Community agencies and police data reveal a troubling rise in domestic violence cases within Lanark and Renfrew counties in rural eastern Ontario.
“We’re noticing more crisis calls, and what we’re seeing is that people are reaching out about incidents of violence. They’re not just calling to express mild concern. They’re contacting us when they’re in the thick of it,” said Erin Lee, executive director of Lanark County Interval House.
Lee has spent over thirty years working at shelters for women escaping abuse in Carleton Place and Ottawa. She mentioned that last year, the crisis line at the Lanark County shelter received 3,000 calls-significantly more than they had before COVID hit.
This trend isn’t isolated; it’s happening throughout the province.
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) report that intimate partner violence cases rose by 18.1 percent in Ontario, with 6,289 victims reported in 2024 compared to 5,326 in 2023. That also marks a 13.5 percent increase from 2022.
Statistics released on July 7 by the Ottawa Police Service show a nine percent increase in reports over the past six months.
“Is it true there are more incidents? Yes. Are those incidents becoming more dangerous? Yes. And is there greater awareness and conversation surrounding this issue? Absolutely,” Lee stated.
She added that this dialogue and newfound collaboration with law enforcement represents a positive development amidst these challenges.
Historically, the connection between women’s shelters and police has been complex and somewhat distant. However, that’s starting to change, according to Lee, who pointed out that they now receive calls from the OPP asking them to “mobilize a team” when victims reach out to police.
Yet most instances of domestic abuse still go unreported.
In fact, back in 2019, around 80 percent of those experiencing intimate partner violence did not notify police. According to government data, incidents were more likely reported when abuse was occurring frequently.
“On the day I was attacked, an officer came by and sat with me for hours on my front porch. I was terrified and overwhelmed; my whole life felt shattered,” she recalled. This shift towards a more victim-centered approach is welcomed by Lee.
“Who would’ve imagined having a survivor from our rural community educate your OPP members on how they operate?” she asked while noting there’s still room for improvement.
“If the OPP receives 500 service calls, we would hope all those should lead to referrals. We’re not quite there yet.” Mary Leigh Elliot, executive director of Victim Services of Renfrew County shares that they’ve seen both an uptick in calls to police as well as increased instances of abuse within her community. (Mathieu Deroy/CBC)
“I believe much of our effort toward properly investigating intimate partner violence is yielding results,” said acting Det. Staff Sgt. Nick Cloutier.
An inquiry into this tragic event led to 86 recommendations aimed at various agencies and law enforcement bodies in 2022.
“Some positive changes have come from that inquiry: several townships along with the county declared intimate partner violence an epidemic which opened doors for new support options,” stated Mary Leigh Elliot from Victim Services of Renfrew County.
</blockqoute The response from this inquiry saw OPP introduce about seventy “abuse issues investigators” throughout Ontario whose goal is ensuring investigations take a victim-focused and trauma-informed approach.
“We have two assigned here in Upper Ottawa Valley along with one each located within Renfrew and Lanark,” noted Cloutier.
</blockqoute These officers often connect survivors with Victim Services of Renfrew County for emotional backing along practical assistance according to Elliot’s observations.
“When comparing.. the year spanning from ’23-’24 against ’24-’25.. we saw a remarkable twenty-four percent surge regarding our referrals linked directly tied to these types crimes.”</blockqoute As observed also by others including residents around nearby Lanark County-cooperation between local authorities appears stronger than ever before yet whether there’s truly been an increase either way remains open-ended according Elliott-who says it feels like both aspects might apply equally here today..</blockqoute The focus needs switching towards prevention strategies instead though she believes firmly.”Education serves as key-starting early” explained Elliot adding “Teaching young individuals what constitutes healthy relationships alongside offering guidance not only victims but even aggressors involved too.”</blockqoute
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Police adopting victim-focused strategies
In Lanark County, a woman who has faced violence is now assisting with training officers on handling domestic situations effectively. “Police must understand that when women choose to leave an abusive relationship, they’re often at their highest risk. I share my experiences with them so they can see what women go through,” said the trainer, whose name CBC is withholding for safety reasons. A crucial element of her own survival was how quickly police connected her with local agencies offering safe housing, counseling services, and group therapy support.“On the day I was attacked, an officer came by and sat with me for hours on my front porch. I was terrified and overwhelmed; my whole life felt shattered,” she recalled. This shift towards a more victim-centered approach is welcomed by Lee.
“Who would’ve imagined having a survivor from our rural community educate your OPP members on how they operate?” she asked while noting there’s still room for improvement.
“If the OPP receives 500 service calls, we would hope all those should lead to referrals. We’re not quite there yet.” Mary Leigh Elliot, executive director of Victim Services of Renfrew County shares that they’ve seen both an uptick in calls to police as well as increased instances of abuse within her community. (Mathieu Deroy/CBC)
Education plays a vital role
No one can pinpoint exactly why reports of domestic violence are increasing; however, OPP has its theories.“I believe much of our effort toward properly investigating intimate partner violence is yielding results,” said acting Det. Staff Sgt. Nick Cloutier.
</blockqoute The murders of three women back in September 2015 still weigh heavily on community workers’ minds there.“Victims across all our communities feel safer approaching police-they have greater trust now.”
An inquiry into this tragic event led to 86 recommendations aimed at various agencies and law enforcement bodies in 2022.
“Some positive changes have come from that inquiry: several townships along with the county declared intimate partner violence an epidemic which opened doors for new support options,” stated Mary Leigh Elliot from Victim Services of Renfrew County.
</blockqoute The response from this inquiry saw OPP introduce about seventy “abuse issues investigators” throughout Ontario whose goal is ensuring investigations take a victim-focused and trauma-informed approach.
“We have two assigned here in Upper Ottawa Valley along with one each located within Renfrew and Lanark,” noted Cloutier.
</blockqoute These officers often connect survivors with Victim Services of Renfrew County for emotional backing along practical assistance according to Elliot’s observations.
“When comparing.. the year spanning from ’23-’24 against ’24-’25.. we saw a remarkable twenty-four percent surge regarding our referrals linked directly tied to these types crimes.”</blockqoute As observed also by others including residents around nearby Lanark County-cooperation between local authorities appears stronger than ever before yet whether there’s truly been an increase either way remains open-ended according Elliott-who says it feels like both aspects might apply equally here today..</blockqoute The focus needs switching towards prevention strategies instead though she believes firmly.”Education serves as key-starting early” explained Elliot adding “Teaching young individuals what constitutes healthy relationships alongside offering guidance not only victims but even aggressors involved too.”</blockqoute
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