Things You Need To Know…

Breaking the Cycle: Pushing for IPV Education in Ontario Schools

Three King’s University College graduates in London, Ontario, are advocating for mandatory intimate partner violence (IPV) education in schools. Lucy Fisher, Sofi Kotilehti, and Jessica Mitchell created Breaking the Cycle, a workbook teaching youth about healthy relationships, consent, and boundary-setting. Despite support from local organizations, they face hurdles without provincial mandates for implementation.

Youth aged 15-24 are at the highest risk for IPV, highlighting the need for early intervention. The graduates hope their program will spark conversations and provide tools to break cycles of abuse. They aim to work with government leaders to ensure IPV education becomes a standard in Ontario schools.

East London Community Supports Families Displaced by Fire

A fire on Culver Drive in east London, Ontario, displaced two families last week, causing over $1 million in damages. The blaze began in a garage, spreading to two homes and destroying roofs, but no injuries were reported.

Neighbors acted quickly to alert residents, allowing them to escape safely. Displaced families, including Sam Lovan and his wife, have received temporary help from the Canadian Red Cross and overwhelming support from their close-knit community, with donations of clothing and essentials.

Local councillor Peter Cuddy is exploring ways to provide further aid, including fundraising and clothing drives. Despite the loss, community support has been a beacon of hope.

Police Investigate Shooting at Dundas Street Cannabis Shop

London police are investigating a shooting that damaged an Indigenous-owned cannabis shop on Dundas Street early Monday morning. Around 3 a.m., a security guard heard gunshots and discovered over a dozen bullet holes in the rear glass door. No injuries were reported.

The shop, just a few months old, may not have officially opened. Police, including the Guns and Gangs unit, are canvassing the area and reviewing surveillance footage. Residents reported hearing loud pops around the time of the incident.

Authorities are urging anyone with information, dash-cam footage, or who saw anything between 2:45 and 3:45 a.m. to contact police or Crime Stoppers.

Categorised in: Middays

This post was written by Kate Wright