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The Honourable Susan Holt, M.L.A.
Premier of New Brunswick
Dear Premier Holt,
Re: IPV Epidemic
I’m reaching out today, during the 16 Days of Action Against Violence Against Women, to urge your government to declare intimate partner violence (IPV) an epidemic.
Unifor has long understood the importance of supporting workers beyond the workplace, and we see how members are affected by the increasing prevalence and severity of gender-based and intimate partner violence in Canada.
Intimate partner based violence grew dramatically during pandemic lockdowns and has not subsided. IPV has been and remains a serious threat to the well-being and lives of women across the world.
Declaring IPV an epidemic underscores its severity, promotes greater awareness, and advocates for a comprehensive response from both public health authorities and policymakers. This is a recommendation included in the National Action Plan on Violence Against Women and Girls as well as Ontario’s Renfrew Inquest Report and the Nova Scotia Mass Casualty Commission Report.
In Canada, one woman is killed by an intimate or former intimate partner every six days. Almost half – 44 per cent – of Canadian women report having been subjected to some form of IPV and are disproportionately victimized by the most severe forms of abuse.
In 2021, New Brunswickers experienced intimate partner violence at a rate that was 50% higher than the rest of Canada.
This is a widespread public health emergency that needs to be declared an epidemic. People experiencing this form of violence are at higher risk of experiencing poor general health, mental health challenges including depression, cognitive impairment, and poor academic performance.
To address the urgency of this issue, we ask that you immediately take steps to declare intimate partner violence an epidemic. You recently declared November Family Violence Prevention Month in New Brunswick – a declaration that is made every year. Declaring IPV an epidemic in New Brunswick would differentiate this year from every other year under different governments and activate the tools the province needs to address IPV. By recognizing it as an epidemic, your government can deliver the robust resources and funding for prevention, education, and support services to reverse the trend you’ve seen in recent years towards increasing intimate partner violence.
Unifor is committed to furthering this goal, and to continuing to not only support survivors, but to prevent further violence.
We enjoyed meeting with you during your campaign to discuss this important matter. We would appreciate the opportunity to continue this discussion as soon as possible.
Thank you for considering these concerns. I would be happy to further discuss these matters with you at your earliest convenience.
Sincerely,
Lana Payne Jennifer Murray
Unifor National President Unifor Atlantic Regional Director
