News release: November 25, 2021
Region of Peel and community partners encourage Peel to 'Break The Silence' about violence against women
Violence against women is everyone's problem and isolation makes it worse
Brampton, ON. (November 25, 2021) – Today on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and for the next 16 Days of Activism, the Region of Peel and community partners launched 'Break The Silence', a campaign to help end violence against women by building awareness in our community. As part of Peel’s Community Safety and Well-being Plan, this campaign was created in collaboration with the City of Brampton, the City of Mississauga, Town of Caledon, Peel Regional Police, Ontario Provincial Police and more than 10 community organizations.
Recognizing the need to address family and intimate partner violence in Peel and to stand in solidarity with survivors, Regional Council unanimously passed a motion in February 2020 for the Region and partners to shed light on this critical issue. This year's 'Break The Silence' campaign is part of a multi-year strategy co-created with community partners to help eliminate family and intimate partner violence in Peel.
Quick facts:
- In 2020, six women in Peel were killed by men known to them.
- Peel Regional Police receive two calls every hour about a family and intimate partner dispute.
- In 2020, Peel Regional Police responded to more than 18,000 family and intimate partner disputes.
To help make Peel a safe, healthy and inclusive community for all to thrive in, residents need to live free from violence. Women who need support can confidentially call (905) 403-0864 or 1-855-676-8515, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In an emergency, residents are advised to call 911.
To learn more about Family and Intimate Partner Violence in Peel, including statistics, resources and campaign materials, visit peelregion.ca/BreakTheSilence
Women experiencing violence need to know they are not alone. Together with our partners, we are calling on everyone in Peel to break the silence and start talking about violence against women. With the increased isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic, we must continue to build awareness of this issue. As we collaboratively implement Peel’s Community Safety and Well-being Plan with our partners, this important work will remain a priority and help us build a safe, equitable and connected community for all.
Nancy Polsinelli, Commissioner of Health Services, Region of Peel
Violence is a tragic reality for far too many women in Peel. As a woman who is passionate about pushing forward on gender equity, violence against women continues to be one of the biggest barriers to getting there. Too many people choose to ignore when they see violence against women in its different forms. We all have a role to play in ending violence against women. To all the women who are experiencing it, please know you are not alone. There is help.
Rowena Santos, Regional Councillor, Brampton Wards 1 and 5
As a community, we need to break the silence and talk about violence against women and family violence. Having these difficult but important conversations is a crucial step as we work to empower women and educate the public, creating meaningful change together. Through my work on Peel’s Community Safety and Well-being Plan, I know the importance of continued collaboration as we strive to bridge the gaps in our system and make Peel a safer, more inclusive and connected community where all residents thrive.
Johanna Downey, Regional Councillor, Town of Caledon
Gender-based violence is a serious pervasive problem in our community and continues to have adverse significant impacts on the lives of women, trans, non-binary people, and their children. It is important that survivors of violence can bring their whole selves when they reach out for support. We must all work together to ensure that supports are available when survivors need us the most and that no one is left behind.
Sharon Floyd, CEO, Embrave: Agency to End Violence
Media contact
Ann-Marie Koumettou
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.
