(ST. JOHN’S, NL), April 24, 2020– The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Unit continues to provide supports for victims, while working to detect violence in our communities in the face of COVID-19 concerns.
As we progress through this effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the RNC IPV Unit remains active, working with our front line to detect violence within our communities. By analyzing all of our calls for service, the IPV Unit crime analyst is able to support and inform our response to violence in our community, and identify any incidents with links to intimate partner violence. Cst. Lindsay Dillon of the IPV Unit is passionate about violence prevention, devoting the past 6 years of her career to IPV, building relationships to end violence in the communities we serve.
“Intimate partner violence is complex, and every case is unique. This is why we rely on the relationships we have built with our community partners, such as Iris Kirby House, to have the opportunity to provide supports which break down barriers for victims. In addition, by supporting our front line response, we have been able to detect and identify abusers within our community. We want the community to know that we continue to provide supports for victims, and we want to work with you to end violence across our province.”
– Cst. Lindsay Dillon, RNC Intimate Partner Violence Unit
Here are a few of the initiatives provided by our IPV Unit:
Cell Phone Program
The RNC provides cell phones with minutes to victims of intimate partner violence who have had their phone damaged or stolen, or are in need of one. This initiative provides victims the means to contact police should the need arise as well as maintain contact with family and friends to ensure safety.
Pet Safe Keeping Program
The pet safe keeping program aims to provide emergency shelter for pets belonging to victims of intimate partner violence. This program assists in reducing barriers for individuals who are leaving violent relationships, as many victims will delay leaving out of concern for their pets. The program is a partnership between the RNC, Iris Kirby House, and the City of John’s (Humane Services) and currently exists in St. John’s and Corner Brook. The RNC is working with community partners in Labrador City and Mount Pearl to implement similar programs.
Lock Exchange Program
The lock exchange program is a collaboration with the RNC and the Canadian Federation of University Women to install replacement locks for women who are in need of having door locks replaced due to fear of intimate partner violence. The RNC in Labrador West is in the process of collaborating with IOCC, who will be funding this initiative in Labrador City.
We want to help you, and we can be contacted at our nearest detachment, or you can reach out to our IPV Unit at 729-8093. The email contact for our IPV Unit is IPV@rnc.gov.nl.ca. You can also visit our website at https://www.rnc.gov.nl.caservices/intimate-partner-violence/ for more information on this topic. In a case of an emergency contact 9-1-1 and we will respond and help you.
This pandemic also poses increased challenges upon mental health. Please know that we are here for you, and if you are struggling, we are always available to help. You can also reach out to the Crisis Line 1-888-737-4668, or contact 9-1-1 in a case of an emergency.
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Cst. James C. Cadigan, #775
Media Relations Officer
Royal Newfoundland Constabulary
(709) 729-8658