Domestic/Family Violence Policy

It is the policy of the Belleville Police Service to protect human life by vigorously investigating incidents of domestic/family violence and supporting victims through a coordinated community response designed to improve the quality of life.

Domestic/Family Violence

Is any use of physical or sexual force, actual or threatened, including emotional/psychological abuse or harassing behaviour or threats to harm children, other family members or pets by a family member.

Criminal Harassment (Stalking)

Occurs when a person repeatedly follows or watches (stalks), communicates or threatens another and where the victim reasonably fears for their safety or for the safety of anyone known to them. (For a complete definition refer to Section 264 of the Criminal Code of Canada.

What victims can do?

If you think you may be the victim of domestic/family violence, call police or one of the support groups linked to this site.

Safety plans can be accessed and printed out by clicking on the following links.

Click here for a request for Personal Safety Plan
Click here for a request for Children Safety Plan

What police will do?

Conduct a thorough investigation
Advise victims that police will lay charges when reasonable grounds exist
Advise that neither police nor victims can withdraw charges
Obtain statements (Written/Videotaped)
Take photographs (Scene/Injuries) when appropriate
Gather evidence (Answering Machine Tapes/Notes/Etc)
Obtain services of interpreters when needed
Provide support for children when present
Provide a Safety Plan when appropriate
Provide information about available victim services
Suggest another place of safety when concerns exist
Remain until satisfied there is no further threat to victim
Complete a Risk Assessment when charges are laid in cases of intimate relationships
Where charges are not laid, give advice on Restraining Orders, Peace Bonds and how to contact shelters and Victim Services of Belleville.

For further information on Family Violence click here.

Locally, the Three Oaks Foundation provides services to women and children who are victims of domestic abuse. Three Oaks provides 24 hour residential service for women and children in transition, individual and group counseling in the shelter and community, a 24 hour crisis line, a program for children in residence and public education seminars.

 

For contact information for Three Oaks Foundation click here.