In Canada, section 718 of the Criminal Code provides for an increased sentence when hate is determined to be an aggravating circumstance.
While gender is in the enumerated group under the section...one can't help but wonder if it's time for the Federal government to look at implementing a similar provision for intimate partner violence, or domestic violence.
If you punch a stranger- let's look at the circumstances and maybe look at alternative sentencing like peace bonds, required anger management counselling, etc...but if you punch your domestic partner? Should it be something more?
I think it is time we look at it. Too many women are dying in these situations. And in many of the cases, there are historical charges against accused. But they are relatively minor in nature (I mean- relative to the charge of murder).
The outcome of these charges are too often a slap on the wrist. You slammed your wife/gf's head against the stairs? Let's send you to a 12 week group course and then send you right back to your wife- so you can beat her some more. Oh- you're wealthy? Don't worry- you can get away with it at least a couple more times, or at least until you kill her.
You can literally beat the shit out of your partner- and simply face anger management counselling if it's your first time. Or maybe nothing at all.
It's time to stop feeling sad and downtrodden when we read about yet another:
Elana Fric
Riya Rajkumar
Shubangi Amin
Holly Hamilton
And so many more.
If you drive drunk once- you lose your licence. On your second conviction- you go to jail. I don't see why a similar system should not be in place now.
Domestic violence and the relationship between the accused and victim SHOULD be an aggravating factor in sentencing.
I'm not sure what the answer is- but I'm going to try to find an answer to this. This is an election issue.
Thoughts?
While gender is in the enumerated group under the section...one can't help but wonder if it's time for the Federal government to look at implementing a similar provision for intimate partner violence, or domestic violence.
If you punch a stranger- let's look at the circumstances and maybe look at alternative sentencing like peace bonds, required anger management counselling, etc...but if you punch your domestic partner? Should it be something more?
I think it is time we look at it. Too many women are dying in these situations. And in many of the cases, there are historical charges against accused. But they are relatively minor in nature (I mean- relative to the charge of murder).
The outcome of these charges are too often a slap on the wrist. You slammed your wife/gf's head against the stairs? Let's send you to a 12 week group course and then send you right back to your wife- so you can beat her some more. Oh- you're wealthy? Don't worry- you can get away with it at least a couple more times, or at least until you kill her.
You can literally beat the shit out of your partner- and simply face anger management counselling if it's your first time. Or maybe nothing at all.
It's time to stop feeling sad and downtrodden when we read about yet another:
Elana Fric
Riya Rajkumar
Shubangi Amin
Holly Hamilton
And so many more.
If you drive drunk once- you lose your licence. On your second conviction- you go to jail. I don't see why a similar system should not be in place now.
Domestic violence and the relationship between the accused and victim SHOULD be an aggravating factor in sentencing.
I'm not sure what the answer is- but I'm going to try to find an answer to this. This is an election issue.
Thoughts?
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