The Waterloo Regional Police Service is a proud founding partner of the Family Violence Project of Waterloo Region (FVP), and alongside each of our eight FVP partner agencies, we are committed to addressing and reducing instances of Intimate Partner Violence and Gender Based Violence. Through education, advocacy, prevention and providing pathways to care and wrap-around support for survivors, we strive to make our community free of these forms of violence.

FVP is entering a new and exciting chapter marked by renewed leadership, long-term sustainability and deeper system coordination. With generous support from the Badge of Hope foundation and the Government of Ontario, the Project is poised to strengthen its impact in preventing and addressing the rising levels of intimate partner violence and gender-based violence across Waterloo Region. 

Under the leadership of newly appointed Director Pari Karem, and guided by a comprehensive new Strategic Plan, FVP is moving forward with a shared vision shaped by partners, survivors, and grassroots organizations. The plan outlines clear priorities for increasing FVP’s reach and impact, centering survivors in care, and building trust and accessibility through community co-design. This direction positions FVP to move towards a community free from intimate partner violence and gender-based-violence. 

This next chapter is made possible by multi-year funding from the Badge of Hope foundation, which is supporting both the new Director and a newly created System Navigator role. The System Navigator will work directly with survivors of abuse, helping them access wraparound supports and ensuring each is connected to individualized care. Additional government funding is also contributing to the program's broader growth, helping FVP build long-term stability and deeper investment in prevention, collaboration, and survivor support.

“Supporting the Family Violence Project aligns deeply with our Badge of Hope foundation mission to ensure survivors of abuse, especially those who are often unseen or underserved, receive the coordinated, compassionate care they deserve” said Jad Saliba, Founder, Badge of Hope foundation. “We’re proud to support this next chapter of FVP’s work and to help strengthen the systems that walk with survivors on their path to healing.”

“I am truly honoured to join the Family Violence Project and to work alongside such dedicated partners and compassionate professionals,” said Pari Karem, Director of the Family Violence Project. “These important investments will allow us to strengthen how we walk with survivors — ensuring they receive coordinated, trauma-informed, and dignified support every step of the way. I am deeply grateful to our leadership team, frontline workers, and community partners whose commitment to healing, prevention, and hope continues to make our region stronger and safer for all.”

The Family Violence Project is a unique collaborative model that brings together multiple agencies under one roof to provide coordinated services for those experiencing intimate partner violence and gender-based violence. Partners include organizations based in Waterloo Region, all working together to reduce barriers to resources and improve outcomes for individuals and families experiencing these forms of violence. 

For more information about the Family Violence Project or to access services, visit https://familyviolenceprojectwr.ca/ or email coordinator@familyviolenceprojectwr.ca