OPP lay charges following report of vehicle-related intimate partner assault

An Ontario Provincial Police cruiser is shown parked with its doors open in this undated image. (File photo/Supplied/Ontario Provincial Police)

One person has been charged in connection with a northern Ontario intimate partner violence investigation that began earlier this month.

OPP said officers received a report about an intimate partner violence-related assault involving a vehicle in Espanola, Ont., on Oct. 12.

“Police located the suspect vehicle shortly after on Highway 6 in Espanola and made an arrest,” police said in a news release Monday.

Charges laid, accused not named

As a result of the investigation, one person has been charged with assault with a weapon, dangerous operation of a vehicle, possession of property obtained by crime and failing to comply with an undertaking.

“To protect the identity of the victim, the name of the accused will not be released,” OPP said.

The accused was held in custody for a bail hearing and remains in custody pending a future court appearance.

Police reiterate support available for survivors

“The OPP is committed to addressing all forms of intimate partner violence and wants survivors of intimate partner violence to know that you are not alone,” said police.

OPP say that support services for those affected by intimate partner violence are available through law enforcement and community organizations.

Additional resources for assault survivors

If you or someone you know is struggling with sexual assault or trauma, the following resources are available to support people in crisis:

• If you are in immediate danger or fear for your safety, you should call 911.
• A full list of sexual assault centres in Canada that offer information, advocacy and counselling can be found at ReeseCommunity.com. Resources in your community can be found by entering your postal code.
• Helplines, legal services and locations that offer sexual assault kits in Alberta, B.C., Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec, Ontario and Nova Scotia can be found here.
• 24-hour crisis line: 1-416-597-8808
• Assaulted Women’s Helpline: 1-866-863-0511
• National Residential School Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419
• Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline: [phone]
• Trans Lifeline: 1-877-330-6366
• Sexual misconduct support for current or former members of the Armed Forces: 1-844-750-1648

Read about your rights as a victim here.