Housing is safety: Peel leaders call for urgent action to help survivors of gender-based violence

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BRAMPTON, ON (Jul. 10, 2026) – Leaders across Peel Region, community organizations, and all levels of government are calling for urgent, coordinated action to strengthen housing pathways and improve access to safe, stable housing for survivors of gender-based violence following the Break the Cycle Summit: Centering Housing Solutions in Response to Gender-Based Violence. The Summit concluded with a clear call to action: advance survivor-centred housing solutions, advocate for stronger provincial leadership and sustainable funding, and strengthen integration across housing, health, social and community services.

"Housing is one of the most important factors in helping survivors escape and recover from gender-based violence," said Nancy Polsinelli, Commissioner of Health Services at Peel Region. "The Summit reinforced that addressing housing instability is not the responsibility of any one organization or level of government. Through Peel's Community Safety and Well-Being Plan, we are working with partners across sectors to advance survivor-informed housing solutions, strengthen system integration, and advocate for the leadership and investments needed to create lasting change. Our collective responsibility now is to turn this momentum into action that improves safety and stability for survivors across our community."

Following the Summit, Peel Region Council passed a motion urging the Province of Ontario to strengthen its response to gender-based violence through sustainable investments, coordinated action across ministries, and enhanced support for housing solutions that help survivors achieve safety and stability. The motion also directs staff to report back to Council on the Summit's findings, recommendations, and opportunities for collective action: particularly around better integration of housing, health, social and community services to create more responsive, survivor-informed systems

"What we heard throughout the Summit was clear: survivors need more than emergency responses—they need access to safe, stable housing and coordinated supports that help them rebuild their lives," said Steve Jacques, Commissioner of Human Services at Peel Region. "Meeting that need will require enhanced provincial leadership, sustainable investments, and stronger collaboration across housing, health and social service systems. Together, we have an opportunity to build on the momentum already underway in Peel and advance innovative, survivor-informed solutions that create lasting pathways to safety and stability."

The Summit also highlighted the strength of Peel’s partnerships with community organizations, which provide essential, integrated frontline services to survivors every day.

“Community partners are at the heart of this work,” said Peel Councillor, Rowena Santos. “Their expertise, trusted relationships within communities, and commitment to survivor-centred care help ensure that solutions are grounded in lived experience and focused on what survivors need most.”

Representatives from municipal, provincial, and federal governments participated in the discussions, underscoring a shared commitment to collaboration and long-term system change.

“Important conversation brought together stakeholders across industries to identify solutions, strengthen collaboration, and advance meaningful action. Ending gender-based violence requires a coordinated response, and safe, stable housing must be part of that solution,” said Peel Councillor, Natalie Hart.

While the Summit created space for important dialogue, organizers emphasized that its success will be measured by what happens next.

“The Summit was an important milestone, but it is only the beginning,” said Jannies Le, Executive Director, Armagh and Summit facilitator. “We leave with clear priorities, shared accountability, and a commitment to advancing practical solutions that improve safety, housing stability and well-being for survivors.”

Through Peel's Community Safety and Well-Being framework, partners will continue working together to turn the Summit's priorities into coordinated action that improves safety, housing stability and well-being for survivors.

Learn more about Peel's Community Safety and Wellbeing plan.