As the February 27th general election for Ontario approaches, the Prescott-Russell Coalition to Eliminate Violence Against Women is urging all political parties to make the fight against gender-based violence a top priority in this election.

In 2024, Ontario recorded at least 62 femicides. Additionally, it is estimated that one in three Canadian women will experience sexual assault in their lifetime. These numbers are alarming and highlight the urgent need for action. The economic costs related to domestic violence in Canada reach 7.4 billion dollars each year. These statistics reveal the extent of the gender-based violence epidemic, recognized by over a hundred municipalities.

To combat this epidemic of gender-based violence, it is essential to take bold steps, such as addressing poverty, a major factor in women's isolation and financial dependence, often forcing them to stay in violent relationships or exposing them to increased risks. Parties must also commit to supporting the creation of affordable housing so that women can quickly access safe and stable housing.

It is also crucial to provide sustainable support to organizations that assist survivors of violence and work on prevention. Community organizations play a central role, not only in supporting survivors but also in prevention, and must be adequately supported to carry out their essential mission. These organizations face increasingly significant challenges and need the necessary resources to continue their vital work.

The Coalition calls on political parties to place the fight against gender-based violence at the center of their commitments, to collaborate with sector actors, to listen to survivors, and to implement bold solutions to eradicate gender-based violence in Ontario. It is time to act for lasting change.