Residents from across Durham Region, including Pickering, gathered at Durham Regional Headquarters in Whitby on Saturday, October 3, for the third annual Community Walk to End Intimate Partner Violence, according to a Region of Durham news release.
The event brings together survivors, community organizations and advocates to raise awareness of intimate partner and gender-based violence, highlight available supports, and show a shared commitment to ending abuse across the region.
The walk is organized collaboratively by local gender-based violence organizations and has grown each year since it began.
"The ongoing success of the Walk to End Intimate Partner Violence is a testament to the strength and compassion of our community. Each year, we see more people come together to raise awareness, support survivors, and demonstrate that intimate partner violence has no place in our communities. Every step taken represents a shared commitment to safety, dignity, and hope, and reminds survivors that they are seen, believed, and supported."
That quote comes from Sydney Marcoux, Executive Director of Victim Services of Durham Region, who reflected on the walk's continued growth in the Region of Durham news release.
Participants included pageant titleholder Siena Ramos, Universal Teen Canada winner, who will represent Canada at the Universal Teen International pageant in the Dominican Republic.
"I think it is a very important subject that is not talked about enough, that needs to be recognized. I'm here to spread awareness, use my platform and advocate for it as much as I can. Gender-based violence has no place in our community."
A father of four girls identified only as Daniel said he attended to teach his daughters about respect, adding that no one has a right to abuse or disrespect them.
Another participant, Rowena, a union member and recipient of her organization's 2026 Woman of the Year award, said she came to stand alongside survivors and advocates.
"I'm here because IPV is very, very important and should be recognized as an epidemic. I'm here as a supporter, as well as a women's advocate who has too often had conversations with women who've been abused by their partners."
Durham Regional Council declared gender-based violence and intimate partner violence an epidemic in April 2023. The Region notes the issue affects families, friends, co-workers and communities throughout Durham, even though much of the harm happens behind closed doors.
Front-line organizations across the region provide shelter, counselling, advocacy and crisis intervention, including Bethesda House, Herizon House, Luke's Place, Safety Network Durham, The Denise House, Victim Services Durham Region, Women's Multicultural Resource and Counselling Centre of Durham, Y's Wish Shelter and Durham Rape Crisis Centre.
Anyone experiencing intimate partner violence can contact Safety Network Durham at 1-877-723-3905 for support. In an emergency, call 911.
Mental health and wellness supports are also available through Family Services Durham, by calling 311 or 1-888-721-0622.
