117 Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers Defining Domestic Violence For the purposes of the DVC, domestic violence is defined as any use of physical force, actual or threatened, in an intimate relationship. It may include a single act of violence or a number of acts forming a pattern of abuse. Abuse may include and is not limited to: physical abuse, emotional abuse, psychological abuse, criminal harassment (stalking), or threats to harm children, other family members, pets, and property. Additionally, charges related to the violation of bail, probation, conditional sentences or other court orders made in domestic violence cases will be referred to DVC. However, DVC does not deal with sexual assaults. An intimate relationship can be between opposite-sex or same-sex partners. These relationships vary in duration and legal formality and include current and former dating relationships, current and former common-law relationships, current and former married relationships, and persons who are the parents of one or more children together (regardless of their marital status or whether they have lived together at any time). Benefits of the Domestic Violence Court Treatment Option The benefits of the DVC Treatment Option include, but are not limited to, the following: • getting early treatment is a positive step towards ending the cycle of violence; • getting help now may lead to better relations with partners and other family members; • meeting the requirements of the DVC Treatment Option is something the judge will consider at the time of sentencing; there will be a lighter sentence with treatment than without treatment; • there is access to professional help to deal with other issues, such as substance abuse; • the treatment team are there for support throughout the process; • the domestic violence programs use a variety of ways to help participants recognize and change controlling/abusive behaviour; and • domestic violence programs recognize cultural differences and individual needs. Who It’s For Participation in the DVC Treatment Option is open to all adult accused who are charged with domestic violence and are referred, by the Crown, to the Domestic Violence Court Treatment Option. Participants must acknowledge responsibility for their actions by entering a guilty plea and their participation must not pose a risk to public safety. Approximately one-third of those who are charged with domestic violence will not be referred to the Domestic Violence Court because the violence involved is too repetitive and extreme, and the Crown will be seeking a significant jail term. The following are some of the criteria considered by the Crown when determining DOMESTIC VIOLENCE COURT (continued) Image by Freepik.
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