Death of Ajax woman prompts domestic violence awareness campaign

The death of an Ajax woman over the weekend in a suspected case of domestic violence has prompted a new awareness campaign from Durham Police.

Jennifer Polak, 45, was found suffering “obvious signs of trauma” in her Ajax home near Hillman Drive and Shoal Point Road area shortly after 11 p.m. on March 30. While first responders attempted life-saving measures, she succumbed to her injuries at the scene.

Police found a man at the scene, Kyle Severin, 35, who they since identified as Polak’s boyfriend. He was arrested as a suspect in her death and charged with second-degree murder He was held in custody until a bail hearing.

Polak leaves behind two sons who are now in their father’s care.

“Jenn Polak was a kind, caring, beautiful person whose death has devastated everyone who knew her. She brought sunshine into the lives of everyone she met,” her family wrote, “She was the devoted mother of two young men whom she adored. They are absorbing the news of her death with the support of their father.”

“Her grieving parents, sister, grandmother, uncles, aunts and extended family cannot believe that she is gone,” they continued, “Those who knew Jenn through her work will remember that she had a vocation and a passion for working with young children.”

A GoFundMe fundraiser has been set up to establish a trust fund for Polak’s boys. Within a day it has raised nearly $7,500 of its $20,000 goal.

Investigators have characterized Polak’s death as an instance of intimate partner violence, writing at the time, “Intimate partner 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.”

The day after sharing the details of Polak’s death, police shared resources for those suffering from intimate partner violence.

Acting Duty Inspector Craig McCabe described, “Intimate partner violence refers to any behaviour within an intimate relationship that causes physical sexual or psychological harm,” in a new video released by Durham police.

“We understand that speaking up about intimate partner violence can be incredibly difficult,” McCabe continued. However, he stressed that victims should call 911 if they believe they are in danger.

Victims are also able to report an attack after the fact. The dedicated Oshawa-based Intimate Partner Violence Unit reviews all reports.

McCabe said police understand the difficulty of coming forward and approaching a police station to file a report. He said victims need only approach the front desk and ask for the Intimate Partner Violence Unit.

• 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.

However, they operate independently and are not required to report incidents to police