ON FAMILY VIOLENCE

MPP Anand’s twelfth Members’ Statement was on the topic of “Family Violence”, delivered on 27 February 2019.

See full transcript below:

“Mr. Speaker, violence against women and girls is one of the most common violations of human rights. On one hand, none of us—and I really mean it, none of us—have experienced life without a woman. On the other hand, just in Canada alone, violence claims the life of a woman or a girl every two and a half days. Sadly, 44% of those lost lives happen here in Ontario.

Mr. Speaker, I am fortunate to have Interim Place as an organization in my riding of Mississauga–Malton devoted to helping women and children who face violence. The organization provides shelter, counselling and advocacy, and acts as the lead agency of the Peel Committee Against Woman Abuse. Since 1984, Interim Place has helped over 42,000 women and children. In 2018 alone, they safely sheltered 155 women and 98 children, and responded to 1,700 crisis calls, supporting 485 women and 275 children trapped in abusive relationships.

We know how devastating and real this issue can be. The recent murder of 11-year-old Riya Rajkumar—again, from my riding—shook me deeply. As a parent of a young daughter, I am concerned. If violence against women has to stop, we all need to play a role in speaking up and speaking out against violence.

I’d like to thank Sharon Floyd, who’s here, Rebecca Rogers, and all the staff and board members of Interim Place for the amazing work they do.

Because of the high demand for service, Interim Place is raising funds by hosting its Annual Rays of Hope Gala on Saturday, March 2, at Lakeshore Convention Centre. I will be attending, Mr. Speaker, and I’ll request other members to join me in supporting the women and children who access Interim Place’s services by attending, and helping to spread the word about this Rays of Hope Gala.”