How Sudbury police measure up when it comes to cases of intimate partner violence
The Greater Sudbury Police Services Board got an update on how well it is meeting recommendations from a 2022 inquest which focused on intimate partner violence (IPV).
Two years ago, a coroner’s inquest in Renfrew County in Eastern Ontario focusing on IPV following a triple femicide. That inquest made 86 recommendations, including declaring IPV an epidemic.
On Wednesday, the Sudbury police services board reviewed information on how they measure up locally and where improvements are still needed.
“I hope that the board takes away from this the need to continue with our collaborative efforts with community partners to increase our education both within our high schools and elementary schools, but also within our workplaces and our community as a whole,” said Det. Sgt. Lee Rinaldi, who made the presentation.
The recommendations include ensuring the safety of victims and their families, collaboration with community and media partners, intervention, perpetrators of IPV, accountability/oversight and education and training.
Education includes public awareness of red flags to look for, along with enhanced training for police officers focusing on a trauma-based approach.
“This is a really proactive step in bringing this type of coursework to Sudbury and our officers. That’s in line with, obviously, our member development,” said Deputy-chief Natalie Hiltz.
“Our officers are the most informed -- with the most current and innovative training -- in providing that quality service to the community members that are seriously impacted by gender-based violence, sexual violence and intimate partner violence.”
Rinaldi said victims don’t need to be afraid to come forward.
“Police don’t have to be the only phone call you make,” he said.
“You can reach out to family members, you can reach out to friends. Greater Sudbury Police Service will take reports of intimate partner violence through third parties.”
Rinaldi said Sudbury police are operating within the framework of the recommendations, but said there are still challenges ahead.
“No calls for service under the IPV spectrum goes unanswered or at no time will be cancelled,” he said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Freeland leaves capital gains tax change out of coming budget implementation bill, here's why
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland will be tabling yet another omnibus bill to pass a sweeping range of measures promised in her April 16 federal budget, though left out of the legislation will be the government's proposed capital gains tax change.
Ontario woman surprised after 20-year-old fines suddenly tank credit score
An Ontario woman says that she was shocked when provincial fines from 20 years ago suddenly tanked her credit score last week, but the situation may not be as unusual as it seems, according to at least debt expert.
Avalanche eliminate Winnipeg Jets from playoffs with 6-3 road win
Mikko Rantanen's first two goals of the playoffs propelled the Colorado Avalanche to a 6-3 victory over the Winnipeg Jets on Tuesday that clinched their opening-round playoff series in five games.
Protesters clash at UCLA after police clear pro-Palestinian demonstrators from Columbia University
Dueling groups of protesters clashed Wednesday at the University of California, Los Angeles, grappling in fistfights and shoving, kicking and using sticks to beat one another. Hours earlier, police carrying riot shields burst into a building at Columbia University that pro-Palestinian protesters took over and broke up a demonstration that had paralyzed the school while inspiring others.
Will an 'out of sight, out of mind' cellphone policy make a difference in Ontario schools?
Ontario’s cellphone ban in schools has been met with mixed reaction, with some teachers concerned about constant policing of kids and experts applauding the change as necessary for student learning.
WATCH Arnold Schwarzenegger spotted filming in Elora, Ont.
The name of the project has not been officially released although it’s widely believed to be the Netflix series FUBAR.
Poilievre kicked out of Commons after calling Prime Minister Justin Trudeau 'wacko'
Testy exchanges between the prime minister and his chief opponent ended with the Opposition leader and one of his MPs being ejected from the House of Commons on Tuesday -- and the rest of Conservative caucus walking out of the chamber in protest.
National strategy must recognize caregivers as 'backbone' of society: centre
Canadians need help looking after family members who are aging, sick or have disabilities, and many caregivers are seniors who need help themselves, says a new report calling for a national strategy that recognizes the mental and financial toll of the job.
Baby, grandparents among 4 people killed in wrong-way police chase on Ontario's Hwy. 401
A police chase which started with a liquor store robbery in Bowmanville Monday night ended in tragedy some 20 minutes later when a suspect fleeing police entered Highway 401 in the wrong direction and caused a pileup which killed an infant and the child's grandparents, as well as the suspect, investigators say.