In a significant step towards combating gender-based violence (GBV) and intimate partner violence (IPV), the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE) recently participated in a pivotal consultation organized by a dedicated GBV/IPV Working Group. This group included representatives from esteemed organizations such as Aura Freedom, the Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic, Native Women’s Resource Centre of Toronto, White Ribbon, WomanACT, Women’s Habitat of Etobicoke, and YWCA Toronto, as well as representatives from a variety of professional organizations. The consultation was guided by Monica Da Ponte from Shift & Build. The in-person consultation aimed to gather insights and feedback on strategies to effectively address these pressing societal issues.
Breaking the Silence: Declaring Intimate Partner Violence an Epidemic in Toronto
Last year, Aura Freedom, in partnership with Women’s Habitat of Etobicoke and over 40 other organizations led an Urgent Call to Action that prompted Mayor Olivia Chow and the City of Toronto to declare IPV an epidemic. This declaration highlights the urgent need for collective action and is a pivotal moment in the fight against GBV.
On September 16th, 2024, the GBV/IPV working group convened a consultation, providing a platform for participants, including OSPE, to contribute input on effective strategies for collaboration with the city. Engaging with survivors and hearing their stories emphasized the importance of our mission and the need for continued advocacy.
Together, we can foster a safer, more supportive environment for all. By engaging all members of our community, we can strive for a future where gender-based violence is no longer tolerated. OSPE provided a couple comments pertaining to the consultation to ensure the scope of implementation is as comprehensive as possible. In our comments, we underscored:
Fostering a Multidisciplinary Approach:
Gender-based violence and intimate partner violence are multifaceted issues that require a multi-disciplinary approach for effective resolution. These problems are deeply rooted in a wide range of social, economic, and cultural factors that intertwine in complex ways. Engineers have the opportunity to pilot a methodology to integrate violence prevention into the design, implementation, and monitoring of all infrastructure projects. For example, implementing convex mirrors in long corridors can be one way of integrating violence prevention measures and making individuals feel safer in their day to day lives.
However, GBV and IPV are complex and multifaceted problems and engage a multidisciplinary framework that includes various sectors such as, engineering, healthcare, education, and community services.
Each of these fields plays a vital role in creating comprehensive solutions—from Engineers designing safe community spaces, healthcare professionals providing support and resources to survivors and educators promoting awareness and prevention strategies. By fostering collaboration across these sectors with the goal of preventing GBV, we can develop targeted interventions that address the root causes of violence and promote a safer society for all. From infrastructure, education and supporting victims all sectors have a role to play in this crucial epidemic.
The Role of Men in the Conversation
Historically, GBV has been viewed as primarily a women’s issue, which can overshadow the critical role that men must play in advocacy and support efforts.
Though more women graduate from Ontario engineering schools every year, engineering workplaces continue to be predominantly male, and so it is essential for men in the profession to actively participate in this conversation.
This will help to reshape perceptions and responsibilities. Involving men not only alleviates the burden on women but also fosters a more equitable approach to addressing GBV. This shift is vital in breaking down the societal norms that perpetuate violence.
Public Accountability and Transparency
A cornerstone of effective change is the necessity of holding institutions and individuals accountable for their roles in addressing GBV and IPV. Transparency in reporting and responding to incidents of violence is crucial in building trust within communities. Encouraging public dialogue and engagement can further foster awareness and support, creating a united front against gender-based violence.
As we move forward, OSPE encourages everyone to join this vital conversation. Together, we can build a community that not only recognizes the epidemic of intimate partner violence but actively works to eradicate it. Our collective action today will pave the way for a better tomorrow. Let’s stand together to create a future free from violence.
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