Better reporting tools, training and partnerships behind rise in persons at risk cases: Peel Police report
Every year, Peel Regional Police meets thousands of residents at some of the most difficult moments of their lives. In 2025, those moments became more complex.
At the June 26 Peel Police Service Board meeting, Peel Regional Police unveiled the 2025 Persons at Risk Report, highlighting how our organization is responding to a growing number of cases involving vulnerable people.
The report shows rising demand across intimate partner violence, child abuse, youth violence, online exploitation and elder abuse. These numbers reflect increased reporting from a community that is more aware, more willing to speak up, and more determined to protect its most vulnerable members.
Highlights
Key findings include:
Intimate partner violence
Police responded to 9,905 incidents and laid more than 9,000 charges in 2025, while expanding specialized units, more prevention efforts and community referrals.
Elder abuse
Cases involving seniors and vulnerable adults rose 62 per cent, driven by improved recognition, reporting, training and outreach. Peel Police also expanded Project Lantern, a partnership with the Alzheimer Society of Peel that helps locate and support missing vulnerable people.
Child protection
Investigations into child abuse and sexual offences increased, with trauma-informed interviewing continuing to support young victims throughout investigations.
Online exploitation and human trafficking
The Internet Child Exploitation Unit managed more than 1,000 cases. Peel Police continues to advocate for modern investigative tools, including proposed federal legislation, Bill C-22, that would help police access critical digital evidence more efficiently.
Youth violence
Police continue to combine prevention, diversion and enforcement strategies through programs such as Youth in Policing Initiative (YIPI), COPS Cadets and Junior Cadets.
The report highlights the importance of community partnerships, including the Safe Centre of Peel, where victims can access multiple support services in one location.
Prevention and early intervention also remain priorities for Peel Police. We are expanding referrals to community services and strengthening coordination across sectors to ensure people receive support before crises escalate.
Looking ahead, Peel Police is strengthening early intervention efforts and working with community partners on a Human Trafficking Strategy aligned with regional, provincial and national initiatives.
The strategy aligns with:
- The Region of Peel's Human Sex Trafficking Strategy
- Ontario's Anti-Human Trafficking Strategy
- Canada's National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking
Strong partnerships, early intervention and increased community awareness are helping improve outcomes for vulnerable people in Peel Region.
