Police highlight resources for victims of relationship violence

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A Delta man is facing charges of assault with a weapon and uttering threats, after police were contacted about a domestic assault earlier in November.

A woman and her children had fled a residence prior to police arrival, due to ongoing alleged violence and threats. When police arrived on scene a man was taken into custody, and police seized a weapon. The victim was advised of resources available within Delta, and a safety plan was put in place for her and her children.

While relationship violence, commonly known as domestic violence or intimate partner violence, occurs all times of the year, Delta Police can see an increase in relationship violence around the holidays.

“There are a number of reasons why women remain in abusive relationships”, states Kim Gramlich, Coordinator of Delta Police Victim Services, an operational section of the DPD which specializes in supporting victims of crime and trauma. “We understand the reasons women stay but we also want women to know they are not alone. There is a tremendous amount of help available. Whether you’re ready to leave, or not, please call us so we can help you navigate what comes next.”

Women, aged 15-24 are at the greatest risk of relationship violence, with 54% experiencing sexual coercion in a dating relationship, according to Government of Canada statistics. Women aged 25 to 34 are three times more likely to be physically or sexually assaulted by their spouse than those 45 and older. On average, less than 19% of these women report the abuse to police.

Delta Police is launching a relationship violence campaign to encourage victims to come forward and report incidents of abuse.

In December 2019, Delta residents will begin seeing these posters in community centres and on social media.

Members of the public will soon see posters in community centres around Delta, as well as on DPD’s social media channels. In anticipation of this campaign and in recognition of the need to provide more support to victims who may not be ready to come forward, the DPD launched deltapolice.ca/victim, a go-to resource for victims and their family and friends.

If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, help is available. Call DPD at 604.946.4411, Victim Services at 604.940.5019, or visit the website at deltapolice.ca/victim. In an emergency, please call 911.