POLICE CHARGING POLICIES & DOMESTIC VIOLENCE - Native ...

12. Chapter 7 - Aboriginal Governments Role In DomesticViolenceWhat is the role of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit governments in handlingdomestic violence situations? Is it a matter for the police or the aboriginalgovernment?a) No Perceived Role for Aboriginal GovernmentsNative Justice ResponseThere are differing views on the role of aboriginal governments in curbing domesticviolence. There does not appear to be a clearly defined role for aboriginal governments.It is surmised that aboriginal leaders have not addressed domestic violence seriouslybecause it is perceived to be a women's issue. Male aboriginal leaders have focused onsettling land claims rather than dealing with social issues.Police ResponseThe Indian Act Band Council does not play a role in domestic violence situations.b) Jurisdictional ProblemsNative Justice ResponseA respondent from Ontario stated that the jurisdiction for policing family violence is seenas a police matter. The police also believe that family violence is a police issue.Aboriginal governments need to take responsibility for community violence because inthe non-Native community (e.g. the police), there is a lack of education on culturallysensitive issues and their attitudes are different. Domestic violence in the aboriginalcommunity should be controlled by First Nations, Métis and Inuit governments incooperation with the police and the courts when necessary.Police ResponseSome respondents suggested that it should always be the role of the police to handledomestic violence situations. One initiative such as the Community Policing strategies,support inter-agency cooperation towards resolving violence problems. The RoyalCanadian Mounted Police in Ottawa stated that since 1988 they have established oversix hundred community consultative groups which gives community people direct inputinto the policing function. In the urban centres, there are no aboriginal governmentstoday. Until they are in place, the jurisdiction remains with the city, provincial or federalgovernments. The police, however, are mandated to enforce the law.Pg. 39