Burlington city council declares intimate partner violence an epidemic

Burlington city council has declared intimate partner violence, and violence against women, as an epidemic.

The council passed the motion Tuesday night with unanimous support. It commits the city to educating residents about the danger of domestic violence, and engaging with community partners to find solutions.

Part of the motion asks city researchers to come back to council with a plan of what they can realistically accomplish.

WATCH: Burlington mayor discusses domestic violence as an epidemic

Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward said this is just the first step the city will take in tackling intimate partner violence.

The city also plans on sending a letter to Ontario Premier Doug Ford, urging the province to join Burlington and countless other municipalities in declaring a crisis.

“We stand with the women and children experiencing this and stand ready to act,” Mayor Ward said.

READ MORE: Toronto woman arrested in lottery scam targeting seniors in two provinces

Halton police say they receive around 10 calls a day in Burlington alone regarding domestic violence, with more than 3,500 calls made in 2022.

Halton’s women’s shelter received more than 2,300 crisis calls.

Halton Police Chief Steve Tanner tweeted in response to council passing the motion.

“Thank you very much on behalf of far too many victims – past current and future,” Tanner said.

“We must all do all that we can to stop these terrible and horrific crimes.”

A similar motion is being considered to declare a crisis in the Halton Region.

READ MORE: Ontario hospital workers awarded more pay after Bill 124 found unconstitutional