St. Mary’s residents will learn how to support victims of Intimate Partner Violence through a community information session.
Hosted by Stop Violence Against Women Coordinating Committee of Perth County, a group aiming to end IPV, the event will teach how to recognize signs and help those impacted.
Town council declared IPV an epidemic at their Feb. 10 meeting.
Executive Director of Optimism Place Women’s Shelter and Support Services Donna Jean Forster said the declaration means that council is taking a stand on the issue.
“It raises awareness in the community that Intimate Partner Violence is happening and it’s not okay,” said Forster.
“Council’s commitment to council members and staff means they will take the opportunity to educate themselves, to raise awareness, and when things like tonight’s session happen, council will really encourage residents to attend.”
Forster said it helps strengthen awareness and educating community.
According to an Optimism Place report presented to council at the meeting, there was 994 reports of IPV across Perth County in 2024, with 227 charges laid.
Forster hopes the session encourages more people to learn and talk about it, which could help more women reach out for support, improve safety, and hold those perpetrating violence accountable.
The event will include guest speakers like survivor advocate Sydney Touzel, who recently finished a fundraising run to support Optimism Place on the sixth anniversary of her experience with IPV. The run raised over $13,000.
It’s set to run Tuesday night at Little Falls Elementary School from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
