Finally, the declaration has been made.
July 20, 2023.
We did it, together.
On July 20, 2023, Aura Freedom and Women’s Habitat, along with YWCA Toronto, OAITH, the Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic, and other community partners, went to Toronto City Hall to witness our Urgent Call to Action (released July 6th) answered by City Council.
We met with Mayor Olivia Chow and Councillor Lily Cheng before the council meeting to continue advocating for real change that would work towards the eradication of male violence against women and girls.
We were elated and overjoyed to have been present while City Council voted unanimously in favour of the motion put forward by Mayor Chow, and leapt to our feet when the City of Toronto officially declared Intimate Partner Violence and Gender-Based Violence an EPIDEMIC – something we have all been saying for years.
Explore Our Urgent Call to Action & Brief
THIS is what happens when grassroots experts, community experts, and experts who work with and for survivors day in and day out have a seat at the table. This work started decades before us and we want to acknowledge just how many years of activism and heart-wrenching work made this day possible.
We also know that this is only the first of many steps. We will continue to monitor as Toronto leadership and community utilize this declaration to ensure actionable steps are taken towards a future free from Intimate Partner Violence and Gender-Based Violence.
