Township of Ramara:
Our April 13th deputation was successful! Following our presentation the council unanimously voted to declare Intimate Partner Violence an epidemic in Ramara. The number of supporters and open forum speakers certainly was impactful and sent a strong message to the Ramara Council.
Township of Oro-Medonte:
Our April 22nd deputation was successful! In a rare move, following the deputation and open forum speakers Councillor Hutcheson called for a waiver in procedure and immediately read a motion of declaration. Oro-Medonte Council then voted unanimously to declare Intimate Partner Violence an epidemic. This strong message from Oro-Medonte Council was greeted by applause and left many in the council chambers in tears.
Township of Severn:
The IPV deputation to Severn Township Council on May 6, 2026, urging the municipality to declare intimate partner violence (IPV) an epidemic was a success. Thank you to all who came out to show their concern about this serious societal issue.
Read the Orillia Matters article here.
City of Orillia:
May 25, following a deputation by CFUW Orillia and community partners, Orillia City Council unanimously voted to declare Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) an epidemic.
The City of Orillia now joins 114 municipalities across Ontario that have taken this important step to recognize IPV as a serious public health and community safety issue.
This declaration helps raise awareness, reduce stigma for survivors, and sends a strong message that violence and abuse will not be ignored in our communities.
Thank you to Mayor and Council for their leadership, and to everyone who attended in support of victims and survivors. Together, we continue to advocate for awareness, support, prevention, and meaningful change.
Thank you to North Simcoe Victim Services Orillia, Green Haven Shelter for Women, Ontario Association of Interval & Transition Houses and The Lighthouse for supporting us at the deputation. A special thanks to Carolyn-Marie Goodwin for her impactful statement.