NCJ Number
101321
Date Published
1983
Length
49 pages
Annotation
This report's information and recommendations on wife assault stem from a review of current research and policy analysis in major reports of Canada's Federal Government, the Province of Ontario, and various nongovernmental organizations, together with an examination of current practice in British Columbia's justice system.
Abstract
This paper defines wife assault as actual or threatened physical assault of women by men with whom they have or have had an intimate relationship. Researchers and practitioners estimate that one-tenth of the women living with men will be assaulted by them. Generally, Canadian justice systems to date have not viewed wife assault as a criminal offense but as a domestic problem best handled through counseling and conciliation services. Research in Canada and the United States, however, indicates that arrest and prosecution are important in protecting victims and reducing the likelihood of repeated assaults. This report's recommendations are based in the principle that all justice system components should respond to wife assault as a criminal offense. Recommendations focus on the implementation of this principle by the police, justices of the peace, prosecutors, corrections, court services, and judges. Recommendations for support structures< pertain to training, treatment programs, public education programs, a Federal-provincial conference, and research. The report also discusses the implementation plan, monitoring and evaluation, and resource implications.