Niagara police report sharp rise in domestic violence investigations

Niagara police say domestic violence investigations are on the rise. The statistics are from a two-year period from 2023 to 2025, according to the police board’s annual report on domestic and family violence. 

However, the numbers are likely higher because experts say many acts of domestic violence go unreported.

Jennifer Gauthier is with Birchway Niagara, a shelter for women and children who are escaping violence, and she says the need is high.

“We are serving 220 women this year, 139 children — but still turning away more than that. And so, the calls for support remain really high,” Gauthier said.

What her organization is seeing is reflected in a recent Niagara police board report. Domestic violence-related criminal investigations are up, climbing from 1,149 in 2023 to 1,814 in 2025 — a 57.8 per cent increase.

Police say domestic violence is any criminal offence related to an intimate partner relationship, and it is not defined by marriage or cohabitation.

“I know when people think of domestic violence, they think assault or strikes. But it could also be events such as criminal harassment, mischief, break and enter, forcible confinement. So any alleged criminal offence in relation to an intimate partner situation,” Niagara Regional Police Service Insp. Chris Lemaich said.

Because domestic violence was declared an epidemic in the Niagara area, police did increase their resources and community outreach. Officials say it is possible the increase in domestic violence calls could be due to more people coming forward.

“I believe that has built a trust between the public and the police that has encouraged more victims or survivors to come forward and report events of intimate partner violence,” said Insp. Chris Lemaich.

While police say more people are reporting domestic violence, Birchway says many more go unreported.

“Largely it’s an issue that people don’t talk about and it goes unreported. And so, the fact that we’re seeing an increase in calls is a really good thing. And so, it could be because of public awareness or could be because situations are just becoming that much more dangerous that people are reaching out for help,” Gauthier said.

Gauthier says if you are experiencing domestic violence or know someone who is, you can access their 24-hour crisis line anonymously at 905-356-5800 or on the Birchway Niagara website.

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