Following the 12th homicide of this year in Durham, Whitby Mayor Elizabeth Roy, yesterday reiterated the town’s call to Durham Region and Ontario government to declare domestic violence an epidemic.
Durham Police announced a woman was found dead in a Whitby home after a man turned himself in at a police station (see story below).
“I was devastated to learn about the death of a 34-year-old woman in Whitby on Saturday, November 4. According to police, a 33-year-old man has been charged with second-degree murder,” said Mayor Roy. “Durham Regional Police Service has shared information about Domestic Violence Awareness Month in November in response to this tragic incident.
She pointed out that earlier this year, Whitby Council approved a motion calling on the Region of Durham and the province to declare an intimate partner violence epidemic.
‘This motion was moved in response to an inquest held in Renfrew County that looked at the 2015 murders of three women all killed by their former partner in a single morning. The inquest resulted in 86 recommendations – including calling on the Ontario government to formally declare intimate partner violence an epidemic.
We cannot stay silent
“As municipal politicians, we cannot stay silent on this issue. We must push for action from upper levels of government,” Mayor Roy said. “Specific legislation addressing family and domestic violence has been passed by six provinces and three territories in Canada, however, Ontario has not implemented this type of legislation.”
She pointed out that many women in Canada – and here in our own community in Durham Region – live in fear. Victim Services of Durham Region supported close to 8,000 victims of gender-based violence in Durham in 2021-2022.
“Intimate partner violence can take many forms, including physical, emotional, financial, and psychological abuse. It knows no boundaries and can impact people of all ages, genders, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
“I offer my deepest condolences to those impacted by the November 4 tragedy in Whitby. Our entire community grieves with the family, friends, and loved ones impacted by this senseless loss of life,” Mayor Roy added.