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On the government of Canada website, it states “The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies intimate partner violence as a major global public health concern as it affects millions of people and can result in immediate and long-lasting health, social and economic consequences." I have started this petition because domestic violence is too common in Canada for there not to be better laws to try and prevent and reduce the number domestic violence cases in Canada.

This year my family has been personally affected, as my daughter took her own life after being a victim of domestic violence. My daughter was in an abusive relationship for 4&1/2 years and finally worked up the courage to leave. After she left, she went to the police, and in the end her abuser got off with basically nothing. Once she learned of this information, she took her own life. She was only 23. For months after the breakup she was terrified he would get to her and in her eyes this was the only way to end the torture she endured. Bobbi was a beautiful, kind, and thoughtful person. She had a wonderful sense on humour and could easily put a smile on everyone’s face. She left behind her mother, 4 siblings and 13 nieces and nephews, most of which are aged 10 and under. This has been a very difficult time on the family and the kids as they do not understand why they can not see Auntie Bobbi anymore.

Domestic assault is a serious problem affecting 1 in 4 women and 1 in 10 men. Victims need to be protected and their abusers need to be held accountable. I would like to see some changes and new laws to help prevent and reduce future cases of domestic violence. Clare’s Law is legislation that has been adopted in several Canadian provinces and other countries around the world. It makes it easier to find out if an intimate partner has a history of abusive behaviour. Attempts to bring a version of Clare’s Law to Ontario (with Bill 274) have so far been unsuccessful — but we can change that. This law is crucial in helping lower repeat cases of domestic assault.