Data is more than just numbers on a page; it’s a mirror reflecting the health and safety of our community. Each year, crime statistics provide a crucial opportunity to assess where we stand and ask vital questions. For residents of Mississauga, one of the most pressing concerns remains the prevalence of domestic violence.

As we analyze the 2024-2025 data from Peel Regional Police and compare it with provincial averages, we can build a clearer, evidence-based picture of the safety landscape in our city. So, how safe is Mississauga? The data reveals a complex reality: a region facing significant challenges, but also one where a growing number of people are bravely reaching out for help.

The most striking trend in the latest data from Peel Regional Police is the sharp, consistent increase in domestic-related calls for service over the past three years. These calls range from verbal disputes and wellness checks to the most serious reports of physical assault.

(Image: A bar chart showing a year-over-year increase in domestic-related calls for service in Peel Region.)

This significant upward trend may seem alarming, and it certainly underscores the scale of the problem. However, police and victim services experts point to a multifaceted explanation. An increase in calls can signify:

1. Population Growth: Peel is one of the fastest-growing regions in Canada, and an increase in population will naturally lead to an increase in calls for service.
2. Effective Outreach: Targeted awareness campaigns by Peel Regional Police and community partners are successfully educating the public on what constitutes abuse and how to report it.
3. Increased Bystander Intervention: More community members are recognizing the signs of abuse and are willing to make the call to help a neighbour, friend, or family member.

Alongside the rise in calls, there has been a corresponding increase in criminal charges laid, including assault, uttering threats, and criminal harassment, confirming that these calls reflect serious situations requiring police intervention.

To understand if Mississauga's situation is unique, we must compare it to the rest of the province using a per capita rate (incidents per 100,000 people). The 2024 data shows that Peel Region's rate of reported domestic violence is notably higher than the provincial average.

(Image: A line chart comparing the rate of domestic violence incidents in Peel Region to the Ontario provincial average.)

Several factors specific to Peel Region could explain this higher rate:

• Urban and Demographic Factors: As a large, diverse, and rapidly urbanizing region, Peel faces complex social pressures that can correlate with higher rates of reported crime.
• Proactive Policing and Reporting: Peel Regional Police has a specialized Intimate Partner Violence Unit and has invested heavily in community outreach, which can lead to more comprehensive data collection and higher reporting rates than in other regions.
• Accessibility of Services: The concentration of well-known support services in Mississauga and Brampton may make it easier for victims in Peel to come forward compared to those in more rural or underserved areas.

While statistics are invaluable, they cannot capture the full story. The "dark figure" of crime—incidents that are never reported to the police—is especially large for domestic violence. Countless survivors suffer in silence due to fear, financial dependence, cultural pressures, or threats from their abuser.

Furthermore, these high-level statistics often fail to capture the daily reality of coercive control—the psychological abuse, isolation, and intimidation that defines so many abusive relationships but may not meet the threshold for a specific criminal charge.

The 2024-2025 data clearly shows that Mississauga and the broader Peel Region face a profound and growing challenge with domestic violence, with rates that are a serious cause for concern.

However, the numbers should be viewed not just as a measure of danger, but as a measure of response. The rising number of reports, while sobering, is also a sign that the silence is breaking. It demonstrates that more survivors feel they have somewhere to turn. The true measure of our community's safety lies in our actions. It's in our support for local shelters like Interim Place, our investment in prevention programs, and our collective refusal to tolerate abuse in any form.

If you or someone you know in Mississauga is experiencing domestic violence, help is available.

• For emergencies, call 911.
• Unsafe at Home Peel: Chat or text support available.
• Interim Place Crisis Line: 905-403-0864.

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1. Why are domestic violence calls increasing so much in Peel Region?

The increase is likely due to a combination of factors: Peel's rapid population growth, increased public awareness from campaigns, and growing trust in the reporting process. While it reflects a high volume of incidents, it also shows that more people are reaching out for help.

2. Where can I find the official data from the Peel Regional Police?

Peel Regional Police maintains a public accountability dashboard on its official website, peelpolice.ca. This portal provides data on various types of calls for service and crime statistics for the region.

3. Does the higher rate mean Mississauga is more dangerous than other cities?

Not necessarily. A higher reported rate can be the result of proactive policing, accessible support services, and a population that is more willing to report crime. It reflects that the problem is being actively identified, which is the first step to addressing it.

4. How does reporting domestic violence actually help change these statistics?

Reporting an incident provides crucial data that helps Peel Regional Police allocate resources effectively, such as assigning more officers to its Intimate Partner Violence Unit. This data is also vital for community organizations to secure government funding for essential services like shelters, counselling, and legal support in Peel.

5. Are certain neighbourhoods in Mississauga more affected by domestic violence?

For the safety and privacy of victims, police services do not release specific, street-level data about the location of domestic violence incidents. This information is analyzed internally to identify high-risk areas and deploy resources, but it is only published at a generalized, regional level.

6. What is Peel Regional Police doing about this trend?

Peel Regional Police has a dedicated Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Unit that investigates incidents and provides support to victims. They also engage in public awareness campaigns and partner with community agencies like Interim Place and Family Services of Peel to provide a coordinated response to domestic violence.