Woman attacked, man stabbed in suspected domestic assault in Oshawa

A woman was attacked and her brother stabbed following what police describe as a case of domestic violence.

According to Durham Police, a woman’s spouse attacked her in their home near Grandview Street North and Coldstream Drive, a suburban neighbourhood in the city’s north end. Operators received the 911 call around 9:30 a.m. on May 13.

During the attack, the victim’s brother intervened and got into an extended fight with the suspect, police allege. During this altercation, police say, the suspect stabbed the brother with an edged weapon.

The brother was seriously wounded and needed treatment at a Toronto trauma centre. However, his wounds were not life-threatening. His sister was not physically hurt.

The suspect, a 35-year-old man, was arrested at the scene. He’s now charged with;

• assault causing bodily harm,
• assault with a weapon,
• assault,
• attempt to choke,
• possession of a dangerous weapon, and
• possession of a prohibited weapon.

He remains in custody pending a bail hearing. Police did not specify the nature of the weapon used. The suspect’s name as been withheld to protect the identity of the victims.

This is the fifth major domestic violence attack in the Region in the last two months.

On April 2, Jennifer Polak, 45, was killed in Ajax. She left behind two young sons. Kyle Severin, 35, who police identified as Polack’s boyfriend, is charged with second-degree murder.

On April 10, a 30-year-old man from Oshawa was charged with assaulting his girlfriend. The man was out on parole on manslaughter charges when he hid in her car and attacked her when she entered it.

On May 5, a 54-year-old man allegedly attacked his wife and adult daughter in their Oshawa home, stabbing both. He has also been charged with attempted murder.

Finally, on May 12, Mother’s Day, a 42-year-old Oshawa man allegedly attacked his wife and stabbed her multiple times before she was able to flee to a neighbour’s home.

The Ontario government is set to declare intimate partner violence an epidemic across the province following several such instances. Durham communities, Hamilton, Brampton and Mississauga have already declared one.

“Domestic violence can take many forms, including physical, emotional, financial, and psychological abuse. It knows no boundaries and can impact people of all ages, genders, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds,” police wrote.

They continued, “This incident serves as a crucial reminder that we must come together as a community to support those affected by domestic violence and work towards creating safer environments for everyone.”

Durham Region has a host of supports for victims of intimate partner violence including;

• Assaulted Women’s Helpline at 1-866-863-0511
• Bethesda House at 1-800-338-3397
• The Denise House at 1-800-263-3275
• Herizon House at 1-866-437-0466
• Muslim Welfare Home at 1-866-666-1115
• Y’s Wish Shelter at 1-888-576-2997

Victim Services of Durham Region also provides a great deal of support 24/7. This organization works closely with police in numerous cases, primarily abuse and human trafficking.

Anyone with information can call police at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 2765 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).