WELLINGTON COUNTY – A local organization made a pitch to Wellington County council on Thursday to have intimate partner violence declared an epidemic within the county.
Cindy McMann, a public educator for Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis, was before council at the meeting.
She stated the organization, with offices in Fergus, Erin Palmerston and Mount Forest, had 246 clients last year. She added 44 per cent of women will experience intimate partner violence.
McMann said the idea of declaring an epidemic revolves around among other things, a shift in mindset.
Council agreed the issue deserves a more fulsome discussion. Councillor David Anderson said it was good to get that out there publicly.
McMann told The Grand at 101 beyond a shift in thinking, the declaration would arm the county with ways to better understand intimate partner violence.
McMann says those living in rural communities like Wellington County are often at a higher risk of intimate partner violence.
McMann explained declaring the epidemic would see it addressed with a public health framework.
Hoping for a more “holistic” look at intimate partner violence, McMann saw her delegation received for information following council discussion.
After what councillor Shawn Watters called a “succinct discussion” council agreed the problem deserves more of a conversation.
