YWCA Welcomes Stanton Report, Calls on Government to Declare Gender‑Based Violence an Epidemic
YWCA Metro Vancouver is strongly encouraged by the release of Dr. Kim Stanton’s systemic review on how BC’s legal system handles intimate partner and sexual violence. The findings affirm the urgency of recognizing gender-based violence (GBV) as an epidemic – and establishing legal frameworks to hold government to account for meaningful reforms.
Dr. Stanton’s independent report highlights systemic failures across criminal, civil, and family legal systems in BC. It identifies lack of institutional accountability, siloed government response, insufficient prevention, and a gap in understanding the social, human, and fiscal cost of inaction. It also recommends the Legislature formally declare GBV an epidemic and create new structures like an independent GBV commissioner and Death Review Committee.
YWCA Metro Vancouver’s ongoing “Gender-Based Violence is an Epidemic” campaign, backed by over 40 organizations, calls for:
- A provincial declaration of GBV as an epidemic
- A coroner-led review of GBV deaths
- Whole-of-government approach to prevention and survivor supports
- Increased housing investments for those fleeing violence
Erin Seeley, CEO of YWCA Metro Vancouver, stated:
“Dr. Stanton’s report confirms what we’ve been saying for years: gender-based violence is an epidemic. Declaring it as such in law is essential if we want coordinated prevention, survivor-centred services, and accountability across government.”
“This is not a symbolic shift. A legislative motion to declare GBV an epidemic anchors responsibility in law – it gives survivors hope, ensures sustained funding, and compels action.”
Next Steps for Government
Immediate actions YWCA urges include:
- A motion in the Legislature to formally declare GBV an epidemic
- Creation of a GBV Death Review Committee
- Launch of a province-wide GBV data strategy
- Immediate update and five-year cycle policy mandates for Violence Against Women in Relationships
- Whole-of-government cross-ministry accountability
“Without a formal declaration and legislative motion, gender‑based violence remains everyone’s problem and no one’s responsibility. Declaring it an epidemic ensures it’s recognized in law, backed by data, resourced with urgency and addressed with a plan.”
Our Open letter to Premier Eby
Dear Premier Eby,
With the release of Dr. Kim Stanton’s report, “The British Columbia Legal System’s Treatment of Intimate Partner Violence and Sexual Violence,” we are echoing her recommendations and once again calling on you to declare gender-based violence an epidemic in BC.
Every day, our organization hears stories of women and families who have been impacted by violence. Every day, we strive to keep up with the substantial need for safe housing, ample support services and preventative measures.
You have already acknowledged gender-based violence is an epidemic in your mandate letter to Finance Minister Brenda Bailey. Now is the time for your government to respond in a significant and meaningful way.
In her report, Dr. Stanton acknowledged that declaring gender-based violence an epidemic would be an “authoritative signal” that would communicate just how significant and pervasive this crisis is. Nearly half of BC women over the age of 15 have experienced intimate partner violence. As Dr. Stanton said, these statistics should be shocking, but they have been normalized.
Declaring gender-based violence an epidemic will also be a step toward breaking down systemic barriers that Dr. Stanton outlined in her review: silos and a lack of accountability. We echo her call for using integrated services, culturally safe and accessible programs, and data-driven and results-based approaches to addressing this violence.
Making this declaration will also position BC as a leader in the country. While Nova Scotia has declared gender-based violence an epidemic and New Brunswick is taking steps to do the same, other provinces are falling behind on addressing this critical issue.
The Union of BC Indian Chiefs is also calling on the federal government to take action by making a declaration nationwide, adding “the economic health of Canada requires a rights-based and gender-based analysis plus approach which upholds Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit+ peoples’ rights to health, security and safety.”
It is time for governments across the country—including right here in BC—to demonstrate their commitment to improving the safety, health and overall well-being of women and gender-diverse people in our communities.
To address the urgency of this issue, we ask that you include a declaration of gender-based violence as an epidemic in this fall’s legislative agenda. We invite you to meet with us this summer to discuss this issue in greater detail.
We urge you to take bold, sustained action and support a systemic shift to promote health, safety and well-being for everyone in our province.
Yours truly,
Erin Seeley
CEO, YWCA Metro Vancouver
