The Nipissing Violence Against Women Coordinating Committee is looking to area municipal councils to declare Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) an epidemic.
The committee is presenting to councils noting that IPV is “rampant” locally.
Officials say Victim Services of Nipissing District received 475 calls for service for IPV last year, and the North Bay Police Service responded to about 1,200 domestic-related calls.
“While IPV is often hidden behind closed doors, the consequences are devastating and costly, ultimately affecting every member of society,” says Justine Mallah, committee chair. “IPV contributes to an unsafe community, an increase in homelessness, decreased police and ambulance capacity, additional needs for social housing, and added pressures on the healthcare system, the judicial system, and social services.”
She adds while the data shared provides insight into the prevalence of IPV in the community, it remains underreported.
“These numbers reflect only a portion of the violence taking place,” says Mallah.
The committee is presenting to councils in East Ferris and Mattawan Township this week.
Over 35 municipalities across the province have declared Intimate Partner Violence an epidemic, including the Town of Mattawa.
