Spousal Violence Most Prevalent in Nunavut and Quebec

Spousal violence was most prevalent in Nunavut and Quebec in 2006, and least prevalent in British Columbia, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, according to police data examined by the Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics.

Over 38,000 incidents of spousal violence were reported to 149 police services across Canada in 2006, accounting for about 15% of all reported violent incidents.

In every province and territory, about 8 in 10 victims of spousal violence were women in 2006. Spousal abuse was twice as common between current partners as between former partners regardless of gender.

The most frequently reported violent offences among spouses were common assault (61%), followed by major assault (14%), uttering threats (11%) and stalking (8%). Common and major assaults were typically more prevalent in the western provinces and territories, while incidents of stalking and uttering threats were more common in Quebec.

When males were victims of spousal violence, 23% were victims of major assault, compared with 13% of female victims. Stalking and uttering threats were more common among female victims than male victims.

Charges were laid by police in the majority (77%) of spousal violence incidents. Incidents involving female victims were more likely to result in a charge being laid than those involving male victims.

Among the provinces and territories, Manitoba, Ontario, Yukon and Nunavut saw the highest proportion of charges being laid for spousal abuse.

Spousal violence refers to violence committed by legally married, common-law, separated and divorced partners.

Data came from a survey administered to 149 police services across Canada, covering about 90% of Canada's population in 2006. Disclosing spousal violence can be difficult for many victims. As such, not all incidents are reported to the police. This analysis is therefore limited to those incidents of spousal violence that are reported to the police.

Provincial and territorial variations in charging practices may be related to differences in the distribution of offence types across the country, as well as different policies and police resources.

~	Conference, Oct. 16, 2024. The War Against the Past: Fighting for our History

~	SLAV - Robert Lepage's Reaction

~	Author and Tolerance.ca Editor, Victor Teboul, Ph.D., to speak at the Arab World Festival of Montreal

~	Iran : Hey Ayatollah, Leave those kids alone! and Pink Floyd's remake

~	UN-backed group supports Somali Government’s peace overtures to rivals

~	Cargo vessel captured near Seychelles is commandeered to Somalia

~	U.S. and Oman Navy Rescue Indian Dhow from Somali Pirates - One Sailor Dead

~	Canada. 50% of tax filers participate in a private retirement savings plan

~	Somali Pirates capture second merchant vessel in 24h

~	Canada. 41% of adults have a high cholesterol level