Declaring intimate partner violence an epidemic is only the beginning, according to the latest episode of *Silence Broken: The IPV Talks*.
Host Bob Perreault and Lanark County Interval House Executive Director Erin Lee examine what communities must do after making the declaration.
Lanark County was the first Ontario municipality to recognize intimate partner violence as an epidemic. Other communities have followed, but Lee says statements must lead to action.
She says municipalities should review policies, workplace violence plans and safety strategies while making education and crisis information easier to find.
Lee says residents can press municipal councillors and MPPs for answers about funding, prevention programs and progress on recommendations from the Culleton, Kuzyk and Warmerdam inquest.
The inquest issued 86 recommendations in 2022, beginning with a call for Ontario to declare intimate partner violence an epidemic. The remaining recommendations outline steps for governments, police, courts, community agencies and others.
The episode explains how neighbours, friends and relatives can safely support someone experiencing abuse, including listening without judgment and seeking advice before taking action that could increase risk.
The conversation is available to stream below.
