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​Media Release

The Epidemic of ​Gender Based Violence:

Bringing domestic violence out of the shadows and
​working towards a safer community.

On November 16th, from 6:30 and 8:30 PM, join host Regional Councillor Rob Deutschmann in this fifth town hall segment of the year, titled "The Epidemic of Gender Based Violence: Shining a light on domestic violence and striving for a safer community."

Gender-based violence is a deeply entrenched issue that echoes through the lives of individuals, families, and the broader community. In Waterloo Region, the severity of this issue has resonated with not only Regional Council, but also the City Councils of Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo. Each of these has moved forward by passing motions that recognize intimate partner violence as an epidemic. This grim reality that too many community members face calls for immediate provincial intervention and enhanced support.

Although this violence is predominantly targeted at women, it is not exclusive to them and men too are affected. The widespread nature of gender-based violence accentuates the necessity for a comprehensive approach towards resolution. The conversation during the town hall will be enriched by expert speakers who will share their profound knowledge and insights on this topic, aiming to spotlight this community issue.
​

Quote From Event Host


“Every 6 days in Canada a woman is killed by her intimate partner. Over the past decade, our own Waterloo Regional Police have responded to over 66,000 calls for service and laid 35,000 charges. Intimate partner violence, domestic violence, is an epidemic and it requires a response from all levels of government to support the work of social agencies at the grassroots. This townhall is intended to raise the awareness and social consciousness of our community to this epidemic and start the community dialogue to bring domestic violence out of the shadows and work towards a safer community."
​

-Regional Councillor Rob Deutschman
​
The panel of expert speakers includes:
  • ​Janet De Gazon, Gender Based Violence Lead at Camino Wellbeing + Mental Health​
  • Amy Hachborn, Staff Sergeant - Intimate Partner Violence Unit, Waterloo Regional Police Service
  • Halina (Lin) Haag, MSW, RSW, PhD(c)​
  • Jennifer Hutton, CEO of Women's Crisis Services of Waterloo Region
  • David Morneau Jr., Reformative Family Lawyer; Educator; Advocate for Evolution and Innovation
  • Christine Taylor, Manager, Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Treatment Centre of Waterloo Region, St. Mary's General Hospital
  • Sarah Robertson, Advocate and Survivor of Intimate Partner Violence

Register to receive the meeting link to attend via Zoom. Registration is free and available at www.WRCommunityTownHalls.ca. It is also available by emailing  [email protected]. 

This series is recorded and once available, footage will be posted alongside additional topic information online. All hosted virtual segments in this series can be found at www.WRCommunityTownHalls.ca


​Speaker Quotes


“While the inclusion of a comprehensive definition of family violence is a great first step, until ALL professionals working within the family justice system understand the intricacies of intimate partner violence and coercive control, it remains a dangerous realm for survivors.”

“Training for intimate partner violence and coercive control needs to be mandatory, extensive, ongoing and include how to screen for violence and help families plan safely.”

“It should not take anyone dying to want to make our family justice system safer. Our system cannot be reactive. The safety of all should be a priority and evolve as we acquire more knowledge.”
- David Morneau Jr., 

"The shame and stigma surrounding domestic violence can make it difficult to talk about, but this won’t change unless we have difficult conversations."

"The reality is domestic violence is happening; it impacts people in all neighbourhoods and we all have a role to play in ending domestic violence."

- Jennifer Hutton


​Online Information & Social Medias


  • Website (Registration & information): WRCommunityTownHalls.ca
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Social Media:
    • Twitter: @WRTownhalls
    • Facebook: @WRCommunityTownhallSeries 
    • Instagram: @WRCommunityTownHalls
    • LinkedIn: @WRCommunityTownHalls
    • Youtube: @WRCommunityTownHalls
(Video is downloadable in full screen)


Images Available for Download/Sharing
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Flyer - The Epidemic of ​Gender Based Violence: Bringing domestic violence out of the shadows and working towards a safer community..png
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Guest Speakers - The Epidemic of ​Gender Based Violence: Bringing domestic violence out of the shadows and working towards a safer community..png
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Speaker Janet De Gazon - The Epidemic of ​Gender Based Violence: Bringing domestic violence out of the shadows and working towards a safer community.png
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Speaker David Morneau Jr. - The Epidemic of ​Gender Based Violence: Bringing domestic violence out of the shadows and working towards a safer community.png
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Jennifer Hutton - The Epidemic of ​Gender Based Violence: Bringing domestic violence out of the shadows and working towards a safer community.png
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Amy Hachborn - The Epidemic of ​Gender Based Violence: Bringing domestic violence out of the shadows and working towards a safer community.png
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Speaker Halina (Lin) Haag - The Epidemic of ​Gender Based Violence: Bringing domestic violence out of the shadows and working towards a safer community.png
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Speaker Christine Taylor - The Epidemic of ​Gender Based Violence: Bringing domestic violence out of the shadows and working towards a safer community.png
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Speaker Sarah Robertson - The Epidemic of ​Gender Based Violence: Bringing domestic violence out of the shadows and working towards a safer community.png
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Quote Images:


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Speaker David Morneau - Quote 1.png
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Speaker David Morneau - Quote 3.png
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Speaker Jennifer Hutton - Quote 1.png
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Speaker Jennifer Hutton - Quote 2.png
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​Virtual Series - View All Past Segments

​2024:
  • Searching for a Drug Strategy: Seeking a response to substance-related harms and the overdose crisis
  • ​No Fixed Address: A Talk About Homelessness & Encampments​
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    • 2023 Series >
      • The Epidemic of Gender Based Violence >
        • Guest Speakers - The Epidemic of Gender Based Violence
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        • Report - The Epidemic of Gender Based Violence
      • Renoviction - Righting the Reno-Wrong >
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      • The Drug Poisoning Crisis in Waterloo Region >
        • Guest Speakers - The Drug Poisoning Crisis in Waterloo Region
        • Event Video Footage and Reports - The Drug Poisoning Crisis in Waterloo Region
      • The "A" Word: Unnecessary or Unavoidable? >
        • Guest Speakers - The "A" Word: Unnecessary or Unavoidable?
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          • Report - The "A" Word: Unnecessary or Unavoidable?
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            • Event Summary - Amalgamation
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