“I was devasted to learn about the death of a 34-year-old woman in Whitby on Saturday, Nov. 4. According to police, a 33-year-old man has been charged with second-degree murder.

Durham Regional Police Service has shared information about Domestic Violence Awareness Month in November in response to this tragic incident.

Earlier this year, Whitby Council approved a motion calling on the Region of Durham and the Province to declare an intimate partner violence epidemic.

This motion was moved in response to an inquest held in Renfrew County that looked at the 2015 murders of three women all killed by their former partner in a single morning.

The inquest resulted in 86 recommendations – including calling on the Ontario government to formally declare intimate partner violence an epidemic.

As municipal politicians, we cannot stay silent on this issue. We must push for action from upper levels of government.

Specific legislation addressing family and domestic violence has been passed by six provinces and three territories in Canada, however, Ontario has not implemented this type of legislation.

Many women in Canada – and here in our own community in Durham Region – live in fear. Victim Services of Durham Region supported close to 8,000 victims of gender-based violence in Durham in 2021-2022. 

Intimate partner violence can take many forms, including physical, emotional, financial, and psychological abuse. It knows no boundaries and can impact people of all ages, genders, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

I offer my deepest condolences to those impacted by the Nov. 4 tragedy in Whitby. Our entire community grieves with the family, friends, and loved ones impacted by this senseless loss of life.”

For media inquiries, please contact:

Jillian Follert
Public Affairs Coordinator, Office of the Mayor
Phone: 289.314.9101
Email: follertj@whitby.ca

Erin Mikaluk
Manager, Communications and Creative Services, Town of Whitby
Phone: 289.314.6913
Email: mikaluke@whitby.ca

Intimate partner violence resources in Durham Region:

• Assaulted Women's Helpline, 1-866-863-0511, or dial #SAFE (#7233) on a Bell, Rogers, Fido, or Telus mobile phone
• Bethesda House, 905-623-6050
• Herizon House, 1-866-437-4066
• Anishnaabe Kwewag Gamig Regional Women’s Shelter, 1-800-388-5171
• Muslim Welfare Home, 905-665-0424
• The Denise House, 905-728-7311
• Y's WISH Shelter, 905-576-2997
• DRIVEN, 1-877-723-3905
• Durham Region Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Care Centre, 905-576-8711
• WMRCC (Women's Multicultural Resource and Counselling Centre), 1-877-454-4035
• Luke's Place 905-728-0978