Despite awareness efforts, Abbotsford on pace to record 400+ intimate partner violence reports in ’26

ABBOTSFORD – Abbotsford Police say purple remains a prominent theme around Abbotsford amid Intimate Partner Violence Awareness Month, as authorities have received over 340 reports of domestic violence in Abbotsford this year so far.

In a statement, the AbbyPD says it responded to 478 intimate partner violence reports in 2025.

In 2026, there have already been 344 reports, and they suspect there are likely additional incidents where reports have not been made to police. If pace continues, Abbotsford will record approximately 422 incidents in 2026.

“These numbers remind us that intimate partner violence is more than a statistic. It represents hundreds of individuals and families who have been affected, highlighting the ongoing need for awareness, support, and prevention,” the AbbyPD said.

During each of the last two weekends in October, the AbbyPD has investigated 16 incidents of intimate partner violence, according to their weekend recaps that they post to social media.

As the Violence Against Women in Relationship’s Purple Lights Nights campaign continues, police say the need to raise awareness, support survivors, and help create a safer community remains stronger than ever.

Ceremonies to light purple lights were held in Chilliwack and Hope earlier this month. Upper Fraser Valley Regional Detachment police invited the two communities to join them and their community partners for the annual Purple Light Nights campaign to mark October as Intimate Partner Violence Awareness Month.

Chilliwack RCMP Cpl. Carmen Kiener says the community-sponsored awareness campaign initially began in King County, Washington, in 2007. It launches in the fall with the annual illumination of purple lights to raise awareness of intimate partner violence and its effects on children and families.

Shine a Light event, part of the Purple Lights campaign to shine a spotlight on Intimate Partner Violence Awareness Month in October. (Image Credit: Upper Fraser Valley RCMP.)

The Chilliwack ceremony was held on Thursday, October 1 at 7 p.m. at the RCMP detachment at 45924 Airport Road in Chilliwack. A similar ceremony in Hope was held Thursday, Oct. 1 at 6 p.m. at Memorial Park on 3rd Avenue in Hope.

For more information click here – https://purplelightsnights.ca/resources/