Ministerial Statement – Minister Congratulates RNC Intimate Partner Violence Unit

  • Justice and Public Safety

November 5, 2019

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Justice and Public Safety:

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to stand today to recognize three outstanding members of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary.

The RNC’s Intimate Partner Violence Unit, consisting of Constable Lindsay Dillon, Constable Nadia Churchill and Ms. Malin Enström, received a Public Service Award of Excellence in September — the highest honour an employee can receive from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Some of the initiatives of the Intimate Partner Violence Unit include: a pet safekeeping program that provides emergency shelter for pets belonging to victims leaving violent relationships; a lock exchange program that sees replacement locks installed at homes of women who live in fear; and a cell phone program which provides mobile devices to survivors who have had theirs damaged or stolen.

The unit is a small but dedicated team that focuses on building trusting relationships with survivors and communities. Using a person-centered approach, the team builds trust between police and the community, helping to break down barriers for people experiencing violence. The RNC’s Intimate Partner Violence Unit helps survivors feel respected, heard and safe.

Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate and thank Constables Dillon and Churchill, and Ms. Enström for truly demonstrating a commitment to building safe and healthy communities.

Thank you.

2019 11 05 1:55 pm