Regional police share success, challenges in responding to intimate partner violence
Posted May 15, 2026 10:39:05 AM.
Last Updated May 15, 2026 10:50:30 AM.
Regional police are sharing successes and challenges when it comes to dealing with issues of intimate partner violence.
Waterloo regional police collaborate with workers from Women’s Crisis Services Waterloo Region to deliver the Early Intervention Program to couples dealing with domestic violence.
In 2025, the program dealt with nearly 6,500 cases, 414 of which were repeat cases of violence.
According to Women’s Crisis Services, couples who have two intimate partner violence service calls in two months receive a call from an outreach worker to provide information about support services and the program itself.
“With every person who comes through the door of a hub model, not only is there a police and criminal justice component, but it’s the wraparound services that matter the most,” said Regional Police Chief Mark Crowell.
The success of the program is highlighted by the fact that 51 per cent of couples who entered the program had no police contact just six months later.
In addition to giving folks support, the program has also delivered community benefits to the tune of more than $585,000 in social return on investment through the relief this program gives to the justice and health care systems.
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