Police data shows intimate partner violence calls on the rise in Ontario

The growing volume of domestic abuse cases in both Lanark and Renfrew counties in rural eastern Ontario is alarmingly high, according to community agencies and police data.

"We're seeing an increase in our crisis calls, and so what we're finding is that people are calling about acts of violence. They're not calling to say, 'I'm a little bit concerned'. They're calling when they're in it," said Erin Lee, executive director of Lanark County Interval House.

Lee, who for more than three decades has worked in shelters for women fleeing abuse in Carleton Place and Ottawa, said last year the crisis line at the Lanark County shelter received 3,000 calls — hundreds more than the agency received in the years before COVID. 

The volume is rising across the province. 

Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) say reports of intimate partner violence were up by 18.1 per cent in Ontario in 2024, with 6,289 compared to 5,326 in 2023. And that was 13.5 per cent higher than in 2022. 

Statistics released July 7 by the Ottawa Police Service show a nine per cent rise in reports in the past six months. 

"Is there a reality that there are more incidents? Yes. Is there a reality that the incidents are more volatile? Yes. And is there an increased awareness and more discussion happening about it? Absolutely," said Lee. 

That discussion and new-found co-ordination with law enforcement is the only bright spot in this situation, she added. 

Historically, the relationship between women's shelters and police was complicated and somewhat detached. That's starting to change, said Lee, who notes they now get calls from the OPP to "mobilize a team" when victims contact police.

But most cases of domestic abuse still go unreported.

In fact in 2019, 80 per cent of those who experienced intimate partner violence did not report to police, and according to the Canadian government, cases were more likely to come to the attention of police when there was a higher frequency of abuse. 

In Lanark County, a woman who has experienced violence is now helping inform and train police officers on how to handle domestic situations. 

"Police need to know that when women decide to leave, they're most at risk. I give them insight into that journey and open their eyes to what women face," said the trainer, whose name CBC is withholding to protect her safety.

A key factor in her own survival was that police immediately put her in touch with community agencies that provide a safe place to stay, counselling and group therapy, she said.