this importa: Tialton' 's decision to call intimate partner violence and violence against wom- en an epidemic is a bold and necessary step toward creating real change. It sends a powerful mes- sage to survivors that their experiences are valid, and they are not alone i in their is declara- tion, Halton emphasizes Women's Pl; tands unit- ed with the region and its motional municipalities, ready to instabil- continue our vital work of providing support and ad- vocating for survivors as we build a safe community for all residents. Halton Women's Place is the only women's shelter in safe children experiencing do- mestic violence and abuse. If you need support, call our 24/7?crisis, informa- tion and support lines at 905-332-7892?0r 905-878- 8555, or use our online chat tool — at?www.haltonwo- mensplace.com/chat. Laurie Hepburn is the executive director of Hal- ton Women's Place. She can be reached at lhep- burn@haltonwomen- splace.com.? SIGN UP FOR OUR WEEKLY NEWSLETTER AT INSIDEHALTON.COM Vistamere Retirement Residence Joins the Fieldgate Retirement Living Family! e F Known for providing exceptional service in a friendly atomospe since 1987. Call to book a tour of our spacious suites or join us for lunch in our fine dining room. 905-847-1413 vistamere.ca » FIELDGATE Retirement Living 380 Sherin Dr., Oakville ON L6L 4J3 Ky 3 2 a H 3 Z a 2 a 8 8 8 woo-uoyeyepIsu!