NCJ Number
155359
Date Published
1993
Length
53 pages
Annotation
Canada's policy requiring criminal charges in spouse abuse cases was examined with respect to its enforcement and opinions of the police, prosecutors, battered women, and shelter workers in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Abstract
The policy was enacted unanimously by the Canadian Parliament in July 1982. Subsequently, most police agencies in Canada were instructed to make arrests without actually witnessing the event, provided that probable cause existed. Results revealed that the policies were being implemented, although somewhat inconsistently. Police and abused women were generally supportive of the directive. The women liked having someone else responsible for filing charges, although they feared that their husbands or partners might take revenge no matter who filed the charges. Prosecutors and shelter workers also supported the policy and would like it to continue. Suggestions for improvement included more counseling for victims and their families, more education for women and the public, followup services, and more training. Figures and 6 references