News Media Release

November 1st marks the start of Intimate Partner Violence Awareness Month. 

The Sarnia Police Service alongside The Centre and the Women’s Interval Home will be sharing information throughout the month of November to educate the community about Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and Gender Based Violence (GBV) and its impact on our community. 

Gender-based violence is when someone faces violence because of their gender, gender expression, gender identity or perceived gender. Intimate Partner Violence is a form of gender-based violence and refers to multiple types of harm caused by a current or former romantic partner. The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies IPV as a major global public health concern and in 2023 Lambton County Council declared Intimate Partner Violence an epidemic. IPV impacts people of all genders, ages, socioeconomic, racial, educational, ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds; however, women are disproportionately impacted by IPV.

IPV and GBV can take many forms, all of which have a lasting impact on victims. These include: 

• Physical violence
• Sexual violence
• Emotional/psychological abuse
• Criminal harassment (stalking)
• Financial abuse
• Coercion
• Human trafficking

Children are also impacted by witnessing IPV and can experience emotional, psychological, social, and behavioural issues. 

In 2023, SPS investigated 1742 "domestic dispute” occurrences and laid 395 charges. So far in 2024 (January 1 to October 22) SPS has investigated 1302 occurrences and has laid 373 charges. Assault and Utter Threats charges are higher in 2024 than in 2023 as detailed in the breakdown of charges below. 

Women are significantly more likely to experience IPV than men.  In 2024 (January 1 to October 22) 654 females and 191 males were identified as victims of IPV occurrences.  
 
“The Sarnia Police Service is deeply committed to addressing Intimate Partner and Gender-Based Violence in our community” Said Deputy Chief Ron Hansen, “We recognize that these are complex issues that require a coordinated response, and we are dedicated to working closely with our community partners to provide support, resources, and justice for survivors. Together with social services, healthcare providers, and advocacy groups, we are focused on prevention, early intervention, and ensuring that those affected have access to the help they need. Our goal is to foster a safer, more supportive community where all individuals can live free from violence and fear.” 
 
If you or someone you know is a victim of IPV, Sarnia Police Service has specially trained officers to support you: contact us at 519-344-8861 ext.0. There are also a number of local resources that offer specialized support for IPV and GBV:

Women’s Interval Home 
519-336-5200 
https://www.womensintervalhome.com/ 
 
The Centre (formally Sexual Assault Survivors’ Centre) 
519-337-3154 
https://www.sexualassaultsarnia.ca/ 
 
Three Fires Ezhignowenmindwaa Women’s Shelter 
519-627-3635 
 
Family Counselling Centre 
519-336-0120 
https://www.familycounsellingctr.com/ 
 
Reseau-femmes du sud-ouest de l’Ontario 
1 888-946-3029 
https://rfsoo.ca/ 
 
Victim Services of Sarnia-Lambton 
*services provided at the request of the police 
519-344-8861 ext. 5238