Intimate Partner Violence Reports Rise in Ottawa: Four Femicides in

The nation’s capital is not immune to Ontario’s IPV crisis. In the first half of 2025, Ottawa Police Service recorded a 9% increase in IPV reports, totalling 6,636 incidents across the city. With four femicides already this year, the trend is deeply troubling for survivors, families, and the wider community.

Key Statistics

• 6,636 IPV incidents reported in 2024.

• 9% increase in 2025 compared to the same timeframe in 2024.

• Average of 18 calls per day.

• Four femicides documented in Ottawa this year.

Underlying Causes

Local advocates attribute the rise to:

• Housing affordability crisis in Ottawa pushing survivors to stay in unsafe homes.

• Limited shelter beds despite rising demand.

• Cultural barriers preventing newcomers and marginalized groups from accessing support.

Impact on Ottawa’s Community

• Survivors left waiting for safe housing often return to abusive partners.

• Local children’s aid agencies report an increase in child protection cases tied to IPV.

• Ottawa hospitals see more domestic-related injuries.

Local Actions

• Ottawa city council voted in support of declaring IPV an epidemic.

• Grassroots organizations like Interval House are ramping up prevention programs.

• Calls grow for more federal involvement, given Ottawa’s unique national capital role.

Support in Ottawa

• Ottawa Victim Services — 24/7 support and counseling

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

• ShelterSafe.ca for local shelters

Conclusion

Ottawa’s IPV surge is not just statistics — it is a crisis with real human lives at stake. Without urgent expansion of housing and survivor services, incidents will continue to rise, putting women and families at grave risk.

FAQs

1. How many IPV incidents were reported in Ottawa in 2024?
   6,636 incidents were reported to Ottawa Police Service.

2. How many femicides occurred in Ottawa in 2025?
   So far, four femicides have been documented.

3. What are the main barriers survivors face in Ottawa?
   Housing affordability, cultural stigma, and limited shelter capacity.

4. What support services exist for IPV survivors in Ottawa?
   Ottawa Victim Services, ShelterSafe, and provincial helplines.

5. What is Ottawa doing about IPV?
   The city declared IPV an epidemic and increased prevention program funding.