Assault policy change criticized By SARAH A, ZIMMERMAN THE COORDINATOR of Terrace’s Transition House Says proposed revisions to the provin- cial policy on spousal assault may well result in increased violence toward women. Debbie Scarborough says the proposed changes, primarily a shift away from manda- tory laying of charges in spousal abuse cases, means there will be less accountability on the part of abusers and that could lead to in- creased violence. “I think il gives the message that wife as- sault is not a serious offence,” Scarborough says. “This government does not, obviously, value the female population or children for that matter.” She says the proposed changes will mean many abusers won’t have criminal records which means there’s no tracking mechanism in place. That not only puts an abuser’s current partner at risk but also future partners who won't have a way of determining what the of- fender’s record is, Scarborough added. The current policy on spousal assault is that all cases should proceed to court regardless of the wishes of the victim. Attorney General Geoff Plant says that means Crown prosecutors are often faced with reluctant or hostile witnesses resulting in many cases being dropped before trial, leaving the victim at risk of further abuse. But Scarborough says the issue of the reluc- tant witness - for example a wife who fears're- tribution from her abuser if she testifies against him — can be avoided under the existing po- licy. , “You don't actually have to use the victim as the key witness,” she said, Neighbours, re- latives or other. witnesses can be called to testify, Scarborough continued. Plant says the proposed revisions will allow- Crown prosecutors more room to consider other options such as a peace bond with “terms to address the safety issues in the case.” But Scarborough says for many abused women a peace bond doesn’t give them any peace of mind. “What's the point from the victim or survi- vor's point of view?” asks Scarborough. Not laying charges could aiso mean more lenient sentences for repeal offenders, she says. If a man is a repeat offender and charges are consistently not laid there is no record for a judge to make a sentencing decision based on past appearances in court, : The Attorney General says the proposed re- visions are intended to improve protection for victims and gain treatment for offenders. The B.C. Coalition ‘of Women's Centres says the revisions let abusers off the hook. ~ 1 says B.C. already has the highest rate of violence against women in the country and by scrapping the existing policy the provincial government is saying violence against women and children is no longer on the public agenda. “I think we are going to see perhaps more ‘deaths. We are definitely going to see more violence,” says Scarborough. “I think we need to stand up and say this is not okay.” The number of women using. the transition house has: jumped significantly in recent months. Scarborough says in the past the trans- ition house received roughly 100-110 non-resi- dent crisis calls or peopte sccking referrals per month, _ She said 208 of those types of calls were logged in July alone. “I can only assume il’s going to get worse.” The Terrace Standard, Wednesday, September 4, 2002 - A3 News In Brief He _ EB Digging his work _ JAMIE BEEDLE, seen here using a piece of equipment to re- ~'mave dirt from the east side of the Sande Overpass, was one of the first workers on the scene last week as preparations commenced to put in a wider sidewalk. The transportation ministry. project will make it much easier for pedestrians to safely use the overpass as a route connecting the downtown | with thesouthside. The work should take approximately six weeks and will cost $200,000. Wasn’t wearing seatbelt RCMP HAVE issued a renewed call about seatbelt safely following the death of Sarah Manture, 11, in an Aug, 4 automobile accident in the Okanagan. — The investigation is still under investigation, but 4 collision analyst has confirmed that Manture was not wearing @ seatbelt. According to Const. Heather Macdonald, an Okanagan RCMP communications officer, the ac- cident is a tragic example of what can occur when sealbelts aren’t used. “Every occupant of a car should be belted in and car seats should be used properly,” she said. “When you’re getting into the car, click in first.” — The accident occurred when the driver of a vehi- cle in which Monture was a passenger attempted to turn left off of Hwy97 just south of Winfield. It then collided with another car coming from the op- posite direction. After the collision, the vehicle carrying the girl struck a pickup. She was thrown from her vehicle and trapped between it and the pickup. “I can't say if the outcome would have been dif- ferent [if a seatbelt had been used} but you stand a better chance if you're wearing a seatbelt,” said MacDonald. The accident led to area mayor Rolly Hein de- manding that the provincial government improve Hwy97 to prevent further fatalities. Pear St. break-in A TERRACE home was the target of a robbery in broad daylight Aug. 26. Police say the home on the 2400 block of Pear St. was broken into and several items were stolen. Thieves made off with two black and grey Mille- nnium brand luggage bags, a V-Tech cordless phone and a CD player. If you have information about this crime please contact Terrace RCMP at 638-7400 or Crimestop- pers at 635-8477. Thieves ransack car in sound system theft ANOTHER Terrace resident’s vehicle has been broken into and had several items stolen — this time on Scott Ave. Sometime overnight Aug. 27-28 unknown culprits smashed the driver's side lock then smashed the driver’s side window of the burgundy Pontiac Sun- bird too gain entry. A Sony CD player, two amplifiers and speakers were stolen from the car. Police said considerable effort was made to remove the items from behind the rear passenger seat and caused substantial damage ta the vehicle’s interior in the process. If you have any information about this crime please contact the Terrace Crimestoppers at 635- TIPS. or 635- 8477, Crimestoppers does not require callers ta identify themselves and -offers a-reward- of up t0°$1,000 for inforthation leading to'an ‘arrest’ or conviction." Se ste —— You! BE THE JUDGE How Dare You Not Arrest me!! “This meeting is Interminable!” Chrystal was getting restless as the group leader droned on. “Bay, do | need a drink.” “Shhh!” the person next to her glared. “Some of us are trying to listan. You should take this substance abuse program a_ little more sariously.” Chrystal huffed. “I'm out of here.” She phoned her friend Marcy. “Let's hit the bars.” Marcy was surprised to see her, "What hap- pened to that treatment program?” “Great program." Chrystal gulped down her first beer. “Just needed a littla breather.” The girls drank for hours. “Six beers! Chrystal, you drink lke a man,” Marcy cheered Chrystal took a last gulp. “My work Is done. Time to go home.” On the road, Chrystal sang along with the radio. "| LOVE YOU LIKE | NEVER LOVED NOBODY BEFORE...” Her sports car wandered in the lane. A cop caught sight of her, “That woman's speeding and driving carelessly. Might be drunk.” He blared the siren. Chrystal grittad her taeth. “What does he want?” ; She stopped and got out of her car. “Am singing too loud lor you or something?” The cop had Chrystal walk along the white ling, recite the alphabet and count backwards. Chrysial performed flawlessly. “I can walk, | can talk...now can | go home?" BY CLAIRE BEXMSTEIN The cop fooked at her carefully. “| smell alcohol on your breath.” “Okay, so | had ane drink." The cop retented. “Well, alright. But be careful, and stay within the speed limit.” Chrystal zoomed off in a hui, Five minutes later, she smashed Into a truck and suffered serious injuries. When tha hospital checked her blood alco- hol level four hours later, it was still above the lagal limit. q “| had no Idea | was so drunk,” Chrystal moaned. “The cop shoutd've stopped mel I'm suing the police department.” Chrystal arrived in court on crutches. “Your Honor, the police officer should've known | was too drunk to drive safely. According to the expert, | was probably two times over the legal limit when he stopped me. There would have been clear signs of drunkenness.” The police officer threw up his hands. “Your Honor, The police are being sued for NOT atresting someone? Chrystal didn't seem impaired and she passed all the tests, She gat herself drunk. She's responsible for har inju- ries.” : ew Is the cop liable for Chrystal's injuries? You! Be The Judge. Then look below for the court's decision. SPONSORED BY Phone: 638-0354 TERENCE WRIGHT LAW OFFICES TRIAL LAWYER since 1985 . Serving the Pacific Northwest TERENCE WRIGHT Criminal and Family Law and Civil Litigation Free Initial Interview for I.C.B.C. and _ Personal Injury Claims 201-3219 Eby Street, Terrace, B.C. V8G 4R3 Fax: 635-2919 YOU! BE THE JUDGE - DECISION: “Sorry, Chrystal,” held Judge Ron, “Although it was ilkely that you'd get in an accident considering how drunk you were at the Uine, an officer fsn't liable unless he Increases the risk of harm, In this case, you would have continued driving drunk even Hf the officer hadn't stopped W Today's colunin is based on a ease ftom Delaware. {I you have a shnilar problem, please contact Terence Wright Law Offices or another lawyer in your state, We are proud to bring you samme of the curent Segal issues from across the country for discussion and debute, To provide enmmpelling rad we have fietlonalized the names, the characters and (ue scenarios in the case, Any resemblance to real aclty and brevity, the legal tsvzes in the cast have been greatly reduced and simplified. Claire Bernstein Is a lawyer and nallonally syndicated columnist Copyright 2002 Halka Enterprises 030-13 le (s purely colnckdental. In the intercal of cl talent RRS * * « : * & SCOUTS CANADA Terrace Scouts would like to thank the following businesses and organizations for their efforts throughout the year and their generous support and donations that helped us celebrate our Seventy-fifth Anniversary. Cy? = Aqua Clear Bottling, B.C. Ambulance, Buéhler Grou ”. Citizens on Patrol, City of Terrace Parks & Recreation, Coca-Cola Bottling, Creative Zone, Do-It Center, Down Town Lions, Vic Froes _. J&F Distributors, Knox United Church, Royal LePage of Tetrace, "Safeway, Save-On-Foods, Sight & Sound, Terrace Chrysler oese, oy Terrace Scouting will be registering all sections: Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Venturers and Rovers at the Skeena Mall Clubs Day, September 7 and at ET. Kenney Primary, Sept. 11 from 7-8:30 p.m.