YWCA Toronto Achieves Goal for Data Transparency and Applauds City Council Directive on the FIFA World Cup GBV and IPV Reporting
July 2026
Toronto City Council has passed a motion to pursue an analysis of incidents of intimate partner violence (IPV) and gender-based violence (GBV) that occurred in Toronto during the FIFA World Cup 2026. This is a critical recognition of the importance of data transparency in addressing GBV and IPV, and a necessary action aligned with the City's declaration of a GBV and IPV epidemic.
We extend our gratitude to Councillor Lily Cheng and City staff, who supported our urgent calls on this issue.
Research has shown that major sporting events are associated with increases in gender-based violence and intimate partner violence. Gathering and publicly reporting this data is essential to understanding and addressing the epidemic of GBV and IPV in Toronto. This information will allow us to better understand the prevalence of this violence, and to advocate for essential investments in awareness, prevention, and support for survivors.
YWCA Toronto continues to pursue transformational change that will support women, girls, and gender diverse people in Toronto to live lives free from violence. As we await the mandated release of this report in the first quarter of 2027, we remain committed to working with the City of Toronto to mobilize urgently needed action on, and investment into, the elimination of gender-based and intimate partner violence.
Read the full motion here: https://secure.toronto.ca/council/agenda-item.do?item=2026.CC43.6
Learn more about our recent advocacy around gender-based violence and the FIFA World Cup:
And our ongoing advocacy around gender-based and intimate partner violence:
MEDIA
Sami Pritchard, Director of Advocacy and Communications, YWCA Toronto
437.286.9627 | spritchard@ywcatoronto.org