Manitoba readies for new intimate partner violence law

Manitoba Prepares for New Law on Intimate Partner Violence

Women’s shelters, police, and the province are preparing for a new law aimed at preventing intimate partner violence in Manitoba.

The Disclosure to Protect Against Intimate Partner Violence Act will take effect on March 1. This law allows individuals who believe they may be at risk from a current or former partner to request verbal disclosure about that partner’s history of violence.

Tsungai Muvingi Van Landeghem, provincial co-ordinator for the Manitoba Association of Women’s Shelters, stated, “By allowing individuals to access information about a partner’s history of violence, people are able to better assess risk and make decisions that may prevent harm before it actually escalates.”

Concerns Over Delays in Implementation

Wayne Balcaen, the Progressive Conservative justice critic and former police chief, questioned why the law has not been implemented sooner. He noted that it received royal assent over three years ago.

“How many people in that three years could have been helped, could have been saved, could have not been the victim of domestic family or sexual violence had this opportunity been there for people?” asked Balcaen, the Brandon West MLA.

He attributed the delays to the NDP government, stating that discussions about the law have been ongoing for more than five years.

Details of Clare’s Law

Justice Minister Matt Wiebe and Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine were not available for comment. Clare’s Law is named after Clare Wood, who was murdered in England in 2009 by an ex-boyfriend with a history of violence. The UK was the first to adopt such legislation.

Muvingi Van Landeghem expressed hope that Clare’s Law will enhance safety through informed choices.

Support for Applicants

Shelters and community organizations will assist individuals applying for Clare’s Law. A provincial government spokesman stated that the justice department will collaborate with police to gather information and conduct risk assessments. Even if a request is denied, applicants will receive trauma-informed safety planning support.

“Disclosure can then be a tool for empowerment, whether it’s a protection order or to put that safety planning in place to prevent violence from escalating,” said Muvingi Van Landeghem.

Addressing Intimate Partner Violence

Muvingi Van Landeghem emphasized that intimate partner violence is preventable and not a private issue. The province is finalizing policies and training for staff and law enforcement. A working group is collaborating with public service workers and community organizations to design the law.

The Winnipeg Police Service and the Manitoba RCMP confirmed meetings with the province but declined further comment.

Challenges and Additional Needs

The province stated that the law takes a “person-centered, trauma-informed and culturally safe approach.” It aims to balance the rights of those at risk with the confidentiality of the individual whose information is requested.

Muvingi Van Landeghem noted that some may find it challenging to trust the police. Balcaen acknowledged past issues but mentioned efforts to improve trust at all levels.

Balcaen also highlighted the ongoing crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people as a reason for the urgency of Clare’s Law.

More than just a law is needed, according to the leader of the women’s shelters association. She called for mental health support, trauma-informed counseling, legal advocacy, and housing assistance.

“Shelters are seeing families — women and children — returning to abusive situations and dangerous situations,” Muvingi Van Landeghem said. “When there’s no affordable housing, then there’s nowhere else for them to go.”