Quebec provincial police have noted a significant rise in reports of intimate partner violence cases, indicating a potential increase in reporting rather than a surge in actual incidents. Lt. Caroline Girard, in charge of the Sûreté du Québec’s intimate partner violence division, mentioned that more individuals may now feel at ease reporting such situations.
Over the past decade, police interventions in cases of intimate partner violence have seen a notable uptick. Statistics from the SQ show a tripling in the number of criminal cases related to conjugal violence, escalating from approximately 4,266 in 2015 to 12,822 in 2024. These figures were originally disclosed by La Presse.
The spike in cases, particularly after 2020, has been attributed to various factors such as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, changes in reporting methods, and policy revisions. In 2025, between January and November, police initiated 8,989 investigations, on track to surpass the previous year’s total. Since 2015, around 90,000 intimate partner violence cases involving at least one criminal offense have been documented.
Between 2015 and 2025, 72 police inquiries were launched into the deaths of women within a conjugal context, with yearly numbers ranging from three to 10 cases. In 2025, seven such cases were reported, although these figures are subject to further confirmation.
In a recent joint statement, two provincial ministers revealed that four women in Quebec had lost their lives due to intimate partner violence in the early weeks of 2026. SOS violence conjugale, an organization offering support to victims of intimate partner violence, has also observed a surge in calls for assistance, with over 60,000 calls made last year compared to less than 25,000 in 2018.
According to Claudine Thibaudeau, clinical co-ordinator at SOS violence conjugale, the increased awareness about signs of intimate partner violence is positive. However, the rise in calls has resulted in a strain on social workers, leading to a nearly 30% decrease in successful interventions over five years.
Executive director Jocelyne Jolin highlighted the unprecedented demand for help, emphasizing the scarcity of housing options. Frédérique Bilodeau from La Méridienne, a women’s shelter, pointed out the need to expand services to accommodate the overwhelming demand, as their shelter is already redirecting individuals seeking assistance to other organizations due to capacity constraints.
Thibaudeau stressed that despite the spike in reported cases, many individuals in need of help might still not be reaching out. She emphasized that each woman’s death due to intimate partner violence is not solely a personal tragedy but a societal failure, urging collective action to address the issue.
In case of immediate danger, individuals are advised to call 911. For those affected by family or intimate partner violence, seeking help through crisis lines and local support services is recommended.