Police looking to raise awareness about domestic violence

NEWS RELEASE
WATERLOO REGIONAL POLICE
*************************
November is Woman Abuse Prevention Month, and the Waterloo Regional Police Service is proud to partner with community agencies to acknowledge all survivors, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, to honour those who have not survived, to highlight current programs and services, and to focus efforts on ending intimate partner violence in our community.  

Intimate partner violence, also referred to as domestic violence, continues to be a global issue and affects many individuals and families in Waterloo Region.

Since January 2021, WRPS has attended more than 4,580 intimate partner violence occurrences, averaging approximately 508 incidents per month. 

From 2016 to 2021 there has been a 6.7 per cent increase in the total number of intimate partner violence occurrences in Waterloo Region. During this period there was a 36 per cent increase in the total number of charges laid.

The Waterloo Regional Police Service has always been committed to supporting survivors. In 2006, WRPS, in partnership with many community agencies, launched the Family Violence Project – the first of its kind in Canada. The goal of the Family Violence Project is to provide survivors and their families with seamless, wraparound services in a single location. A number of partner agencies co-locate at Carizon Family and Community Services at 400 Queen Street, South in Kitchener.

The project brings together partners from the Waterloo Regional Police Service – Intimate Partner Violence Unit, Victim Support Unit and Senior Support Team, Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region, Sexual Assault Domestic Violence Treatment Centre of Waterloo Region, Family and Children Services, Crown Attorney’s Office, Carizon Family and Community Services, Victim Services of Waterloo Region and Victim/Witness Assistance Program.

The project has proven to be highly effective at providing enhanced service to survivors and families.

Throughout the month of November, we will be highlighting four themes that frequently impact survivors and their families.

• Resources available in the community and safety planning
• The impact of COVID-19
• The impact of intimate partner violence on children
• The increase in incidents involving strangulation

“Intimate partner violence isn’t always physical, it can be emotional, verbal, or sexual, said Bryan Larkin, Chief of Police. “We need to raise awareness so people know what to look for and how to report it. Opportunities like Domestic Violence Awareness Month is a great way to raise awareness and make a significant difference in the lives of domestic violence survivors.”

To help support survivors and put an end to intimate partner violence, the public is encouraged to wear purple during the month of November. The colour purple is a symbol of peace, courage, survival, and dedication to ending violence.

If you or someone you know has been impacted by intimate partner violence, say something. You could be saving a life.

The public is encouraged to reference the following numbers or websites for additional information.

• In an emergency call: 911
• To make a police report call: 519-570-9777
• Family Violence Project call: 519-743-6333
• Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region: 519-742-5894 or 519-653-2422 or www.wcswr.org
• Sexual Assault Domestic Violence Treatment Centre of Waterloo Region: 519-749-6994 or smgh.ca
• Family and Children’s Services Waterloo: 519-576-0540 or www.facswaterloo.org
• Victim Services of Waterloo Region: 519-570-5143 or www.vswr.ca
• Crown Attorney’s Office: Ministry of the Attorney General (gov.on.ca)
• Carizon Family and Community Services: 519-743-6333 or www.carizon.ca

*************************