Waterloo Regional Police Announce Partnership with Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region

Waterloo Region, Ontario – The Waterloo Regional Police Service is proud to announce a pilot project that will enhance services to victims in partnership with Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region (WCSWR). 

The one-year pilot will see members of the WRPS Domestic Violence Unit team up with members of WCSWR to offer victims of domestic violence greater wraparound support after an incident and to help reduce the cycle of violence. 

Through the project, WCSWR staff will work seven days a week, including afternoons and evenings, to mirror more closely the schedule of the Domestic Violence Unit investigators. 

Currently, the Domestic Violence Unit investigates incidents and refers victims to WCSWR. Typically, a WCSWR staff member will follow-up with the victim within 24 to 48 hours.

“This larger collaborative effort will help to deliver compassionate, seamless services to survivors of domestic violence,” said Jennifer Hutton, CEO of WCSWR. “The project will allow us to meet with survivors right after their initial report to the Domestic Violence Unit, so we can quickly assess risk levels and discuss safety planning, to ensure survivors have access to the support services they need.”

After a victim meets with police investigators, they will be introduced to a WCSWR staff member. If they consent to meet with WCSWR staff, they will be provided with the appropriate follow-up support.

“Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region has been a valued partner with our police service for many years,” said Bryan Larkin, Chief of Police. “We have a duty and responsibility to investigate incidents of domestic violence and to lay the appropriate charges. Our responsibility does not end there, however. We must also do everything we can to ensure victim safety. We believe this project will do just that.” 

Both organizations are already a part of the Family Violence Project of Waterloo Region, which is a collaboration of agencies that provide full services to victims at one central location at 400 Queen Street South in Kitchener. 

If you are experiencing domestic violence or know someone who may be, help is here for you. Please call 9-1-1 or our non-emergency line at 519-570-9777. If you would like support making a safety plan, please connect with WCSWR through its 24/7 support line: 519-742-5894.

For more information on the Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region, visit here: https://wcswr.org/.

For more information on the Family Violence Project of Waterloo Region, visit here: https://bit.ly/3i9zvnS. 

 
Media Inquiries

Waterloo Regional Police Service
Public Information Unit
519-570-9777 (WRPS) ext. 8188
publicinfo@wrps.on.ca

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