It’s been just over a year since Greater Sudbury declared domestic violence (IPV) an epidemic.

Det. Sgt. Lee Rinaldi said IPV-related calls have increased over the past four years. During the year 2023, there were 2,065 IPV calls, while as of October 31 of this year, this number was already 2,332.

YWCA Sudbury executive director Marlene Gorman said it’s been a difficult year for services that provide support to women experiencing domestic violence, which she says is a systemic problem. (Photo from video)

“The vast majority of our charges are related to violating court-ordered conditions,” Rinaldi said.

“Followed shortly after by attacks and misdeeds. But certainly respecting bail and arrest by warrant are very important to the Greater Sudbury Police Service and we continue to focus on these areas and ensuring not only the safety of victims , but also to hold offenders accountable.

Rinaldi said increasing officer training and community education was a major priority for the force.

“We are also looking to increase training for our officers to raise awareness about domestic violence and what constitutes healthy relationships, and to pass that information on to the community,” he said.

“By ensuring we understand the difficulties and barriers people face when contacting the police, and then ensuring that our officers, when providing their services, do so with a victim-first focus . »

YWCA Sudbury executive director Marlene Gorman said it’s been a difficult year for services that provide support to women experiencing domestic violence, which she says is a systemic problem.

Difficult to answer locally

“It’s difficult at the local level to address the underlying issues that perpetuate violence against women related to homelessness — that’s the biggest problem when you operate a shelter because we’re always full because people can’t afford housing,” Gorman said.

Although the provincial government has made some investments, she said the money is limited to two to four years.

“What we need is continued, sustainable funding,” Gorman said.

“Our shelters are operating without an increase in continued operating funding. And our shelter employees are the backbone of this organization, and they should be paid a living wage.”

Since the statement, Gorman said she has seen some improvements in communication and collaboration at the local level, noting that she will meet with the mayor soon to discuss the issues.

She said it has increased awareness of domestic violence in the general community.