Advocates and frontline workers united at the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) conference to call for action against intimate partner violence. Angela Marie MacDougall, from Battered Women’s Support Services, emphasized the importance of not downplaying the severity of this issue and urged municipal leaders to take meaningful action.
The “downplay effect” of intimate partner violence, where the seriousness of the problem is minimized by authorities, is a widespread concern. Lynne Stuart, of the Omineca Safe Home Society, shared her experience of encountering this dismissiveness when seeking to address the issue in her community.
The lack of coordination among different jurisdictions often leads to delayed interventions, putting lives at risk. Tragic cases like that of Laura Gover, a victim of intimate partner violence in Saanich, highlight the urgency for more effective responses.
Bahar Dehnadi, the executive director of Victoria Women’s Transition House, pointed out the challenges faced in Greater Victoria due to its complex governance structure involving multiple municipalities and police forces. This complexity makes it difficult to provide seamless support to survivors across different locations.
As the municipal election approaches, advocates are determined to hold elected officials accountable for their promises to combat intimate partner violence and ensure the safety of all individuals.
