Last summer, both the Ontario and federal governments were urged to consider 86 recommendations aimed at preventing the deaths of those affected by intimate partner violence (IPV).
This week, advocates are looking forward to finding out which proposals the governments will take action on – and which ones they will not.
The suggestions came from a coroner’s inquest that concluded in Pembroke, Ont., last June.
The nearly month-long inquest looked into the murders of three women in and around Renfrew County in 2015 – Carol Culleton, Anastasia Kuzyk, and Nathalie Warmerdam – using their tragic cases as a starting point to address IPV both locally and beyond.
Culleton, Kuzyk, and Warmerdam lost their lives on the same day at the hands of one man, despite clear warning signs about his potential for violence.
Over 14 days of testimonies, jurors learned about various issues such as underfunded survivor services and missed chances by Ontario’s probation and parole service following prior IPV convictions involving two of the women he eventually killed.
In response, jurors recommended that both provincial and federal governments implement a range of preventive measures including:
Tighter monitoring of high-risk IPV offenders, prioritizing regular contact with their previous victims. Suggesting that the province consider making electronic monitoring mandatory for individuals charged or convicted of IPV. Enhanced collaboration between correctional facilities and probation staff when planning an abuser’s rehabilitation upon release. Better treatment options for abusers before any charges are filed or they enter the justice system. Educational programs starting from primary school on recognizing signs of gender-based violence, including subtle non-physical abuse known as coercive control. Increased funding for shelters, sexual assault centers, and other organizations supporting survivors. Declaring IPV an epidemic-a step already taken by neighboring Lanark County-and Renfrew County plans to follow suit this spring.
The full list can be read here or at the bottom of this story. The recommendations are not legally binding.
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Informal deadline approaching this Friday
Ontario – where most of the recommendations from the Renfrew County inquest were directed – along with the federal government, Ontario’s Information and Privacy Commissioner, and Ontario’s Chief Firearms Officer are not required by law to respond to these recommendations from the jury. However, the Office of the Chief Coroner asks groups to share within six months what actions they’re taking regarding these recommendations as well as reasons for any they choose not to adopt. The jury shared its findings on June 28; however, all groups did not officially receive them until August. This means that Friday marks an informal deadline for responses. “We’re optimistic and preparing to have something to look at sometime this week,” said lawyer Kirsten Mercer who represented End Violence Against Women Renfrew County during the inquest. No group had provided feedback to the coroner’s office as of Monday afternoon.A call for immediate action
The inquest jury also urged provincial officials to “immediately” establish a committee focused on implementing these recommendations that would hold governments accountable. This idea was supported by advocates right from the start of the inquest process. As it stands on Monday though, there hasn’t been any indication that provincial authorities have moved forward with this recommendation-a disappointment for Mercer. “Every day that goes by concerns me,” she expressed. “In Renfrew County there has been more than one femicide since [the inquest].” Memorials were held Saturday for two women who lost their lives in Renfrew County since last June.. The jury wanted senior officials involved with ministries related to IPV included on this implementation committee alongside community experts on IPV issues.. So far Peter Emon,, warden for Renfrew County has stated he hasn’t seen movement regarding this committee either.. Emon mentioned that county council might pursue a local resolution soon aiming at urging action from provincial leaders., “We’d also want ensure that kind an oversight body includes local representation because we believe it’s crucial rural Ontario’s unique needs are recognized,” he said., CBC has reached out seeking comments from province but hasn’t yet received anything back.Source link
