Woman Abuse Prevention Month

This November, Peel Children’s Aid Society (CAS) joins Ontario in recognizing Woman Abuse Prevention Month (WAPM), a crucial campaign to raise awareness and drive action to end violence against women. For Peel CAS, WAPM is not only about awareness; it’s about ensuring safety and support for families impacted by violence, especially for children who may suffer from exposure to domestic violence.

Statistics reveal a disturbing reality: in Canada, one woman is killed by her partner every six days, and Indigenous women are almost three times more likely to face violence than non-Indigenous women. Additional barriers challenge racialized women, immigrants, and LGBTQ+ individuals, limiting their access to support. Locally, Peel CAS reports a rise in family and intimate partner violence (FIPV) cases, with children often directly impacted. Year over year, referrals related to IPV continue to increase in risk and severity. There was a significant increase in referrals in the past year, jumping from 29% of referrals in 2022-23 to 36% in 2023-24.

Globally, one in three women will experience abuse in their lifetime, with violence leading to serious mental and physical health consequences. Abuse isn’t always visible; financial and emotional abuse can be hidden, causing many women to suffer in silence.  The statistics in Peel Region reflect a growing need for intervention.

Peel CAS plays a pivotal role in helping children impacted by family violence. Our teams are often the first to intervene when children are at risk in violent households, and they work alongside women’s shelters, community organizations, law enforcement, and healthcare providers to protect children while addressing the family’s broader needs.

The impact of violence on children can range from anxiety and depression to academic and behavioral concerns.  All of which requires careful assessment, not just of immediate safety but of long-term mental health and well-being.

Despite the challenges, our teams express a deep sense of fulfillment from their work, knowing that they are making a visible difference in the lives of survivors. They often mention the positive outcomes of their work as their main source of motivation. Many speak of the importance of breaking the cycle of violence and protecting children from growing up to repeat patterns of abuse.

In observing Woman Abuse Prevention Month, Peel CAS emphasizes the need for stronger community support and partnership. By pushing for increased resources, expanded mental health services, and continued collaboration with local partners, Peel CAS remains steadfast in its mission to protect vulnerable families. This November, Peel CAS is asking the community to join in raising awareness, supporting survivors, and creating lasting change. Together, we can stand up against violence and build a safer future for everyone in Peel.

Media Coverage

We are working hard to raise awareness of this important issue through media interviews during the month of November.  Watch this space for updates on coverage we have received so far!

Intimate partner violence continues to rise in Peel Region – Interview with Mary Beth Moellenkamp and Sharon Mayne from Safe Centre of Peel, CBC News, November 1, 2024