Intimate partner violence is a crime that goes unreported too often in this country. It’s a national epidemic with 11 million people of all genders, sexual orientations and ethnicities having experienced it, according to Women and Gender Equality Canada.
Each year, an average of 102 women and girls in Canada are killed in gender-related violence, and in 93 per cent of those cases, the homicides are committed by male intimate partners or family members.
Worst of all, this violence often stays behind closed doors, with victims ashamed or afraid to report it. Every April, “Prevention of Violence Against Women Week” (April 19-25) is proclaimed by the provincial government to get people talking and promote action to end gender-based violence.
“Reporting domestic violence anonymously is something you can do for someone who might not do it for themselves,” says Linda Annis, Executive Director of Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers. “Each year, Crime Stoppers receives between 20 and 30 anonymous tips about it, but too many more cases go unreported. If you know someone experiencing violence or abuse in their relationship, or if you know of someone committing these crimes, we encourage you to report it to Crime Stoppers with an anonymous tip. You will never be identified, and the information will be forwarded directly to police without identifying you.”
Police also have professional help available to help victims decide how best to report intimate partner violence. Lists of these services may be found on police websites including Vancouver Police and the Surrey Police Service.
If you have information about any crime that could lead to an arrest, anonymous tips may be provided through Crime Stoppers’ downloadable “P3” phone app, calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at solvecrime.ca, or by following the link on the Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers Facebook page.
