Backgrounders
Backgrounder: Dual Arrest
Over the past year, CCWS and the BCASVACP have received numerous reports from communities of cases involving the arrest of both parties in relationship violence situations. Dual arrest can have serious negative consequences for the victim and interfere with efforts to prosecute the offender. This document includes a case scenario and discussion questions.
Third Party Reporting: Access to the Criminal Justice System for Marginalized Victims of Sexual Assault
Can a Woman Get Information from Police About Her Abuser’s Criminal Past?
This Backgrounder is written primarily for victim service workers to help them understand privacy rules that apply to release of information about an abuser’s criminal record. This will help with the safety planning process.
Amendments to Crown Charging Policy in Violence Against Women Cases
This update supplements the CCWS Backgrounder, The Ministry of Attorney General Criminal Justice Branch Review of Their Policies Including Those Governing Violence Against Women in Relationships and the Implications This Has for Victim Safety, developed in June 2002. There is a previous issues update on this topic, dated September 2002.
Proposed Amendments to Crown Charging Policy in Violence Against Women Cases
This update supplements the CCWS Backgrounder, "The Ministry of Attorney General Criminal Justice Branch Review of their Policies Including those Governing Violence Against Women in Relationships and the Implications This Has for Victim Safety," developed in June 2002. (Another update was issued in May 2003.)
The MAG Criminal Justice Branch Review of Their Policies Including Those Governing Violence Against Women
Full title: The Ministry of Attorney General Criminal Justice Branch Review of Their Policies Including Those Governing Violence Against Women in Relationships and the Implications This Has for Victim Safety.
The Ministry of Attorney General Criminal Justice Branch is conducting a review of their policy governing the laying of charges in violence against women in relationships cases. This backgrounder includes considerations for a coordinated community response.
Reluctant Witnesses in Violence Against Women in Relationships Cases - Addressing Barriers to Pro-Active System Involvement
Women who are physically and/or sexually battered and may be ambivalent about involvement in the criminal justice system. Responders may label these women “reluctant, resistant or hostile,” This backgrounder contains analysis of the factors that contribute to “reluctance” and potential strategies for addressing this issue. Includes discussion questions for coordination initiatives.
Varying Bail "No Contact" Conditions to Allow Contact in Situations Of Violence Against Women in Relationships
Examination of some of the issues/concerns related to varying “no contact” conditions. Includes case study of a strategy to address this issue that was used in Prince George, as well as discussion questions for coordination initiatives.
Effective Enforcement of Peace Bonds and Other Criminal Protection Orders
Focuses on the use and effectiveness of peace bonds. Many of the concerns expressed here regarding peace bond use and effectiveness have also been raised in relation to other types of orders containing protective conditions. Includes discussion questions for coordination initiatives.
Alternative Measures in Violence Against Women Cases - Consultation Draft
Concerns and questions related to the potential for an increase in the use of alternative measures in violence against women cases.
