Difference between revisions of "Family Violence"

After the police have conducted their investigation, the lead officer sends the lawyer for the government, ''crown counsel'', a document called a Report to Crown Counsel which, among other things, describes the witnesses' statements and the officer's recommendation as to whether charges ought to be laid or not. Crown counsel then decides whether there is enough evidence to lay charges. If the crown counsel reviewing the police file thinks there is there is enough evidence, the crown counsel will approve the charges and the matter will be set for a hearing before a judge.

If you have suffered family violence, call the police; nothing will happen until you do. If there is evidence of abuse, the police can arrest your partner and may take him or her into <span class="noglossary">custody</span>. To find out more about what the police can do, you may wish to read [http://www.lss.bc.ca/publications/pub.php?pub=379 Getting Help from the Police or RCMP] and