Family and intimate partner violence is everyone’s concern as it threatens the basic right to live free from violence.  

BRAMPTON, ON (November 25, 2024) – Beginning November 25, 2024, on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and throughout the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, Peel Region and partners are launching the annual Break the Silence campaign to encourage residents to talk about family and intimate partner violence in our community.

Now in its fifth year, the awareness campaign sets out to challenge misconceptions about family and intimate partner violence and let survivors know there is help and support available. The campaign will be seen across Peel in print and digital formats and includes downloadable materials in different languages.

Peel Region collaborated with over 25 community organizations, the City of Brampton, the City of Mississauga, the Town of Caledon, Peel Regional Police and Ontario Provincial Police – Caledon Detachment to design the campaign and support tactics and distribution strategies. The Break the Silence campaign is part of the Family Violence focus area in Peel’s Community Safety and Well-being Plan.

In February 2020, Peel Region Council unanimously passed a motion for the Region and its partners to shed light on this critical issue and stand in solidarity with survivors. In June 2023, Peel Region Council formally declared intimate partner violence and gender-based violence an epidemic in Peel, calling attention to its growing severity in the community.

Quick facts 

• In 2023, Peel Police responded to just over 16,000 incidents of family and intimate partner violence, That’s 44 disputes every day or almost 2 every hour.
• Peel Police reported that the highest number of 2023 mobile dispatched calls for service are family and intimate partner violence related.
• In Peel, of the charges that were laid in 2023 for intimate partner violence-related incidents, 79% of the victims were women.
• Peel Police laid 617 intimate partner violence strangulation charges in 2023.
• There were 6 family and intimate partner homicides in Peel Region in 2023.

If you or someone you know needs support:

Call text, or chat with 211

Call Embrave: Agency to End Violence Crisis Line at 1-855-676-8515

Call Victim Services of Peel at 905-568-1068

Call Caledon\Dufferin Victim Services at 905-951-3838

If it’s an emergency call 911 immediately.

Learn more about family and intimate partner violence in Peel, including common misconceptions and available resources for support: peelregion.ca/BreakTheSilence.

Quotations  

“Peel’s family and intimate partner violence campaign is driven by the priorities of our community partners. It breaks through misconceptions regarding abuse so that people seek the help they need. Fostering collective action also means ensuring the capacity exists to meet the increased demand that comes from raising awareness. This includes supporting the community in advocating to other levels of government to make the needed investments in shelter capacity and other services which can help those escaping family and intimate partner violence to be safe and well.” 

Nancy Polsinelli, Commissioner of Health Services, Peel Region

“In this fifth annual Break the Silence campaign we continue to raise awareness of Intimate Partner and Gender-Based Violence as an epidemic and work together with our partners to break down the walls of silence that enables violence against women. We encourage everyone to recognize the signs of abuse and speak up if they know someone experiencing abuse; let victims feeling isolated know they are not alone; and for those experiencing abuse, to seek help. We all have a role to play in ending family and intimate partner violence, and to make Peel a safe, equitable and connected community for all.”

Rowena Santos, Regional Councillor, Brampton Wards 1 and 5

“Gender-based violence is an epidemic in Peel Region that requires a community-wide response. It is critical that we continue to raise awareness about the prevalence and severity of gender-based violence in our community, as well all have a role to play in meaningfully eradicating gender-based violence at a systemic level. It is also essential that survivors know that they do not have to face violence alone, and that there is always someone available to listen and provide support.”

Andrine Johnson, CEO, Embrave: Agency to End Violence 

“Violence against women is so often misunderstood. There are many myths that we need to dispel so that women feel safe to come forward to get the help they need for themselves and their families. We all share in the responsibility to gain an accurate understanding to counter the misinformation that circulates in our communities. This campaign will help us do that.”

Sharon Mayne, CEO, Catholic Family Services of Peel Dufferin 

About Peel Region 

In 2024, Peel Region marks its 50th anniversary. Peel Region works with residents and partners to create a healthy, safe, and connected Community for Life for approximately 1.5 million people and over 200,000 businesses in Brampton, Mississauga and Caledon. Peel’s services touch the lives of residents every day. For more information explore peelregion.ca and follow us on X @regionofpeel and Instagram @peelregion.ca.