Advocates want regional solution, including regional shelter
A crisis intervention advocate is asking the Niagara Region for a regional solution to intimate partner violence.
Speaking to the public health committee today, Tyler Robillard showed Niagara statistics from 2023 that included 18 calls for domestic violence per day.
He added 803 criminal charges were laid that year. "Birchway Niagara reported serving 220 women, and 139 children, while turning away more people than it was serving. Gillian's Place reports record demand."
He says the problem has only become worse to the present day, as existing shelters are expanding, as the need for more services grows.
He added another shelter is not necessarily the answer. "Then comes the finance objections... that's expensive.... absolutely. Buildings cost money, beds cost money, councillors cost money, programs cost money, but violence costs money too. Police, paramedics, hospitals, courts, victims' services."
However, he added Birchway Niagara is open to him advocating for taxpayer dollars to be used for another shelter.
He pointed to the need for more jobs, housing and children's services.
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