Surrey hosts forum on gender-based violence to raise awareness on a growing crisis

Posted by ReyFort Media

The City of Surrey welcomed front-line workers, community partners and subject matter experts yesterday for a forum on gender-based violence. 

Surrey, B.C. –The City of Surrey welcomed front-line workers, community partners and subject matter experts yesterday for a forum on gender-based violence. Held at City Hall, the event aimed to increase awareness, share data and support coordinated efforts to address what Mayor Brenda Locke called a growing public safety and public health crisis. The event marks a key milestone in elevating awareness and discourse around an important and urgent topic. 

“Gender-based violence is not a private matter — it is a crisis affecting families and communities every day,” said Mayor Brenda Locke. “We are committed to providing a platform to keep the conversation going by working actively with our community partners, and by strengthening prevention efforts that protect women and gender-diverse people in our city.” 

In her opening remarks, the mayor emphasized the scale of the issue, noting that a female is killed every 48 hours in Canada and that nearly half of women in B.C. have experienced some form of intimate partner violence.  She also highlighted that Indigenous women are six times more likely to be killed than non-Indigenous women. 

Speakers highlighted “made in Surrey” solutions, including advocacy for safety audits of public spaces and calls for standardized risk-assessment tools across police and health services. The City also recognized the essential work of front-line responders, forensic nurses and community organizations that support survivors and work tirelessly to eliminate gender-based violence. 

Presenters also outlined ongoing challenges, including housing shortages and gaps in the legal system that can allow coercive control to continue after separation. Recent legislation, including the Protecting Victims Act (2025), was highlighted as a step forward.

“Preventing gender based violence requires every part of the system to work together — public safety, health, housing and community partners,” said Brian Edwards, General Manager of Public Safety for the City of Surrey. “This forum reinforces our shared commitment to early intervention, survivor centred supports, and building a coordinated response that keeps people safe.” 

The event showcased the network of services available in Surrey, including the Surrey Women’s Centre, Atira, Elizabeth Fry Society, Options, YMCA, Pacific Community Resources Society, DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society, Fraser Region Aboriginal Friendship Centre Association (FRAFCA) and long-standing collaborations with organizations such as the Network to Eliminate Violence in Relationships (NEVR).

Speakers and panelists included leaders of Surrey-based and province-wide organizations that provide anti-violence and/or housing services, as well as relevant subject matter experts.(City of Surrey)