Choosing a Lawyer

Once the charges have been laid and a trial date set, you may want to obtain a lawyer, especially if there are children involved, if your abuser has a lawyer and if you think you may need help. A lawyer will make sure that everything is prepared properly. The sooner a lawyer is found, the better it will be for you as you can start preparing for your case immediately. If you can afford a lawyer,...

Courtroom Personnel

The Courtroom may appear to be a scary place and could be intimidating to a person that is unfamiliar with the courtroom and its' personnel. To give you a better understanding of the way a courtroom looks and the functions of the personnel we have provided you the following definitions. The Judge: The judge has many duties. The judge must see that the trial is conducted in an orderly manner...

Victim’s Bill of Rights

An Act Respecting Victims of Crime An Act Respecting Victims of Crime-Victims’ Bill of Rights was proclaimed as law on June 11, 1996. The Act supports and recognizes the needs of victims of crime. The Act includes a set of principles that guide how justice system officials should treat victims at different stages of the criminal justice process. The principles stipulate that victims: are...

Court Process

Victims need to be fully informed of the trial process, receive emotional support, participation within the process and respect from criminal justice professionals. Criminal justice is a process in which a sequence of events occur when a crime is committed. This system is used by the government to maintain social control, enforce laws and administer justice. The steps start with the crime being...

Safety Plan for Stalking

What is Stalking? Stalking is one person's obsessive behavior directed toward another person, that causes that victim to fear for his/her safety. The stalker usually starts with annoying, obscene or threatening phone calls or written communication within a short time after harassing communication to following the victim, staking out workplaces and home. There may be acts of violence targeted at...

Domestic Violence Homicide Risk Assessment

  Top 5 Risk Factors WEAPONS THREATS STRANGLING CONSTANT JEALOUSLY FORCED SEX Note: The top five risk factors for domestic violence homicide usually don't bleed! In fact, these high risk factors often don't leave any visible marks at all. The only sure way to determine the presence of these high risk factors is through careful, comprehensive victim interviews. Ask & Document -The Top...

Common Legal Questions

  Q. IF I LEAVE, AM I GIVING UP ALL OF MY PROPERTY? A. No. The issue of dividing up the property can be complicated, but neither person gives up their right to property simply by leaving. If the couple is able to agree upon a division of property between themselves, this is perfectly acceptable. If they are not, and they turn to lawyers, mediators or the courts to assist them, they will have...

Domestic Violenc Death Review Committe

Domestic Violence Death Review Committee Risk Factors It is imperative that if you are being abused that you become aware of risk factors that have been identified by the Domestic Violence Death Review Committee. Most women may not understand the potential danger that they may be in. These risk factors have been identified. There are 7 risk factors that are a common risk factor that may increase...

Keeping Safe Before, During & After Court

After you have left an abusive relationship, there may be many occasions where you will have to see the abuser in court to deal with a protection order, custody, child support, divorce, or criminal proceedings. Since you are in a courthouse surrounded by people and even court officers, you may feel like it is okay to let your guard down. However, please remember that anytime you come into contact...

Preparing for Court

Whether you have a lawyer or not, it may be helpful to do some work in advance of your court hearing. To prepare for your first appearance or any other court hearings that may follow, you may want to: Hire a lawyer Apply for legal aid if you can't afford a lawyer Re-read all the documents (a copy of your statement) you may have involving the incident and investigation Organize your thoughts by...