Community walks together to end intimate partner violence

It was clear skies and a strong sense of purpose on Saturday, October 3, as residents, community organizations, advocates and survivors gathered at Durham Regional Headquarters for the third annual Community Walk to End Intimate Partner Violence (IPV).

The event raises awareness of intimate partner and gender-based violence, highlights available supports and services, and demonstrates the community’s shared commitment to a future free from violence. Organized collaboratively by local gender-based violence organizations, the walk is both a call to action and a show of support for survivors across Durham Region.

Reflecting on the continued growth of the event, Sydney Marcoux, Executive Director of Victim Services of Durham Region, said:

"The ongoing success of the Walk to End Intimate Partner Violence is a testament to the strength and compassion of our community. Each year, we see more people come together to raise awareness, support survivors, and demonstrate that intimate partner violence has no place in our communities. Every step taken represents a shared commitment to safety, dignity, and hope, and reminds survivors that they are seen, believed, and supported."

That sense of community commitment was reflected in the people who gathered to participate.

“I think it is a very important subject that is not talked about enough, that needs to be recognized,” said Siena Ramos, Universal Teen Canada winner who will represent Canada at the upcoming Universal Teen International pageant in the Dominican Republic. “I’m here to spread awareness, use my platform and advocate for it as much as I can. Gender-based violence has no place in our community.”

For Daniel, a father of four girls, participation was about respect.

“I grew up with a single mother, three sisters and my grandmother. I tell my daughters that [intimate partner violence and gender-based violence are] totally unacceptable,” he said. “I want my daughters to know that no one has a right to abuse you or disrespect you in any way.”

Others attended to support loved ones and help create a culture of awareness.

Tanya came to support her mother, who works at a local gender-based violence organization. She brought her two sons, Max and Ben, “because I want to raise boys who are aware of what’s happening.”

For Rowena, a union member and recipient of her organization’s 2026 Woman of the Year award, the event was an opportunity to stand alongside survivors and advocates.

“I’m here because IPV is very, very important and should be recognized as an epidemic. I’m here as a supporter, as well as a women’s advocate who has too often had conversations with women who’ve been abused by their partners,” she said.

Gender-based violence and intimate partner violence were declared an epidemic by Regional Council in April 2023. While the impacts are often experienced behind closed doors, the issue affects families, friends, co-workers and communities throughout Durham Region.

Front-line organizations such as Bethesda House, Herizon House, Luke’s Place, Safety Network Durham, The Denise House, Victim Services Durham Region, Women’s Multicultural Resource and Counselling Centre of Durham, Y’s Wish Shelter and Durham Rape Crisis Centre provide essential services including shelter, counselling, advocacy and crisis intervention for those affected by violence.

As participants completed the walk, the message remained clear: ending intimate partner violence requires collective action. Survivors, families, service providers and community members walked side by side, demonstrating a shared commitment to raising awareness, supporting those affected and working toward a future free from violence.

If you or someone you know is experiencing intimate partner violence, contact Safety Network Durham at 1-877-723-3905 for support. In an emergency, call 911.

Mental health and wellness supports are available through Family Services Durham. To request service, fill out: Family Services Durham - Counselling Services or call 311 or 1-888-721-0622.