Victim Services of Durham Region (VSDR) reported that it supported 5,400 victims of crime or sudden tragedy between April 1 2023 and March 31, 2024, with more than 4,100 of those victims being women and children.
In the first three quarters of this year (April 1 to December 31, 2024), VSDR disclosed that there has been a rise in those numbers, projecting a 23 per cent increase in victimization this fiscal year.
The charity has partnered with Pattison Advertising and GO Stations across the Region, displaying posters that highlight statistics provided by VSDR about Gender-Based Violence, including data showing 65 femicides in the province in 2024. As chair of the Human Trafficking Coalition of Durham and a steering committee member for the Violence Prevention Coordinating Council (VPCC), VSDR’s Executive Director Krista MacNeil has been part of the movement in Durham that has led to various communities across Durham and the Region itself declaring Intimate Partner Violence an epidemic. MacNeil describes the situation as “a human rights crisis and epidemic that requires urgent attention and a substantial dedication of resources”.
VSDR reported that it has received recognition for its crisis intervention and prevention programs, which reached more than 40,000 youth across Ontario this past year. However, MacNeil stated that more needs to be done, saying, “Non-profit organizations are carrying the immense burden of vital work without the essential, sustainable funding they need”.
The campaign is supported by elected officials from Durham Region. Victim Services members were joined by a representative from Member of Parliament Ryan Turnbull’s office, Regional Chair John Henry, Whitby Mayor Elizabeth Roy, and Council members on February 6 to highlight posters in Whitby. Council members from Ajax and Oshawa also attended GO sites with Victim Services on February 6 and 10 to support the campaign.
Turnbull stated, “We must work together to end all forms of gender-based violence. This means working collectively across sectors to build a more robust support system to ensure victims of violence can heal, recover, and live fulsome and fulfilling lives. It also must include tripling our efforts to raise awareness and educate the public to prevent the scourge of violence and the wake of lasting harm that it leaves behind”.
Mayor Roy stated, “I’m pleased to see the support of Pattison Advertising to bring heightened awareness to this concerning statistic. Gender-Based Violence is unfortunately on the rise throughout the province. We know that the work never ends for Victim Services of Durham Region, and the work they do to bring awareness through campaigns like this is incredibly important”.
Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer for The Regional Municipality of Durham, John Henry remarked, “Gender-based violence and femicide are violations of human rights. We are grateful for the work of Victim Services of Durham Region in ensuring that survivors are supported and for advocating for measures to end victimization. This awareness campaign will help ensure Durham remains a safe place to call home”.
VSDR stated that it continues to promote awareness year-round through ongoing prevention and education activities across Durham and Ontario. Those impacted by violence or abuse of any kind are encouraged by VSDR to reach out for free, confidential support. The campaign is scheduled to run until March 2.
For more information about Victim Services of Durham Region, visit: www.victimservicesdurham.ca/home
You May Also Wish To Read
Unwanted person call leads to four arrests in large meth bust