Lanark County Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence Program

08/14/2026

07/27/2026

If you are in an unsafe relationship, you do not have to navigate it alone.

Safety planning can help you think through steps to stay safer, whether you're staying, leaving, or unsure of what comes next.

Lanark County Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Program can help you create a personalized safety plan based on your unique situation and needs. Support is available.

07/24/2026

07/22/2026

A 48% increase in intimate partner violence calls is a statistic that should make all of us stop and pay attention.

The recently released Lanark County OPP 2025 Attachment Board Report shows a significant increase in domestic partner violence calls across our community. While these numbers are deeply concerning, they also deserve context.

For decades, intimate partner violence, domestic violence and sexual violence have been among the most underreported crimes. Many survivors never contact police due to fear, shame, financial dependence, concerns for their children, or uncertainty about whether they will be believed.

An increase in police calls does not necessarily mean violence itself has increased by 48%. It may also reflect something encouraging: that more survivors feel safe enough to reach out for help, that public awareness is improving, and that victims are developing greater trust in the systems designed to support them.

The report itself highlights the Lanark County OPP's continued investment in a victim-centred approach, including specialized support for survivors and enhanced safety planning. These are important steps toward creating a community where victims know they will be believed, supported and protected.

Intimate partner violence is a growing concern around the world, and we are seeing its impacts here at home. Whether these numbers reflect an increase in violence, an increase in reporting, or both, one thing remains clear: the need for prevention, education, intervention and survivor support has never been greater.

Every person who reaches out for help represents courage. Every report creates another opportunity to interrupt violence, hold offenders accountable and connect someone with the support they deserve.

If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, you are not alone. Help is available, and you deserve to be safe.

07/05/2026

Anyone can experience domestic violence, and every victim deserves support. This graphic is gender-specific because research consistently shows that women face a substantially higher risk of being killed by an intimate partner. In the U.S., women are about five times more likely than men to be victims of intimate partner homicide. Recognizing these evidence -based warning signs can save lives. How many lives could be saved if more people knew what to look for?

07/05/2026

Struggling with self-blame? Abuse is not your fault. Understand why, recognize abuse patterns and learn how to feel safe again.

07/04/2026

The Ottawa region is reeling following the devastating deaths of two young brothers, aged seven and 12, who were found deceased during a wellness check at a residence in Findlay Creek on Monday morning.

Police have confirmed they are investigating the deaths as an alleged double homicide-suicide after the children’s father was found deceased in a burned vehicle near Kemptville earlier that day. The investigation remains ongoing.

As an organization dedicated to ending violence and supporting individuals and families impacted by abuse, Lanark County Interval House & Community Support is heartbroken by this unimaginable tragedy. We extend our deepest condolences to the children’s mother, family members, loved ones, classmates, teachers, and the Findlay Creek, Leitrim, and surrounding communities who are grappling with this profound loss.

When children lose their lives in the context of suspected family violence, it is not simply a private family tragedy. It represents one of the most devastating manifestations of family and gender-based violence. Children should never become victims of an adult’s abuse, nor should they ever be weaponized as a means of exerting power, punishment, or control. Every child has the fundamental right to safety, security, and a future free from violence.

“While we are outraged, we are not entirely surprised,” says Erin Lee, Executive Director of Lanark County Interval House & Community Support. “Children have a fundamental right to be safe in their homes. Every tragedy of this magnitude reminds us that family violence can be lethal and that significant gaps remain in our systems of prevention, intervention, and protection. We cannot continue treating these devastating incidents as unpredictable anomalies. We must recognize them as preventable tragedies and strengthen the supports that keep families safe before violence escalates.”

While investigators continue to determine the full circumstances surrounding these deaths, this tragedy underscores the urgent need to recognize the warning signs of coercive control, family violence, and intimate partner violence, and to ensure those experiencing abuse can access support without fear or barriers.

If you or someone you know is living with fear, coercive control, or abuse, please know that you are not alone. Help is available.

Lanark County Interval House & Community Support
24-hour Crisis Line: 613-257-5960

Assaulted Women’s Helpline
1-866-863-0511

Kids Help Phone
1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868

07/04/2026

When someone you care about experiences sexual violence, the impact can ripple outward.

Partners, parents, friends, family members, and caregivers often carry their own questions, fears, and worries while trying to support someone they love.

Many people don't realize that support services may be available for them too.

You don't have to be the survivor to need support.

If you're supporting someone through trauma and feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, or alone, you deserve support too.

06/14/2026