Woman Abuse Prevention Month

Ottawa Police commits to ongoing learning, partnerships and support for survivors

- Nov 02, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, November 2, 2026 11 a.m.

Ottawa – November marks Woman Abuse Prevention Month, an opportunity to raise awareness of gender-based violence and reaffirm our collective responsibility to support survivors and prevent abuse in all its forms.

Gender-based violence continues to affect individuals, families, and communities across Ottawa. The Ottawa Police Service recognizes the profound and lasting impacts of intimate partner violence, sexual violence, human trafficking, femicide, and other forms of gender-based violence. Throughout Woman Abuse Prevention Month, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting survivors, strengthening partnerships, and continually improving the way we respond to those affected by violence.

As part of our ongoing commitment to raising awareness about Violence Against Women and promoting transparency, the OPS continues to publicly report on Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) statistics through the Ottawa Police Data Portal.

Data

There were 3,775 intimate partner-related incidents reported in the first six months of 2026 compared to 3,977 reports in the same period of 2025.  This represents a 5% decrease in reports for the first six months of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. 82.3% of survivors identified as female.

The most prevalent violations in the first half of 2026 were: 

  • Assault-Partner 
  • Breaches (all) 
  • Harass Communication-Partner 
  • Assault w/ Weapon or CBH Level 2 
  • Sexual Assault-Partner

In 2026, the Service investigated two femicides that resulted in charges, as well as a murder-suicide involving a female victim.

Human Trafficking remains a growing concern in Canada. The most common form of human trafficking in Canada is commercial sexual exploitation, with the vast majority of reported victims being Canadian citizens trafficked domestically.

Between January 1, 2023, and October 16, 2026, the Ottawa Police Human Trafficking Unit laid 251 charges relating to sexual exploitation. During this period, the 27 identified victims [JC1] of Human Trafficking were all female; five under the age of 18 years old, and the remaining women were ages 18-44 years old.

Victims of human trafficking abuse can be moved by air, making airports and airlines critical points for intervention and support. This year, on July 30th, World Day Against Trafficking Persons, the Ottawa Police Service and the Ottawa International Airport announced their partnership with #NotInMyCity to raise awareness, identify, and support victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation in the City of Ottawa.

Reporting Abuse

In Canada, one in three women will experience physical or sexual violence in her lifetime. Amongst women who are Indigenous, rates are even higher; more than 60% of Indigenous women will experience physical or sexual assault in their lifetime and, we know these numbers are under reported. The Ottawa Police Service is also aware of the unique and specific challenges associated with Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) and continue the work to address systemic issues associated with serving Indigenous women who experience violence and abuse.

Behind these statistics are real people whose lives have been profoundly affected by abuse, coercion, and harm. We recognize that seeking help is not always easy and that the road to getting help can be complicated for victims. Survivors may often face barriers.  Complex systems, fear, isolation, financial dependence, housing challenges, cultural systemic issues, and concerns about safety of children can be barriers when a woman tries to seek help. The Service encourages anyone experiencing abuse to reach out for help and reminds residents that support is available through police and community agencies, whether or not they choose to make a formal report.  

These barriers can be experienced differently by members of Indigenous, 2SLGBTQ+, newcomer, senior, and disability communities. OPS is committed to working with community partners to better understand these challenges and improve access to support and reporting options for all survivors.

The Ottawa Police Service will continue to share information about available supports and resources, raise awareness about gender-based violence, and highlight the work of community organizations that provide vital services to survivors and their families.

The Ottawa Police Service works alongside community organizations, victim service providers, shelters, advocates, and other partners to support those impacted by gender-based violence and hold offenders accountable. We recognize that building trust requires ongoing learning, self-reflection, and meaningful action. We remain committed to examining our practices, listening to survivors, and identifying opportunities to strengthen our response to victims of violence.

The Ottawa Police Service recognizes the importance of legislative and systemic changes that help protect those most vulnerable to violence. The implementation of Bill C-16 represents an important step toward strengthening protections for women, children, and others at risk of gender-based violence. While legislation alone cannot end violence, it is one part of a broader effort that includes prevention, survivor support, community partnerships, and ongoing improvement in how institutions respond to those affected by abuse.

We would like to acknowledge the important work of victim service agencies, shelters, advocates, healthcare professionals, frontline workers, and community organizations who provide critical support to survivors every day. Ending gender-based violence requires a coordinated community response and a shared commitment to dignity, respect, and safety.

Help is available

If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse or violence, call 911 in an emergency. Support is also available through local shelters, victim services, crisis lines, and community organizations, whether or not you choose to report to police. If you are a member of the Indigenous community (Inuit, First Nations or Metis) and wish to have a confidential conversation about MMIWG or Intimate Partner Violence you can reach out to Kathleen, Senior Advisor, Violence Against Indigenous Women at (343) 630-4363. Kathleen can assist you in deciding what, if any next steps you might wish to take.  

Community Resources (Police & Non-Police Options)

Non-Police Support Options (confidential, no police involvement required):

Police-Connected Supports (if the person chooses police involvement):

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Through the Community Safety Data portal data.ottawapolice.ca, members of the public can view, download, and interact with data released by the Ottawa Police Service.

Help make your community safer: register your information and security camera location at CAMSafe.ca to support investigations.


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Tel: 613-236-1222, ext.  5366

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Ottawa Police Service
P.O. Box 9634 Station T,
Ottawa, ON K1G 6H5

Phone: 613-236-1222 (non-emergency)
TTY: 613-232-1123
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