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Statement on the National Day Against Gun Violence

June 6th, 2025
Today, on the National Day Against Gun Violence, we unite in solidarity with communities across the country in honouring the lives lost and the countless individuals and families forever impacted by gun violence. We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to healing, justice, and systemic change.

Gun violence is not an isolated issue; it is a public health crisis that echoes through families, neighbourhoods, and generations. Its impact extends beyond immediate victims, perpetuating cycles of trauma, fear, and lateral violence. At its root, gun violence is often a symptom of broader systemic inequities, including structural racism, anti-Blackness, socio-economic exclusion, and the enduring effects of colonialism.

We recognize that gun violence is a feminist issue, deeply interconnected with intimate partner violence and gender-based violence. Women, girls, and gender-diverse people, particularly those from Black, Indigenous, and racialized communities, are disproportionately affected.

As a founding member of the Coalition for Gun Control, YWCA Toronto continues to advocate for stronger gun legislation and increased investment in community safety and wellbeing. Over the past year, we have advanced this advocacy by co-authoring an op-ed with members of the Coalition and participating in the Community March Against Gun Violence alongside grassroots partners from the Community Violence Table.

To address the root causes of gun violence, we call for the implementation of comprehensive, equity-focused strategies, including:

  • Increased investment in affordable housing, youth development programs, social assistance, and access to decent work and fair wages;
  • Culturally responsive and accessible mental health supports, particularly for racialized communities, women, and gender-diverse individuals disproportionately impacted by violence;
  • Expanded community-based healing initiatives that reflect the lived experiences of Black, Indigenous, and racialized communities; and,
  • A permanent and sustained government funding stream to support services for women and girls who have experienced violence, with an intentional focus on Black women, girls, and youth disproportionately affected by gun and community violence.
  • Addressing gun violence requires urgent, coordinated action from all levels of government, and the broader community.

Safer communities are possible but only through bold, intentional action.

The City of Toronto has shared supports and resources for those impacted by gun violence, which can be found here: https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/public-safety-alerts/community-safety-wellbeing-programs/national-day-against-gun-violence/
 

MEDIA
Sami Pritchard, Director of Advocacy and Communications, YWCA Toronto
437.286.9627 | spritchard@ywcatoronto.org