Dual Charge

Patrol Investigation:

• Shall, where an investigation reveals that offences have been committed by more than one party, proceed with charges as appropriate. In making such determinations, Officers shall assess and identify the dominant aggressor if possible, using the Investigative Aid, "Identifying the Dominant Aggressor" found on the HPS Intranet, as a tool to assist in determining the dominant aggressor.

• When the dominant aggressor is unable to be determined and dual charges are being considered, Officers shall notify a DVO trained Patrol Supervisor. The Patrol Supervisor shall attend the scene and consult with the Investigating Officer to ensure a thorough investigation has been conducted and appropriate charges are laid in the circumstances.

• All reports, including those resulting in dual charges, shall be sent to the Intimate Partner Violence Unit task box in the Niche RMS.

Dominant Aggressor: defines the individual who has been the principal abuser (not necessarily the person who initiated the violence).

Identifying the Dominant Aggressor

1.  History of Violence:

• • What does the paper trail show?

  • Are there medical records from past incidents?

  • What do police records show?

  • What information does the dispatcher have?

  • Has the victim been to a shelter or obtained assistance in the past because of the abuse?

  • Are protective orders on file?

  • What are neighbours and witnesses telling you about what happened?

  • What do neighbours know about this and past incidents?

  • Evidence of Substance Abuse (this is not in itself an indicator that a dual charge is warranted):

    • • • • Is there evidence that alcohol or other drugs have been used?

          • Are liquor bottles or drug paraphernalia present?

2.  Power & Control Indicators

• Control or domination by one of the parties. This is important information for

• officers to have in determining dominant aggressor.

• Dominant aggressor using power and control through use of:

  • • • • coercion

        • threats

        • intimidation

        • emotional abuse

        • isolation

        • minimizing, denying and blaming the victim

        • abuse, manipulation, neglect of children

        • male privilege

        • economic abuse

• Is the dominant aggressor trying to use the justice system as a weapon against the victim?

• Fear:

  • • • • Who demonstrates fearful behaviours or characteristics?

        • Be aware of gender stereotyping and incorrect assumptions on how a victim should behave.

        • Make allowances for individual cultural differences

• Body Language: