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The Domestic Violence Unit (DVU) is a team of specially trained detectives that are centrally located within the Niagara Region. The DVU is currently made up of 12 detective constables, four detective sergeants and 1 staff sergeant. This unit works with a number of community agencies as well as the two local Crown Attorney’s offices, the Victim Witness Assistance Program, and Victim Services Niagara. The DVU was centralized into one unit in January of 2013.
Mandate:
The DVU is responsible for investigating all reports of domestic violence involving intimate partners and reviews all domestic related occurrences whether or not charges are laid. Intimate relationship is defined as any persons who are present or past dating partners, have a child in common, are past or present common law partners, are married separated or divorced, are past or present same sex partners, are presently or have previously been in a relationship that involves some form of physical intimacy. Domestic Violence can consist of any use of physical or sexual force, actual or threatened, uttering threats of death or bodily harm, criminal harassment by stalking an individual, and an accused person failing to abide by conditions of a release order put in place by the courts to protect a victim of domestic violence.
VIOLENCE IS A CRIME
It is against the law to assault another person, regardless of the relationship.
Family Violence can include:
- Physical abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Psychological abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Criminal harassment or stalking
- Threats to harm you, your children, family, pets, or property
YOU ARE NOT ALONE
Police and community resources can support you with safety planning, protection, and guidance.
YOUR SAFETY IS IMPORTANT
Shelter staff, victim services, family violence centres, and police can help you create a safety plan for yourself and your children.
CHILDREN AND SAFETY
- Teach children to call 911 and give your address
- Set up a meeting spot, escape route, and secret code words
- Involve trusted friends, family, or neighbours
- Keep a hidden safety pack (money, keys, phone, ID, essentials)
No one should stay in an unsafe situation.
PROTECTION OPTIONS
- Call 911 for immediate help
- Seek shelter in a safe place
- Apply for a Restraining Order under the Family Law Act
- Request a Peace Bond under the Criminal Code
- Ask for exclusive possession of the family home if needed
RESTRAINING ORDERS
- Court order from Family Court to stop harassment or threats
- Restricts contact and access to your home, work, or child's school
- Breaching the order is a criminal offence
PEACE BONDS
- Court order under the Criminal Code
- Requires the person to keep the peace and stay away
- Lasts up to one year
EMERGENCY CONTACTS
In an Emergency: Call 911
Victim Services Niagara: 905-682-2626 (24 hours)
COAST Niagara Crisis Support Team: 1-866-550-5205 ext 1 (24 hours)
Police Non-Emergency: 905-688-4111
Crime Stoppers (Anonymous Tips): 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)
Additional information can be found on the following links:
Domestic Violence Links and Contact Information for Other Community Agencies
Coalition to End Violence Against Women
Sexual Assault Domestic Violence Treatment Program (SADV)
Members of the DVU are highly trained in the area of Domestic Violence Investigations, Interviewing, Major Case Management, ODARA – Ontario Domestic Violence Assault Risk Assessment, and Search Warrants.
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