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Family violence: Spousal violence in Canada

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The Daily


Thursday, October 9, 2008
2006

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.

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.

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.

Note: This release is based on the study, "Spousal violence in Canada's provinces and territories", published today in the 2008 edition of Family Violence in Canada: A Statistical Profle.

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.

Definitions, data sources and methods: survey numbers, including related surveys, 3302, 3315 and 4504.

The 2008 edition of Family Violence in Canada: A Statistical Profile (85-224-XIE, free) is now available. This report provides estimates on the nature and extent of family violence and trends over time. It also provides the most recent police-reported data on family violence against children and youth, against older adults, and family-related homicides.

From the Publications module of our website, choose Free Internet publications, then Crime and justice. A printed copy is also available from the National Clearinghouse on Family Violence (toll-free 1-800-267-1291; 613-957-2938).

For more information, or to enquire about the concepts, methods or data quality of this release, contact Information and Client Services (toll-free 1-800-387-2231; 613-951-9023), Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics.

Tables. Table(s).