The St. Thomas Police Service is seeing a steady increase in both incidents related to intimate partner violence and charges laid over the past three years.
Last year there were 761 incidents with 157 resulting in charges, more than a 10 per cent increase in incidents since 2022 noted Samantha Wakefield, corporate communications coordinator.
Over that same time period, there was a 37.7 per cent increase in charges laid.
Wakefield added, “We’re always hoping to expand our education and our awareness and our direct support and efforts of those impacted by intimate partner violence.”
She stressed this does not always involve physical abuse.
The police service current Strategic Plan identifies domestic violence and violence against women as key priorities moving forward.
As noted in a media release this week, “To meet this challenge, the St. Thomas Police Service deploys highly trained officers and support staff specializing in IPV investigations.”
Late in 2023, the police service successfully applied for a Victim Support Grant from the province.
And the service has just rolled out its RISE program which supports survivors and empowers voices.
myFM asked Wakefield if this increase in incidents and charges over the past three years will influence how police respond to IPV incidents moving forward?
The media release cautioned, “While statistical increases provide a snapshot of reported incidents, they do not tell the whole story.
“Legislative and regulatory provisions govern the release of sensitive information, ensuring the protection of victims, survivors, and their families.
“Factors such as greater awareness, improved reporting mechanisms, and socio-economic pressures in a post-pandemic environment have also influenced these numbers.”
Written by Ian McCallum
