Lethbridge Police and Men& collaborate to help prevent intimate partner violence
To help break cycles of intimate partner violence, the Lethbridge Police Service has partnered with Men&, a province-wide initative that provides free support and resources for men. The program equips frontline officers with referral materials that connect individuals with services that support healthier relationships, create opportunities for intervention and reduce the risk of future violence.
November is Family Violence Prevention Month and the addition of the Men& initiative reflects the Service’s commitment to prevention, community collaboration and improving safety for individuals and families.
Building on work already underway within the Domestic Crimes Unit, which began using Men& resources to support subjects of intimate partner violence and help reduce recidivism, the initiative has now been expanded service-wide. All frontline officers have completed training and are equipped to provide referral materials.
"As police, we often encounter individuals during some of the most difficult moments in their lives. While enforcement remains an important part of our response, prevention and early intervention are also critical to improving community safety," said Chief Shahin Mehdizadeh. "This partnership provides another tool for officers to connect individuals with meaningful supports that can help address underlying issues, promote accountability and reduce the likelihood of future violence."
“Preventing domestic violence and abuse starts with creating opportunities for change. By connecting men with support and resources early, we can help them recognize harmful behaviours, take accountability for their actions and build healthier relationships,” said Dr. Jeff St. John, Founder of Forge Centre for Dignity-Driven Leadership. “We're proud to partner with Lethbridge Police to make these supports more accessible and work together to prevent violence before it happens and create safer, healthier communities.”
Men& is a joint initiative between FearIsNotLove and Forge Social Health, offering free access to information, self-guided tools, support services and a 24/7 helpline for men seeking help with relationship challenges, anger management concerns, stress, life transitions and personal growth. The resources are designed to reduce barriers to seeking support and encourage men to take positive steps toward healthier behaviours and relationships.
LPS officers will provide Men& resources during both criminal and non-criminal intimate partner violence investigations, creating opportunities to connect individuals with support at critical points of contact. The proactive approach aligns with emerging research highlighting the value of engaging individuals early, particularly during police interactions that may occur before criminal charges are laid.
Individuals seeking support or additional information about available resources can visit www.menand.ca
