Last weekend, EPS members across the city responded to another 15 domestic violence calls, some of which involved intoxicated partners and weapons – 10 more than the first weekend in January, 2014.
The number of calls, says Staff Sgt. Sean Armstrong, of the EPS Domestic Offender Crimes Section, is particularly high and sadly all too familiar, especially on the heels of the city’s most deadly family violence-related occurrence.
“These are societal patterns that are not going to be changed overnight, and certainly not by police or social service agencies alone,” explained Armstrong. “This is a problem that requires the broader community to take ownership – neighbours, coworkers and extended family members refusing to turn a blind eye to obvious or potential signs of family violence.”
In 2012, there were 7, 761 occurrences reported to EPS that involved domestic violence. In 2013, EPS responded to 7,679 occurrences and 7,601 occurrences in 2014 (approximate numbers).
“We want people to know there are plenty of resources available relating to family violence,” said Armstrong. “And police do not always have to be the first resource. Some people in society simply aren’t comfortable contacting police, but there are so many other resources available to people that getting involved, and possibly even saving someone’s life, should always be the primary objective.”
One such community partner is the Today Centre. The Today Family Violence Help Centre provides free, confidential, emotional and practical short-term support. The Today Centre provides supports for a loved one or individuals you may know, such as a neighbor or coworker, who may be a victim of domestic violence. Today Centre staff will also help those who contact them to:
- Recognize warning signs of abuse in your relationship.
- Make a plan to keep you and your family safe.
- Understand abuse and the cycle of violence.
- Connect you with other community supports.
For further information visit www.todaycentre.ca
For additional information surrounding the definitions of domestic violence visit: Definitions of Domestic Violence.