Walking together to end intimate partner violence

In early November 2025, eight local violence against women organizations hosted the second annual Community Walk to End Intimate Partner Violence (IPV). Beginning at the Region of Durham’s Headquarters, more than 400 people participated, taking a united stand against IPV and gender-based violence (GBV).

Also known as spousal or domestic violence, IPV includes physical, emotional, sexual, spiritual, or financial abuse caused by a current or former partner, and it was declared an epidemic in Durham Region by the Region of Durham Council in April 2023.

Organized by leading GBV organizations—Bethesda House, Herizon House, Luke's Place, Safety Network Durham, The Denise House, Victim Services of Durham Region, the Women’s Resource and Multicultural Centre, and Y’s Wish Shelter—in collaboration with the Region of Durham, the walk raised awareness and highlighted supports available for survivors.

“This walk gives community supporters and organizations the opportunity to come together to address IPV in Durham Region,” says Kiersten Allore-Engel, Manager, Community Safety and Well-Being, Region of Durham. “It also gives participants the chance to honour IPV survivors and those whose lives were lost, while breaking the silence and stigma around this urgent issue of violence in our communities.”

In Durham Region alone, 2,638 IPV-related criminal charges were laid in 2024, and six women were killed by an intimate partner, accounting for 10 per cent of Ontario’s femicides. By fall of 2025, Victim Services of Durham Region had already helped more survivors than they did throughout all of 2024.

For Allore-Engel, the numbers are a stark reminder of the need for continued action. “We are proud of the work we’ve done to-date to combat this epidemic but also recognize there is still more to be done, which is why we are grateful for the ongoing efforts and support of our partners and those in the public who are willing to take action.”