YWCA Fresh Start start 3:Layout 1 - YWCA Canada

FRESH START evidence if criminal charges are laid against your partner or if youdecide to seek an order from the family court to keep your abuseraway from you.Depending on the province or territory, the police may also be able tocontact the Victim Crisis Assistance and Referral Service (VCARS), acommunity response program that provides immediate on-siteservice to victims of crime, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.When the police conduct their investigation, they will collectevidence, photograph injuries and the scene, and gather informationincluding:• history of abuse, violence, stalking or criminal harassment• history of threats• safety concerns• presence of or access to firearms• prior use of weapons• history of drugs or alcohol use• mental health issuesIt is helpful if you tell them about any previous abuse you or yourchildren have experienced and whether a weapon was used and, if so,where it is now. If there were any witnesses to the assault who are nolonger at your home, you can tell the police who and where they are.The police can help you and your children leave and take you to ashelter or another safe place if that is what you want to do. They canprovide you with victim support information and will contact thoseservices on your behalf if they are available in your area. If they forgetto tell you what help there is available in your community, make sureto ask.If you have previously had distressing experiences with the police,keep in mind that they have a duty to respond to a woman in crisisand to treat each incident as seriously as if you had no history or pastrecord with them. If you have problems with a particular officer, youhave a right to put in a complaint. On the other hand, though youremotions are probably running high, avoid turning your angeragainst the police by yelling or swearing at them – this does not helpthem take care of you and your children.43