A new report published by the Department of Justice Canada describes what many of us already know about family violence and family law processes:
In a family law context, violence, abuse and neglect within families can have wide ranging, long-term effects. Family and criminal courts may offer contrary rulings that confuse and frustrate matters and may put family members at risk. And ultimately, there are costs – both financial and human.
A few highlights from the report include:
- Family violence is a gender-based crime: most victims are women and girls.
- One out of four violent crimes in Canada reported to police involves family violence, but almost three-quarters of people who live with partner abuse do not report it to the police.
- A woman is six times more likely to be killed by her partner if she separates from him than if she lives with him.
- Children are exposed to post-separation violence in the majority of incidents.
- Restraining orders are violated half the time.
- Family law lawyers report that one in five of their cases involve family violence.
- Judges report family violence is an issue in one in four cases.
Read the full report on the Department of Justice website.
