Etobicoke-Lakeshore MPP Christine Hogarth Calls for an Ontario “Clare’s Law”
Original UK version a landmark in combatting intimate partner violence
NEWS – April 5, 2023
QUEEN’S PARK – Etobicoke-Lakeshore MPP Christine Hogarth has introduced a new Ontario Legislative motion which, if passed, would enable the Ontario government to introduce a new way of battling intimate partner violence in our province – just as its counterparts are doing in Great Britain and several other provinces.
“Too many women in Ontario are suffering at the hands of ex-partners who are known to the police as having a violent past,” Hogarth said. “On their behalf, we need to look to other jurisdictions for innovative ways to help.”
First adopted in the UK in 2014, Clare’s Law was inspired by the grieving father of Clare Wood, in a ground-breaking campaign after her death. Clare was murdered by her abusive ex-boyfriend – whom police knew to be dangerous – in 2009. The law created “the right to ask” police for information on an individual’s past if a person feels they have been abusive – and may pose a risk to them in the future.
“To help deal with these kinds of tragedies in Ontario, my proposal would make information relating to intimate partner violence convictions available to those at risk on a confidential basis,” Hogarth added.
Hogarth’s initiative has been praised by leading authorities on intimate partner violence, as highlighted by the following supportive comments:
“In August 2022, Daniella Mallia was shot by her ex-boyfriend three days after she contacted the police asking for help. The constable who failed to investigate now faces charges including deceit, neglect of duty, and making false or misleading statements. I believe implementing Clare’s Law in Ontario signals onward movement. However, I could not highlight enough the importance of education and training for all those who interpret and enforce the law”
Harmy Mendoza, Executive Director, WomanACT.
“We are very encouraged by MPP Hogarth’s motion and we are looking forward to working with her in any and all efforts to prevent incidents of gender-based violence and femicides. This is a step in the right direction, and we await the opportunity to engage in consultation on the mechanisms for disclosure outlined in Claire’s Law”
Carla Neto, Executive Director, Women’s Habitat
“The Ontario Association of Interval and Transition Houses is supportive of the motion put forth by MPP Christine Hogarth for Clare’s Law. By starting with this motion we look forward to continued consultation to ensure transparency and support for survivors of gender-based violence across Ontario”
Marlene Ham, Executive Director, Ontario Association of Interval & Transition Houses
“Peel Regional Police is committed to supporting any measure implemented by the province to protect individuals against intimate partner and family violence. As strong advocates and supporters of Clare’s Law, we encourage all levels of government, both provincial and federal, to adopt it to help those at-risk have access to the information they need to protect themselves and their families.”
Chief Nishan Duraiappah, Peel Regional Police
“Too often in Ontario, victimized women feel that reaching out to the police is not an option, because of financial dependence on the abuser or a range of other factors,” Hogarth concluded.
“My initiative seeks to ensure that they are not victimized twice.”
MEDIA CONTACT
Camila Budylowski
Office of the MPP for Etobicoke-Lakeshore
Telephone: 416 259-2249
camila.budylowski@pc.ola.org