Help raise awareness and challenge misconceptions about family and intimate partner violence in Peel

BRAMPTON, ON (November 24, 2023) – Starting November 25, 2023, 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 encouraging residents to 'Break The Silence' and talk about family and intimate partner violence in our community. Now in its fourth year, the awareness campaign sets out to challenge misconceptions related to what intimate partner violence can look like and the implications of getting help. The campaign will be seen on digital platforms across Peel and includes downloadable materials in different languages.

Peel Region, in collaboration with over 20 community organizations, the City of Brampton, the City of Mississauga, the Town of Caledon, Peel Regional Police, and Ontario Provincial Police – Caledon Detachment co-designed this campaign as part of the Family Violence area of focus in Peel's Community Safety and Well-being Plan.

In February 2020, Regional Council unanimously passed a motion for the Region and its partners to shed light on this critical issue and to stand in solidarity with survivors. The ‘Break The Silence’ campaign is targeted toward survivors, bystanders and the public. Most recently in June, Peel Regional 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 2022, police in Peel responded to nearly 16,000 incidents of family and intimate partner violence. That’s nearly 43 disputes every day or about 2 every hour.
In Peel, of the charges that were laid in 2022 for intimate partner violence related incidents, 79% of the victims were women.
Peel Police laid 531 intimate partner violence strangulation charges laid in 2022.
Peel Police reported that the highest number of 2022 calls for service are family and intimate partner violence related.
There were 8 family and intimate partner homicides in Peel Region in 2022.
Between 2016 and 2021, there was a 3.5% increase in the rate of intimate partner disputes reported to Peel Police.

To help make Peel a safe, healthy, and inclusive community where all can thrive, residents need to live free from violence. If you or someone you know needs support:

Call Embrave: Agency to End Violence Crisis Line at 1-855-676-8515
Call Victim Services of Peel at 905-568-1068
Call or text 211

If it's an emergency call 911 immediately.

Learn more about family and intimate partner violence and violence against women in Peel, including common misconceptions and resources for support, by visiting peelregion.ca/BreakTheSilence.

Peel’s community-designed campaign to address Family and Intimate Partner Violence recognizes that abuse thrives in isolation and that we must amplify the voices of survivors to break the silence. We also know that awareness drives demand for services and supports, especially shelter capacity for women fleeing abuse. So, we need other levels of government to see that local communities can make progress in solving persistent challenges, but we need funding to expand capacity and help all those seeking services.
Nancy Polsinelli, Commissioner of Health Services, Peel Region

In this fourth annual Break the Silence campaign we continue to raise awareness, most recently declaring Intimate Partner Violence and Gender Based Violence 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 has formally been declared an epidemic in Peel Region and incidents of femicide are higher than they have been in our community this year than they have been in the last two years. It is critical that we continue to raise awareness about the prevalence and severity of gender-based violence in Peel region, as well as the resources that survivors have available to them in our community. It is 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, in particular intimate partner violence, is a major public health crisis impacting thousands of women and children in our community. We all share in the responsibility to speak up about this issue. Our community service providers are available to speak with anyone looking for support. Intimate partner violence is preventable, and we all have a role to play.
Sharon Mayne Divine, CEO, Catholic Family Services of Peel Dufferin

Media contact

Bukola Akinode
Communication Specialist
Region of Peel

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.

On December 13, 2023, the Ontario government announced that Peel Region will not be dissolved, and that Bill 112 legislation will be updated to reflect service delivery in Peel. Services for residents and businesses will continue without interruption. For updates and more information, visit Peel's transition page.