Linked statement

“More than four in ten Canadian women will face violence from an intimate partner. I want to thank the local groups helping survivors in Durham. Ending this violence starts at home, and men and boys must help stop harmful behaviour.”

“Madam Speaker, last Saturday, I was proud to join survivors, families and advocates at the Walk to End Intimate Partner Violence, in Durham region. Sadly, statistics show that more than four in 10 women in Canada will experience intimate partner violence in their lifetime. Behind those numbers are our friends, neighbours, co-workers and loved ones. Today, I want to recognize the organizations working every day in my region to support survivors and prevent violence. Victim Services of Durham Region, Herizon House and Safety Network Durham are just a few organizations of many trying to stop intimate partner violence in Durham region. As a father of three daughters, I believe that ending violence starts at home with the values we pass on to our children. Respect must always come first, and we must teach boys and men that they have a responsibility to be allies and develop healthy relationships. We must challenge harmful behaviour and help end the cycle of abuse. Let us continue working together to build communities where safety, dignity and respect are the norm and where violence has no place.”