"It is high time Ontario declares Intimate Partner Violence an epidemic."

ONA member Michelle Bobala, Forensic Nurse and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, and Erin Ariss, RN & ONA Provincial President, were invited to speak to Ontario's Standing Committee on Justice Policy on Thursday, August 15, 2024, as part of their study on Intimate Partner Violence (IPV).

IPV is an epidemic in Ontario. It is a justice issue. It's a public health issue. It’s gender equity issue. It's an unacceptable violation of human rights.

Nurses and health-care professionals are victims and survivors of violence; they are also who survivors first turn to for support—we are calling for urgent government action now!

Hear what Michelle and Erin shared with the subcommittee about how health-care professionals are trying to help today, and what changes need to be made in the now if Ontario is going to get serious about stopping intimate partner violence, and properly supporting survivors.