Police Response
POLICE
Since we opened in 1973, Vancouver Rape Relief has made significant efforts toward improving police response to women escaping male violence. Despite important formal equality gains, intense advocacy efforts, and more women reporting male violence to their local detachments, many troubling aspects of police response remain unchanged since the 1970s.
Despite abysmal conviction rates and internationally accepted criticism of the Canadian police system’s response to sexist violence, Vancouver Rape Relief and Women’s Shelter continues to support the small percentage of women who choose to call the police for help when escaping a violent man.
In this category you will find examples of past actions and current efforts to maintain pressure for a better police response for all women.
*If you are looking for information on how to make a police report regarding a specific incident or how to file a police complaint please refer to our website section marked, “Give and Get Help”.
Feminist response to the prosecution of Battered Woman Nicole Ryan in the Supreme Court of Canada
Oppal Commission of Inquiry Missing and Murdered Women, Feb 2011
What Women Need Now from Police and Prosecutors 35 Years of Working to Improve Police Response to Male Violence Against Women Louisa Russell, 2010
Battered woman continues civil suit against Vernon RCMP
Lest We Forget Sherry Herron and Anna Adams by Suzanne Jay
Why Law and Order Cannot End Violence Against Women: Development of Women's Social, Economic Civil and Political Rights Might by Lee Lakeman
BC Anti-Violence Workers Recommendations for Change 1999
Women's Unity Statement Presentation to the Oppal Commission on Policing 1993
To Whom do the Police Answer? - 1993 Brief to the Oppal Commission on Policing
Bonnie Mooney v. RCMP and Canada - Vancouver Rape Relief's Intervener Factum
