A woman sustained a broken jaw and other injuries when seeking assistance to escape domestic violence, as reported by the oversight agency for New Brunswick police. Experts suggest this incident highlights the need for better police training and serves as a warning for institutions dealing with abuse victims. Nova Scotia’s Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT) recently investigated the case, focusing on severe injuries resulting from interactions with law enforcement in New Brunswick.
In a detailed account, SIRT Director Erin Nauss recounted the events that unfolded after the woman contacted the Horizon Health Network detox unit in Fredericton. She clarified that the woman was not seeking detox but rather a safe haven from her abusive home environment. The woman, who expressed suicidal thoughts and mentioned taking prescription medication, prompted Horizon to call the Fredericton Police Force for a wellness check.
Upon the arrival of three police officers at her residence, body camera footage reviewed by SIRT revealed the woman’s distress and reluctance to engage with male officers, citing safety concerns. Believing her ex-husband had summoned the police, the woman’s distress escalated when the Mobile Crisis Unit was called off as she barricaded herself in a room. Subsequently, the police detained her under the Mental Health Act and transferred her to a local hospital.
Although SIRT did not find criminal intent in the response, concerns were raised by University of New Brunswick sociology professor Carmen Gill regarding the treatment of domestic violence victims by law enforcement. Gill emphasized the risk of eroding trust and deterring future calls to the police. The Fredericton police defended their actions, stating adherence to protocols for cases involving mental health and domestic violence issues.
Sanctuary House Executive Director Sloane Rees echoed concerns about the system’s shortcomings in handling crisis situations involving domestic violence. Gill suggested that the situation could have been defused earlier, underscoring the importance of a trauma-informed approach in policing. Rees emphasized the significance of recognizing trauma cues and employing alternative approaches to ensure the safety of individuals fleeing violence.
While it remains unclear if the woman was referred to support services post-incident, the police typically connect victims to available resources and develop safety plans in intimate partner violence cases. Each case undergoes scrutiny by a police coordinator and social work team to assess risks and facilitate necessary assistance for victims.