St. Thomas, ON – Monday June 8th, 2026
The St. Thomas Police Service and Changing Ways are highlighting the impact of their ongoing partnership through the launch of a new video showcasing Pathways to Change: Breaking the Cycle of Harm, an initiative focused on reducing intimate partner violence, increasing victim safety, and supporting long-term behaviour change.
Earlier this year, the St. Thomas Police Service announced provincial funding through the Ontario Ministry of the Solicitor General’s Victim Support Grant Program to support the implementation of the initiative. Today, Pathways to Change is actively operating within STPS Headquarters, bringing together police, community agencies, and intervention services to provide coordinated support in high risk situations.
While police play a critical role in responding to incidents of intimate partner violence, community safety requires more than an immediate response. Some of the most important work begins after a call for service has ended.
Through Pathways to Change, a dedicated High Risk Intimate Partner Violence Case Manager from Changing Ways works closely with the St. Thomas Police Service, justice partners, and community organizations to identify elevated risk factors, support victims, and connect individuals with resources aimed at preventing future harm.
The program focuses on early intervention, accountability, and prevention. By addressing risk factors before violence escalates and by providing meaningful opportunities for education, counselling, and behaviour change, the initiative seeks to reduce repeat victimization and improve long-term safety outcomes for individuals and families.
Changing Ways also provides direct intervention services for individuals who have engaged in abusive behaviour, offering specialized counselling and programming designed to encourage accountability and support lasting change.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to building safer communities through collaboration, prevention, and evidence-informed approaches. By working together, the St. Thomas Police Service and Changing Ways are helping ensure that support continues long after an initial police response.
The video released today provides a closer look at the people, partnerships, and processes behind Pathways to Change, while highlighting the importance of early intervention in breaking cycles of harm and improving community safety.
