Recommendation number 69 from the jury in the inquest into ending intimate partner violence (IPV) in Ontario is the first of a series aimed at the Cheif Firearms Officer (CFO).
It say the CFO should work with appropriate decision makers to Review the mandate and approach of the CFO’s Spousal Support line to:
a. Change its name to one that better reflects its purpose. It should be clear that it is broadly accessible and not limited to a particular kind of relationship,
b. Be staffed 24 hours a day and 7 days a week,
c. Be publicized to enhance public awareness, and become better known among policing partners possibly through All Chiefs’ bulletins.
In other words, get the word out about the line right now.
Interval House Executive Director Erin Lee says handguns are certainly a problem in the big cities, and the problem is just as bad in rural settings like ours.
She adds part of the problem is that in some cases hunters who are also perpetrators get their guns back during hunting season.
Lee also says a regional approach to publicizing the number will be needed because of the differences between rural, far north, and city life.
That would be much closer to being accomplished should the CFO follow the jury’s recommendation.
You can listen to the full interview with Erin Lee below.