Resolve Counselling responds to Councillor’s comments on IPV

Resolve offers services for IPV victims

Resolve Counselling Services responded to comments made by Councillor Chaves during a recent Kingston City Council meeting on intimate partner violence (IPV). 

Chaves is a victim of IPV himself. His remarks, which suggested every female victim has committed IPV against male partners, sparked concern. Though Chaves has since apologized, clarifying that he mistakenly added the term "female" into his prepared speech, the comments raised debate.

Resolve highlighted that while men do face barriers in reporting abuse, IPV primarily affects women, often involving coercive control by male partners. The organization pointed to historical gender inequality as a root of IPV and called for balanced conversations that recognize all victims, with a focus on women’s specific needs.

They also criticize some reports for focusing solely on controversy instead of IPV’s broader impacts and achievements made in local services. 

Resolve urged adopting evidence-based approaches to support all survivors.

Learn more about Resolve Counselling Services IPV counselling here.