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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday November 5, 2008 - 3 Police plan January launch for domestic violence unit By Dennis Smith METROLAND WEST MEDIA GROUP Halton police will soon establish a domestic violence unit to strengthen its violence prevention efforts, says Chief Gary Crowell. The unit, which will launch in January, will include 16 officers, Crowell said during the Women Abuse Prevention Month kickoff held last week. The chief announced the plan at a Halton Violence Prevention Council meeting where an Act Against Violence banner was unveiled for the month of recognition. "It's a start and there are other things we need to do," said Crowell about the new unit. "It will take a lot of hard work, a lot of commitment and sustained funding. It's something that once you start, you never want to go back and say you failed. We're always committed to limiting and investigating domestic violence." He said the unit will be comprised mainly from existing staff, including two supervisors (a detective sergeant and a detective) and 12 detective constables, who will be assigned to the new unit. There will be a workload trade off as other officers will spend much less time working on domestic cases, he said. There will also be a 2009 budget request for four detective constables, said Crowell, plus another detective to help supervise the domestic violence unit. "There's a great commitment of resources," said Crowell. "Working together, we can do a lot." The unit will operate on a regional basis from Halton police headquarters at Bronte Road in Oakville. Chief Crowell said his involvement with Ontario's Domestic Violence Death Review Committee (DVDRC) drove home the work that police do and more importantly, the community's role in preventing acts of violence. The committee is a multi-disciplinary advisory committee of experts established to assist the Office of the Chief Coroner to investigate and review deaths of persons that occur as a result of domestic violence. Crowell said there's a lot of work to be done and he's dedicated to preventing domestic violence, violence against women and all violence. "It's a cause that's near and dear to my heart," said Crowell. This year's violence prevention council projects include raising awareness of the signs of woman abuse so people close to the situation can help. Council co-chair Colleen Sym said the RON KUZYK / OAKVILLE BEAVER organization has a role in raising issues and urged individuals to act against violence. She STOP THE ABUSE: Susan Jewett, of the Burlington Counselling and Family Services, and said the involvement of neighbours, friends Halton Regional Police Chief Gary Crowell at the kickoff for Women Abuse Prevention Month last week in Burlington. and families can help. She also read Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr's statement, which noted, "We call on all Halton citizens to have awareness of prevention and we're trying to reduce isolation and minimize barriers for families suffering from violence." The following resources are available to help those in abusive relationships and their families: · Burlington Counselling and Family Services provides counselling for women in abusive relationships and their children. Partner Abuse Response and Caring Dads programs are also provided. Call 905-6375256 for more details. · Halton Family Services provides counselling for female victims of violence and their children. Call 905-845-3811 for more details. · Halton Women's Place provides shelter services for women and children. Call 905332-1200 for more details. See our design team to transform your space INVITING? GIVE YOUR FAMILY ROOM THE FACTORY TILE TOUCH We specialize in importing and supplying quality Granite, Caesarstone, Marble, Ceramics, Porcelain and Natural Stone Suspect fled on foot Ask about our Custom Glass Shower Doors & Floor Heating Continued from page 1 shortly afterwards, but a search of the area with a canine unit yielded no suspect. The suspect is described as a white male, 50 years old with long grey hair in a ponytail. He is approximately 5-foot-10 with a thin build, a mustache and was unshaven. The man was wearing faded blue jeans and a blue bomber jacket at the time of the robbery. The Halton Regional Police Service is continuing to investigate this incident. Anyone with information related to it is asked to contact the Oakville Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4777, ext. 2215 or by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800222-TIPS (8477). Tile selection made enjoyable! FACTORY TILE DEPOT 1360 Speers Road, Oakville (East of third line) Factory Tile Depot 905.465.1650 Mon.-Thurs., 9:30-6, Fri. 9:30-5, Sat., 10-5, Closed Sun. www.factorytiledepot.ca We welcome American Express ® Cards