Domestic violence is a pattern of intimidation and abuse that is used by one partner to establish and maintain control over the other partner. The abuse can be physical, verbal, emotional, sexual, and financial. While it can take different forms, the abuse may become more frequent and intense over time. Domestic Violence hurts everyone. It crosses all boundaries of age, race, ethnicity, religion, economic background, physical ability and sexual orientation. It can occur in any type of relationship, including past and present spouses, parents of the same child, parents and children, step-parents and step-children, foster parents and foster children or others living in the same home. The damage to body and self-esteem inflicted by domestic violence has been linked to homelessness, suicide, crime, teen pregnancy, premature births and miscarriages.

The Solicitor-General’s prosecutors and victim advocates keep in close contact with victims through all phases of the prosecution and provide information, resources and critical support. Working with other law enforcement agencies and community organizations, it is our goal to:

• Increase victim safety
• Stop the violence
• Diligently prosecute Domestic Violence crimes
• Hold abusers accountable
• Give victims a voice
• Ensure victims are informed of their rights pursuant to the Crime Victim’s Bill of Rights
• Assist victims with Crime Victims’ Compensation application as applicable