As Peel marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the start of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, Councillor Rowena Santos is calling for urgent, collective action to confront the deepening crisis of family and intimate partner violence across the region.
“In this sixth annual Break the Silence campaign we continue to raise awareness of Intimate Partner and Gender-Based Violence as an epidemic and work together with our partners to break down the walls of silence that enables violence against women. We encourage everyone to recognize the signs of abuse and speak up if they know someone experiencing abuse; let victims feeling isolated know they are not alone; and for those experiencing abuse, to seek help. We all have a role to play in ending family and intimate partner violence, and to make Peel a safe, equitable and connected community for all.”
— Rowena Santos, Regional Councillor, Brampton Wards 1 and 5
This year’s campaign is co-led with the Peel Committee Against Woman Abuse (PCAWA) and strengthened through deeper community partnerships to ensure the voices of those with lived experience and key service providers shape its messages and outreach. Peel is also shifting to an ‘always-on’ approach, keeping family and intimate partners violence information and resources visible year-round.
Slide for info and material on the 2025 Break the Silence Campaign
Peel Region worked with over 25 community organizations, the City of Brampton, the City of Mississauga, the Town of Caledon, Peel Regional Police and Ontario Provincial Police – Caledon Detachment to design impactful messaging and ensure widespread distribution. The Break the Silence campaign is also a key element of the Family Violence focus area in Peel’s Community Safety and Well-being Plan. You can find the translated campaign material here.
In February 2020, Peel Region Council unanimously passed a motion for the Region and its partners to shed light on this critical issue and stand in solidarity with survivors. In June 2023, Peel Region Council formally declared intimate partner violence and gender-based violence an epidemic in Peel, calling attention to its growing severity in the community and underscoring the need for collective action.
Quick facts
- In 2024, Peel Police responded to just over 16,100 incidents of family and intimate partner violence. That’s 44 disputes every day or almost 2 every hour.
- Peel Police reported that the highest number of 2024 mobile dispatched calls for service are family and intimate partner violence related.
- In Peel, of the charges that were laid in 2024 for intimate partner violence related incidents, 78% of the victims were women.
- Peel Police laid 553 intimate partner violence strangulation charges in 2024.
- There were 6 family and intimate partner homicides in Peel Region in 2024.
If you or someone you know needs support:
- Call, text, or chat with 211
- Call Embrave: Agency to End Violence Crisis Line at 1-855-676-8515
- Call Victim Services of Peel at 905-568-1068
- Call Caledon/Dufferin Victim Services at 905-951-3838
- If it is an emergency, call 911 immediately.
Information and resources will be available across Peel in digital and print formats, with multilingual resources designed to reach every corner of the community. Learn more about family and intimate partner violence in Peel, including common misconceptions and available resources for support: peelregion.ca/BreakTheSilence.
Additional Quote
“Peel’s family and intimate partner violence campaign is driven by the priorities of our community partners, breaking through misconceptions regarding abuse, so that people seek the help they need. But as our partners have noted, increased awareness means increased demand for shelter capacity and other services that support those escaping family and intimate partner violence. So, we’re committed to using our collective voice in advocating to other levels of government to make the needed investments.”
Nancy Polsinelli, Commissioner of Health Services, Peel Region
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