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. Depending on the situation, the police may arrest the abuser and may take him or her into <span class="noglossary">custody</span>. He or she will stay there until a judge is able to speak to him or her. Most of the time, he or she will be released from <span class="noglossary">custody</span> until the trial date following the <span class="noglossary">brief</span> hearing, and the <span class="noglossary">release</span> will be on specific terms and conditions set out in a document called a ''Recognizance'' or an ''Undertaking''.