Crime Prevention Domestic Violence

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Domestic Violence Pamphlet [63 kb]

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Domestic violence/partner abuse is defined as violence, threats of violence or other acts of a criminal nature that may include elements of emotional and psychological abuse committed against a person by that person’s spouse, common-law spouse, boyfriend, girlfriend or other intimate partner, past or present. The Winnipeg Police Service is committed to the prevention of domestic violence/partner abuse through intervention.

Criminal Charges

It is the duty and responsibility of the police to lay a charge when there are reasonable grounds to believe an assault or some other criminal offence has occurred in a domestic situation. Reasonable grounds may exist even in circumstances where there are no visible injuries or independent witnesses. It is the police duty to lay a charge whether or not the victim wishes to proceed with the matter.

Charges may include criminal harassment or various crimes against property if they relate to the domestic situation. They also may include:

Physical Assault - Includes shoving, punching, choking, pushing, kicking, confinement. All physical assaults are criminal offences.
Sexual Assault - Includes any forced sexual activity. Sexual assault is a crime.
Verbal Assault - May include uttering threats to kill or injure and is a criminal offence.

THE VICTIM IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ACTIONS OF THE ABUSER!!

Protecting the Victim

Victims of domestic violence come from all walks of life, all cultures, all income groups, all ages, and all religions. They share feelings of helplessness, isolation, guilt, fear and shame.

Both criminal and civil law offer protection for intimate partners and children who are being abused. Criminal law is intended to deter crimes and deal with offenders. Civil law is used to settle disputes between individuals and can also provide protection for an individual. It may be necessary to use both systems for the best available protection.

Manitoba’s Domestic Violence And Stalking Prevention, Protection And Compensation Act, which came into force on September 30, 1999, provides persons subjected to stalking and domestic violence with the ability to seek a wide range of civil remedies to address their individual needs.

If you are in crisis, or if you know someone who may be, don't delay. Call the nearest shelter or call 1-877-977-0007 (toll free, 24/7) for free, confidential information about services available in your community. You may also visit our Resources page for a complete list of services.

For more information on Family Violence:

Manitoba Justice website on Domestic Violence

Department of Justice, Canada website - Abuse is wrong in any language

NATIONAL CLEARINGHOUSE ON FAMILY VIOLENCE
Address Locator: 1907D
7th Floor, Jeanne Mance Bldg.,
Tunney's Pasture
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 1B4 Canada
Telephone 1-800-267-1233 or (613) 941-7285
Web site: www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/ncfv-cnivf/familyviolence/index.html