COQUITLAM RCMP are lighting up for their first annual “Purple Light Nights” campaign to shine a light on intimate partner violence (IPV). This campaign honours those who have lost their lives to intimate partner violence, support survivors and provides hope to those still living with abuse.

The lights will shine purple at Coquitlam RCMP main detachment and community policing offices starting November 25 to coincide with 16 days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

Coquitlam RCMP say they attend approximately 473 IPV calls for service annually, with an average of 42 calls per month.

IPV, also known as spousal or domestic violence, refers to multiple forms of harm caused by current or former intimate partners or spouse. The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies IPV as a major public health concern as it affects millions of people and can have long-lasting consequences.

To learn more, visit the Government of Canada’s Fact sheet: Intimate partner violence.

The criminal code defines an intimate partner as “any person – regardless of gender or sexual orientation – with who the accused / defendant has, or has had, an ongoing close and person intimate relationship, whether or not they are legally married or living together at the time of the alleged criminal conduct.”

IPV can include (but are not limited to) a variety of criminal code offences, such as: assault, sexual assault, assault with a weapon, harassment, uttering threats, or breach of release conditions related to a previous IPV offence.

To learn more, visit: British Columbia Prosecution Service – Intimate Partner Violence

There are numerous supports in place for IPV survivors and victims within the Tri-Cities and beyond. If you are or know someone suffering from IPV, you may speak with your local police of jurisdiction, family doctor or public health nurse, legal services, or community organizations.

To learn more, visit the Government of Canada’s Get help with family violence