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Barely a month after launching a new program pledging to intervene earlier in cases of intimate partner violence, local police and a mental health agency have already referred 22 individuals to additional support.
The goal of the IPV Early Intervention and Prevention program — a partnership between Windsor Police Service and Family Services Windsor-Essex which kicked off May 6 — is to intervene before calls escalate into more serious threats.
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So far this year, more than 600 intimate partner violence complaints, which have not resulted in criminal charges, were filed in the region.
“By intervening early, we can provide the necessary support to those in need and help stop the escalation of conflict,” said Ciara Holmes, director or mental health and counselling programs at Family Services Windsor-Essex.
Both partners held a press conference Wednesday at the downtown police headquarters to tout the program’s early success.
Moving forward, all reports of intimate partner violence to the Windsor Police Service — incidents that have yet to produce any arrests or criminal charges — are redirected to the IPV Early Intervention and Prevention program.
A team of representatives will then follow up with complainants upon their consent, to assess their needs and connect them with support services, including: counselling, safety planning, and more.
“This partnership provides us with an important new tool to curb this disturbing trend and empower victims to better protect themselves from harm,” said Windsor police Insp. Andrew Randall.
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In Ontario last year, at least 58 women were killed by an intimate partner who was either charged, convicted, or found responsible.
Windsor joined several municipalities across the province in declaring intimate partner violence an epidemic after a city council decision in July.
Following the killing of another woman by her former intimate partner in Belleville last month, local MPP Lisa Gretzky (NDP — Windsor West) renewed her call for the Ford government to support a private member’s bill declaring it an epidemic in Ontario.
The Ford government has instead sent the proposed opposition party legislation, Bill 173, Intimate Partner Violence Act, which was co-sponsored by Gretzky, to committee for review.
For immediate assistance, call 911 or the Hiatus House 24/7 crisis line at 519-252-7781.
Hiatus House provides crisis services, emergency shelter, and support services to women affected by domestic violence.
All referrals to the IPV Early Intervention and Prevention program are made through the Windsor Police Service.
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