Ontario Cuts Short Intimate Partner Violence Study, Prompting Backlash

A legislative committee's decision to expedite its timeline, citing possible early elections, has frustrated survivors and advocates seeking comprehensive action.

• The Ontario legislative committee on intimate partner violence has expedited its study timeline, aiming to complete a report by February 2025, citing potential early elections in 2025.
• Plans to travel across the province, including a key visit to Renfrew County to meet survivors connected to a seminal inquest, have been canceled in favor of virtual or Toronto-based discussions.
• Survivors and advocates have expressed anger and disappointment, calling the shortened process insufficient for addressing the issue comprehensively and effectively.
• The committee, co-led by Progressive Conservative Jess Dixon and New Democrat Kristyn Wong-Tam, had initially aimed for a thorough investigation, hearing from nearly 90 witnesses during Phase 1 of its work.
• Ontario has faced ongoing calls to declare intimate partner violence an epidemic, a recommendation supported by past inquests and advocates, but motions to do so have been twice rejected by the government.

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