Domestic Violence & Police Response in Ohio
What to expect when Ohio police respond to a domestic violence call.
What Happens After Police Are Called in Canada
When Police Arrive
If police are called to a situation involving relationship harm or family violence, they usually:
- Check first for immediate safety concerns (weapons, injuries, children, medical needs).
- Separate people involved so each person can speak without the other present.
- Ask questions about what happened, including recent events and any history of harm.
- Look for visible injuries, damage to property, and anything that might be evidence.
- Take basic information (names, contact details, relationships, who lives where).
Police may also:
- Ask if there are children or other dependents who need support or a safe place.
- Offer to call medical services if anyone might be hurt, even if injuries seem minor.
- Ask about any existing court orders (peace bonds, protection orders, bail conditions).
- Take photos or collect other information if they believe a crime may have occurred.
Arrest vs. Making a Report
When Police May Make an Arrest
In many parts of Canada, police are encouraged or required to lay charges when they believe a criminal offence related to relationship or family violence has occurred, even if the person harmed does not wish to press charges.
Police may decide to arrest when they believe they have “reasonable grounds” to think a crime was committed, for example involving:
- Assault (hitting, pushing, grabbing, etc.).
- Threats to cause harm or kill.
- Harassment or stalking behaviours.
- Sexual offences.
- Property damage or mischief.
- Violations of an existing court order or bail condition.
If police arrest someone, they usually:
- Take the person into custody, search them, and transport them to a police station.
- Formally lay charges, or hold the person for a bail hearing if needed.
- Document statements, injuries, and evidence to support possible prosecution.
When Police May Take a Report Only
Sometimes police may not arrest anyone at the time of the call. Instead, they may:
- Record what happened as an incident report.
- Take written or recorded statements from the person harmed and any witnesses.
- Provide a file number for reference.
- Explain that the file may be reviewed for possible charges later.
Reasons police might not arrest at that moment can include:
- They do not believe they have enough evidence of a specific crime.
- The person who may have caused harm is not present or cannot be located.
- They decide to continue investigating before making an arrest decision.
How Prosecutors Become Involved
After police lay criminal charges, the file is usually sent to a Crown prosecutor (also called Crown counsel or Crown attorney, depending on the province or territory).
Crown prosecutors generally:
- Review the police file to decide whether there is a reasonable chance of conviction.
- Consider whether continuing the case is in the public interest, including safety issues.
- Decide how to proceed with the charges (for example, which specific offences to pursue).
- Appear in court to present the case on behalf of the state, not on behalf of the person harmed.
The person who experienced harm is usually considered a witness in the case, rather than the one “pressing charges.” Even if a survivor later wants to stop the case, the Crown may decide to continue if they believe there are safety or public-interest concerns.
No-Contact and Related Conditions
When No-Contact Conditions May Be Ordered
No-contact or limited-contact conditions can be put in place through different types of orders, including:
- Bail conditions after an arrest.
- Probation orders after a conviction.
- Peace bonds or recognizances.
- Some civil or family law protection orders (terms vary by province or territory).
A no-contact condition may say that a person must not:
- Contact you directly (in person, by phone, text, email, or online).
- Contact you indirectly (through friends, family members, or social media).
- Come within a certain distance of where you live, work, or regularly go.
- Possess weapons or return to the family home, depending on the order.
What No-Contact Conditions Mean in Practice
If a no-contact condition is in place, it applies to the person who is ordered not to contact you. Even if you try to contact them, they may still be violating their conditions if they respond or come near you.
If a person under no-contact conditions tries to contact you or shows up where they are not allowed, you can:
- Choose whether to contact police to report a possible breach of conditions.
- Provide details such as messages, call logs, or times and locations if requested.
Adjusting or Removing Conditions
Sometimes people want changes to no-contact or other conditions (for example, to allow safe communication about children). Changes generally must be made by a court; police cannot usually change court-ordered conditions on their own.
The process to request changes varies by province or territory and by the type of order. Local legal clinics, duty counsel, or victim services in your region may explain options, but they do not control the court’s decision.
For more information on support options across Canada, including legal information and safety resources, you can visit DV.Support.