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Silence Broken: Smiths Falls Mayor Pankow talks municipal efforts to combat IPV

By Bob Perreault Feb 6, 2026 | 8:44 AM

A new episode of the Silence Broken podcast takes a close look at how the Smiths Falls is responding to intimate partner violence and why local leadership still matters.

On the program, Mayor Shawn Pankow speaks about the town’s role in promoting IPV awareness, education and prevention, alongside the work of police and community partners.

Pankow says the community has seen a worrying change since the pandemic.

The conversation also focuses on his role with the Police Services Board, where he is vice-chair and recently completed a term as chair.

Pankow explains how board decisions directly support frontline response.

The full episode explores the town’s IPV awareness efforts, the public mosaic in the town square, and how the Police Services Board continues to invest in safer responses for families across the community.

You can catch the complete episode below.

Below are several resources if you or someone you know is a victim of IPV and need help.

1. Lanark County Interval House

  • Phone (Administration): 613-257-3469

  • Crisis / 24/7 Line: 613-257-5960 or Toll-Free 1-800-267-7946

  • Website: https://lcih.org/

2. Victim Services – Lanark County

3. Ontario Provincial Police – Lanark County Detachment

Note: The OPP is a provincial police service, and Lanark County is served by the Lanark County Detachment

  • Administration Phone: 613-267-2626

  • Toll-Free (Non-Emergency): 1-888-310-1122

  • Emergency: 911

  • Website: https://www.opp.ca/

Detachment address: 75 Dufferin Street, Perth, ON K7H 3E3

4. Smiths Falls Police Service