Domestic violence are actions that are criminal acts against a current or former domestic partner. This can be someone you were or are in a dating relationship with, a marriage with, have children with, are in a family relationship with, or are living together in the context of any of these types of relationships.
Domestic violence offences can include charges such as assault, uttering threats, sexual assault, criminal harassment and property offences. Domestic offences are classified by any actions between current or former domestic partners.
There are no separate charges under the Criminal Code for when these offences are in the context of domestic violence, however that fact can be used during sentencing.
Manitoba has a ‘zero tolerance’ policy around domestic offences, meaning Police do not have a choice if they charge whether or not the victim wishes to proceed with the matter.