Intimate Partner Violence Unit

The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary’s Intimate Partner Violence Unit (IPVU) is a team of dedicated officers trained to assist and support victims of intimate partner violence, by advising of available resources, criminal investigation information, and court process support. The IPVU can help with safety planning, Emergency Protection Orders, and Peace Bond applications.Domestic Violence Help Line graphic

The IPV Unit provides training and assistance to front-line officers to ensure continued and consistent support to victims and survivors, while also maintaining data to assist front-line officers in their investigation of criminal activity.

The RNC thoroughly investigates all complaints in order to determine whether criminal charges are appropriate, and apply additional safety measures as applicable.

For emergency situations please call 911, and for non-emergency assistance please call 709-729-8000. For general advice, contact IPVU at IPV@rnc.gov.nl.ca.

What is an intimate partner?

An intimate partner can be identified as a current or former spouse, boyfriend, girlfriend, dating partner, or sexual partner. Intimate partner violence does not require sexual intimacy. Intimate partner violence can vary in frequency and severity. It occurs on a continuum that can range from one incident to chronic and severe episodes over a period of years. It can also occur at all stages of a relationship including while they are breaking down or after they have ended.

What is intimate partner violence?

Intimate Partner Violence can include an array of criminal activity with intent to control, intimidate or harm an individual. This range of intimate partner violence related abuse can impact victims both mentally and physically. Criminal offences commonly associated with intimate partner violence include; property crime, uttering threats (to harm partner, children, pets and property), financial crime, violation of court orders, physical assault, sexual assault, criminal harassment, forcible confinement, abduction and homicide.

The Interpersonal Violence Disclosure Protocol Act (Clare’s Law)

Clare’s Law gives people at risk of intimate partner violence a way to get information about their intimate partner to make informed choices about their safety.

Under the Interpersonal Violence Disclosure Protocol Act, there are two ways information can be shared:

The Right to Ask means that members of the public can apply for the disclosure of information about their risk for interpersonal violence. In Newfoundland and Labrador, applications are processed by the RNC or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), depending on where you live.

The Right to Know is when a member of the RNC or RCMP proactively discloses information directly to a person at risk of intimate partner violence. If the police become aware that someone is at risk of intimate partner violence from a current or former partner, the police are empowered to provide information directly to that person.

File a request for disclosure as part of Clare’s Law here. A pdf version of the application can be found here.

What community resources are available to support victims and survivors of intimate partner violence?

Domestic Violence Help Line
1-888-709-7090

Lifewise Provincial Warm Line (confidential peer support for your mental health)
1-855-753-2560 (available daily 10 a.m. – midnight)

Mental Health Crisis Line (confidential support either by phone or in-person)
1-888-737-4668

Helpful Links

Legal Aid
Legal Information for Victims
Victim Services
Violence Prevention Avalon East
End Sexual Violence
St. John’s Status of Women’s Council
Find a Shelter or Program Near You
Pet Safekeeping Program | City Of St. John’s