Community agencies and local leaders have launched a new campaign aimed at addressing intimate partner violence in Penticton through prevention, education and stronger co-ordination among support services.
The initiative, called “Not in My Community,” brings together the City of Penticton, Penticton South Okanagan Similkameen RCMP, Penticton RCMP Victim Services, the South Okanagan Women in Need Society, the snpintktn (Penticton) Indian Band and School District 67.
Organizers say the campaign will focus on raising awareness of intimate partner violence, improving access to support services and strengthening collaboration between police, community agencies and local government.
Police data shows family violence continues to represent a significant portion of violent crime across British Columbia. Women account for nearly 80 per cent of victims in intimate partner violence cases, according to Statistics Canada.
Police said intimate partner violence offences in Penticton increased 17 per cent between 2024 and 2025, highlighting the need for additional prevention and intervention efforts.
As part of the response, Penticton RCMP has created a new intimate partner violence co-ordinator position. The officer assigned to the role will oversee high-risk domestic violence investigations and provide investigative guidance and risk assessment support to frontline officers.
Police say the position is intended to strengthen case management, improve information sharing with community partners and support long-term safety planning for victims.
The campaign will also focus on helping residents recognize warning signs of abuse, including coercive control, intimidation, threats and isolation. Organizers say early recognition can help connect individuals with services before violence escalates.
Outreach efforts will include education programs in local schools and the distribution of information encouraging residents to report concerns and seek support.
Penticton Mayor Julius Bloomfield said the campaign reflects a shared commitment across the community.
“When communities speak with one voice, change becomes possible. This campaign represents our commitment to protecting families and reinforcing the message that violence will not be accepted in Penticton,” he said.
RCMP Supt. Beth McAndie said the new policing role will help improve oversight of complex files.
“Focused oversight of high-risk files strengthens investigative quality and victim protection. This model supports our frontline members and reinforces a coordinated response with community partners,” she said.
Erica Markus-Pawliuk, director of programs and services with the South Okanagan Women in Need Society, said collaboration between agencies is key to supporting victims.
“Our vision is a community without violence and abuse. By working alongside police, we strengthen our mission to provide safe, accessible, person-centred support and preventative interventions for those experiencing or at risk of violence and abuse,” she said.
Residents can find information about intimate partner violence prevention and available supports at penticton.ca/speak-out. Anyone facing immediate danger should call 911.
