13 October 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Vancouver Liberals Will Declare Intimate Partner Violence a Public Health and Public Safety Crisis
Vancouver BC — The Vancouver Liberals are calling for a stronger, survivor-centred response to intimate partner violence, pledging that a Vancouver Liberal government will declare intimate partner violence a public health and public safety crisis.
The party’s policy calls for a victim-survivor-led action plan and a stronger municipal response to intimate partner violence, including working with the Vancouver Police Board on a strategic plan to improve the response of the Intimate Partner Violence Unit and ensure every incident is investigated thoroughly.
“Intimate partner violence is a public safety issue, and we need to treat it with the seriousness it deserves,” said Kareem Allam, mayoral candidate for the Vancouver Liberals. “Women, children and gender-diverse people experiencing violence deserve a system that responds to them, supports them, and takes their safety seriously.”
The Vancouver Liberals will work with the Vancouver Police Board to strengthen the city’s organizational response to intimate partner violence and improve alignment with the provincial Violence Against Women in Relationships (VAWIR) guidance.
The party will also support the five policy actions put forward by Battered Women’s Support Services and advocate to the provincial government for continued implementation of the recommendations from Dr. Kim Stanton’s independent systemic review of B.C.’s legal system’s treatment of intimate partner and sexual violence.
“Survivors have been telling governments and institutions for years what needs to change,” said Jessica Walton. “We need to listen to them and turn that knowledge into action. That means better responses to violence, stronger support for survivors, and a system that takes every report seriously.”
The Vancouver Liberals will also advocate to other levels of government for stronger access to housing and childcare for people experiencing violence. Stable housing and access to essential supports can be critical to helping survivors and their children achieve safety and stability.
“Intimate partner violence cannot be addressed by one organization or one level of government alone,” said Allam. “Women, survivors, advocates, police, governments and elected officials all have a role to play. A Vancouver Liberal government will bring people together and make this a public health and public safety priority.”
Media Contact:
Vancouver Liberals Communications