Introduction:
Domestic violence charges are often seen as men being the accused and women as the victims. But women in Alberta also face domestic violence allegations. Understanding these charges is essential, both to avoid trouble and to protect your rights if accused.
Table of Contents
Domestic Violence is about Conduct, not Gender.
Under Canadian law, domestic violence or “intimate partner violence” can arise from:
- Physical assaults: pushing, hitting, or throwing things.
- Threats: verbal threats or written threats of physical harm.
- Property damage: breaking things during an argument.
- Coercive control: repeated actions to intimidate or isolate a domestic partner.
In each of these situations, police are obligated to take action if they have reasonable and probable grounds to believe an offence occurred, regardless of who is accused.
Common Situations Where Women Face Charges:
- Arguments That Turn Physical: Even a push or slap in the heat of an argument can result in charges if the partner reports it or police observe evidence of injury.
- Self-Defence Misinterpreted: Sometimes a woman’s actions to defend herself are reported as aggression, especially if injuries are visible on the other party.
- Calls Made in Anger: In disputes, either partner may call the police. Once police get involved, a decision to lay charges is usually out of either party’s hands.
- Allegations During Family Law Disputes: In contentious separation or custody cases, domestic violence allegations may arise, and police may investigate.
Why These Charges Are Serious:
Domestic violence charges lead to:
- Arrest and release conditions (often banning contact with the alleged victim).
- A criminal record if convicted, affecting employment, travel, and immigration.
- Impact on family court proceedings, including custody and access to children.
What to Do If Accused:
1. Don’t contact your partner: violating no-contact orders lead to more charges.
2. Consult a criminal defence lawyer immediately: early legal advice can help with the outcome of your case.
3. Preserve evidence: texts, emails, and witnesses can all be crucial.
How Shim Law Can Help:
At Shim Law, our Calgary criminal defence lawyers represent clients of all genders facing domestic violence allegations. We can:
- Review the evidence and assess if the charges have a sufficient foundation.
- Build a strategy based on self-defence, lack of intent, or insufficient evidence.
- Work to have charges withdrawn before they affect your reputation and your life.
Domestic Violence Charges Are Not One-Sided:
Anyone, regardless of gender, can be accused. If you’re facing domestic violence allegations, the stakes are too high to handle them alone.
Call us at (825) 521-9666 or request a confidential consultation: criminallawyeryyc.ca
See More Blogs
