Honouring Over 50 Years of Service to Gender-Based Violence Survivors at Interval House

I recently met with the team at Interval House, Canada’s first shelter for abused women and their children, to learn more about their critical work supporting survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV).

Since opening in 1973, Interval House has provided safety, advocacy, and hope to thousands of women and children across Toronto. As a provincially funded violence against women shelter, it relies on both government funding and private partnerships to deliver essential services.

I want to express sincere gratitude to the staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners whose more than five decades of leadership and compassion continue to support people experiencing abuse.

Collaboration and Community Response

The discussion highlighted Interval House’s long-standing partnership with the Toronto Police Service. Over the past decade, this collaboration has helped strengthen police understanding of IPV risk factors and survivor support needs.

Today, every graduating police officer tours Interval House, and shelter staff directly contribute to police training. We also discussed the importance of sector-wide coordination and continued advocacy, especially in response to the approximately 14,000 to 15,000 IPV incidents reported annually in Toronto.

Interval House also raised growing concerns about the mental health needs of children who have witnessed abuse, a trend that has increased since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Moving Forward

I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from Interval House and their team. I remain committed to supporting efforts that strengthen safety, awareness, and services for survivors and their families.