“This report provides police agencies and our partners with valuable information on the incidence and dynamics of domestic violence in Prince Edward Island,” said Richard Collins, President, PEI Association of Chiefs of Police. “Taking a close look at where we are is a critical step in addressing domestic violence prevention as a process and assisting police agencies in developing programs, policies and training in a way which best meets the needs of Island families.”

The findings are significant in that they support previous research around power and control and the dynamics of domestic violence in Prince Edward Island. The cases reviewed are all cases from within this province providing valuable information specific to this province. The findings also red flag the impact of violence on children and the need to work together to break the cycle of violence – children are involved in 50 per cent of all calls to police regarding incidence of domestic violence.

“I applaud the police agencies involved on the access they have provided to the researcher in ensuring a transparent process and an accurate record of domestic violence cases reported to police across the province,” said Attorney General Dover. “Having a clear provincial picture of domestic violence will assist police and all partners involved in addressing this important societal issue and create a building block for future partnerships and the prevention of violence in our families.”

Since 2002, there have been significant police training initiatives across the province including training on children exposed to domestic violence and the Victims of Family Violence Act. Findings from the most recent training initiatives indicate increased referrals to Child and Family Services in cases involving domestic violence and children, and increased police use of Emergency Protection Order applications under the Victims of Family Violence Act. The Victims of Family Violence Act Steering Committee is currently developing an enhanced police training program that builds on the findings of this report.