MPP Stevens statement on the passing of Clare’s Law motion

QUEEN’S PARK —NDP MPP Jennie Stevens (St. Catharines) released the following statement on the passing of the Clare’s Law motion, a watered-down version of the private member’s bill that she introduced in 2021:

“It is a positive development to hear that the PMB I tabled in 2021 will be getting another look by the Ford government,” said Stevens. “We need all the tools we can get to combat intimate partner violence, but it will take a more holistic approach to make change possible. I hope this motion inspires a more fulsome bill that will take more ambitious steps to end violence, with the funding for service providers and resources necessary for women to leave unsafe situations safely.”

MPP Stevens tabled the Intimate Partner Violence Disclosure Act (Clare’s Law) in 2021. It contained several important items – recommended and recognized by experts - that should be considered by the Ford government, and were not included in today’s motion:

1. Deputizing appointed third-party representatives to make the interpersonal disclosure to police on their behalf to combat an uneven level of trust among communities and police services.
2. Include a “disclosure not acted on” clause, so that if an individual does not have the resources or knowledge or trust to pursue interpersonal disclosure it should not be stigmatized or have it held against the victim.
3. The Minister should establish a program to ensure police and other government employees who come into contact with victims of domestic violence receive adequate and appropriate training that ensures a trauma-informed approach.