**** HRP Media Release
Information about prevention of domestic and intimate partner violence
Halifax Regional Police would like to share important preventative information related to domestic and intimate partner violence. As we deal with the current challenging times of staying home to curb the spread of COVID-19, we recognize that it is important to reinforce the message to curb this form of violence. While our current stats do not point to an increase in domestic and intimate partner violence, we know that this crime is often unreported.
Halifax Regional Police works collaboratively with community service providers to help victims and their children get to safety and access the supports they need to move forward in their lives. We want to assure victims or anyone vulnerable to this form of violence that these supports are available during the pandemic, and they and their children do not have to stay at home if it’s not safe to do so. We are here to help.
Below are some tips and resources to help curb this form of abuse and violence:
- Call 911 if your immediate safety is at risk. Just in case you’re not able to call 911 yourself, consider:
- Telling a trusted friend, neighbour or relative about the situation and creating a code word or signal for when you need them to call police on your behalf.
- Teach your children how to make a 911 call.
- Call 902.490.5020 if you would like to have an officer follow up with you in relation to your situation. We will work with you to connect in a way that best protects your safety.
- Call 902-490-5300 to connect with Halifax Regional Police Victim Services for advice and support. Visit http://www.halifax.ca/fire-police/police/programs-services/victim-services-halifax for more information on Victim Services.
- Call 211 or visit http://ns.211.ca/ for a list of services and supports in your area.
Domestic abuse and intimate partner violence occur more often than we might think. It affects people in all communities, and of all races, genders, sexual orientation, cultures, ages, and income levels. It can encompass verbal abuse, emotional abuse, or physical or sexual violence, and can include stalking, harassment, physical, emotional, or economic threats, including threats to children, pets and property. It is not the victim’s fault.
