Burlington faces unrelenting domestic violence crisis despite police efforts
A recent virtual council meeting in Burlington highlighted the ongoing issue of intimate partner violence (IPV) in the region. Deputy Chief Jeff Hill of Halton Police shared alarming statistics, including over 3,500 cases in 2022, with 1,346 occurring in Burlington alone. Meanwhile, Oakville North Burlington MP Pam Damoff issued a statement addressing both domestic violence and the need for safer environments in youth sports.
Deputy Chief Hill revealed that Halton Police recorded 3,500 IPV incidents last year, leading to 341 arrests. Despite a dedicated 24-member unit working with local groups like Women’s Place and the Halton Violence Prevention Council, case numbers have stayed steady since 2020. He stressed that police efforts alone are not enough, calling for greater community awareness. Over the past 40 years, the region has seen a woman killed by her partner every other year on average.
Nationally, the problem is widespread. Statistics Canada’s 2023 General Social Survey found that 3.7 million Canadians aged 15 and older—26% of the population—reported experiencing gender-based violence in the past year. More than 11 million have faced intimate partner violence at some point, with marginalised groups disproportionately affected. In response, the federal government has pledged $1.14 billion to the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, securing agreements from all 13 provinces and territories. MP Pam Damoff’s statement also touched on youth sports safety. She noted that government action at all levels, alongside community vigilance, is essential to prevent maltreatment. The Future of Sport in Canada Commission will review the current system, consulting survivors to make sports more inclusive and secure.
Halton Police continue to address domestic violence with specialised units and partnerships, though incident rates remain unchanged. Federal funding and provincial cooperation aim to tackle gender-based violence nationwide. Meanwhile, efforts to protect young athletes will involve systemic reviews and survivor input to improve safety standards. The focus remains on coordinated action across law enforcement, government, and communities.
