How police handle intimate-partner violence in Nova Scotia

The deaths of six women killed by their partners in recent months in Nova Scotia have prompted law enforcement officials to reassess their approach to addressing domestic violence. The tragic incidents have sparked a conversation about the need for more resources and initiatives to prevent such senseless acts.

Const. Jules Laraque, the domestic violence officer for Halifax Regional Police, has been at the forefront of this effort. He reviews every intimate-partner violence file reported to the police to ensure that proper risk assessments are conducted and investigations are thorough. Laraque works closely with the victim services team and provides guidance to both victims and accused individuals throughout the justice process.

Despite the efforts of law enforcement agencies, cases of domestic violence continue to occur at an alarming rate. The recent New Year’s Eve homicide in Halifax, where Corelee Smith and her father were tragically killed by her partner, highlighted the need for a more proactive approach to addressing domestic violence. In response to the spike in domestic violence cases, Halifax police are in the process of hiring two domestic violence officers for the first time.

The province of Nova Scotia has implemented a high-risk protocol that triggers alerts to various service providers in cases of imminent violence. Dolly Mosher, co-ordinator for victims’ services with Halifax police, emphasized the importance of paying attention to cases involving choking, as they are often indicators of high-risk situations. Mosher believes that the high-risk framework has been successful in preventing homicides, but acknowledges that there is still work to be done.

Statistics from Statistics Canada show that Nova Scotia has a lower rate of intimate-partner violence compared to the national average. However, it is important to note that a large percentage of domestic violence cases go unreported. The number of women seeking help from women’s shelters in the province has increased significantly in recent years, indicating a growing need for support services.

Law enforcement agencies are working to improve their response to domestic violence cases by hiring civilian domestic-violence case co-ordinators and implementing education campaigns. Chief Supt. Dan Morrow, criminal operations officer with Nova Scotia RCMP, stressed the importance of prevention measures in addressing domestic violence. The recent spike in homicides connected to intimate-partner violence has prompted law enforcement officials to review their resources and seek additional funding to address the issue.

For anyone affected by family or intimate partner violence, there are crisis lines and local support services available. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 911. It is important to seek help and support in situations of domestic violence to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone involved.