Halton Police have provided an update on their call to residents to report intimate partner violence.
They say that recently, officers attended a scene where neighbours had reported loud, aggressive yelling from a residence.
When the door of the residence opened, a man told the officers that no yelling had occurred. Officers tried interviewing the woman in the residence and were interrupted by the male. They gave the woman a business card to call in case she wants to talk.
Later that day, after the man had left the residence, the woman called and reported the man for multiple cases of abuse. The officers learned that earlier in the day, the man had choked, kicked, and pushed the woman. There were previous incidents of abuse with some even including threats with a firearm.
Halton Police say they were able to intercept the male party before he returned to the residence. The male was arrested and subsequently transported to Central Lock Up. Thereafter, the Halton Regional Police Service Domestic Violence Investigative Unit took carriage of the investigation. The accused was charged with four counts of Assault, two counts of Assault Causing Bodily Harm, two counts of Utter Threats to Cause Death or Bodily Harm, Mischief Under $5000 and multiple firearms related charges.
Upon arrest of the accused, the victim was referred to the Halton Regional Police Service Domestic Violence Victim Coordinator within our Victim Services Unit. The Domestic Violence Victim Coordinator worked with the victim to establish measures to increase her safety through a safety plan.
Halton Police say this situation is not unique:
“The scope and severity of this incident serves as an example of why we must look out for our neighbours, relatives, friends, and co-workers, especially if you suspect they may not be safe at home. The call placed by a concerned party, as they walked past the residence, played a crucial role in saving this victim from an increasingly violent environment.
The Halton Regional Police Service is urging residents to remain vigilant in reporting suspected intimate partner violence. Victims are isolated inside their homes with their abusers, making it increasingly difficult for them to seek help.
Your call can help.
In recent weeks, our investigators have observed an increase in the number of intimate partner violence related calls, where multiple assaults with escalating violence spanning the course of weeks, are being reported. This has led to an increase in charges laid.
In April 2020, our officers responded to 303 calls related to intimate partner violence, made 67 arrests and laid 163 charges. Compared to April 2019, this is nearly a 19 per cent increase in calls, a 15 per cent increase in arrests, and an 81 per cent increase in the number of charges laid related to intimate partner violence. Of concern, is that it is widely recognized that intimate partner violence often goes unreported to police.
The HRPS is urging victims or friends/family of victims to contact the Halton Regional Police Service, Halton Women’s Place or other community resources if intimate partner violence is happening.
Shelters across Halton are still open at this time and Halton Women’s Place continues to offer services. Shelters have taken precautions related to COVID-19 to ensure that no one is forced to choose between their safety and their health. Help is available.
Every person has the right to feel safe in our community.
“You are not alone.”
Victims of intimate partner violence or sexual assault and witnesses are encouraged to contact the Halton Regional Police Service. The following is a list of valuable support services and resources in Halton Region for victims of intimate partner violence and/or sexual violence:
– Halton Regional Police Service Victim Services Unit 905-825-4777
– Halton Women’s Place 905-878-8555 (north) or 905-332-7892 (24-hour crisis line)
– Halton Children’s Aid Society 905-333-4441 or 1-866-607-5437
– Nina’s Place Sexual Assault and Domestic Assault Care Centre 905-336-4116 or 905-681-4880
– Sexual Assault and Violence Intervention Services (SAVIS) 905-875-1555 (24-hour crisis line)
