Madam Chair, we are but a small solution to an incredibly immense problem. I believe that our policy within this province, especially with regard to violence in relationships, is sound. Our policy allows us to actually take proactive action against offenders. It leaves our members no latitude with respect to the actions they will take if they determine that an assault has taken place in the home. And then, of course, that does put the victim in a precarious position, because then they are often forced to provide testimony against the perpetrator.
We have a victim services program within this division that is both police- and community-based. It is there not only to assist the police in their work but also to assist the victims and witnesses in these cases. There is no doubt that because of the dynamics of these types of relationships.... And I would agree that it affects all classes within our society. It certainly seems to be predominant in the lower working class, in the marginalized class, which is extremely unfortunate. It's difficult for us, as police, to deal with that, because on the one hand--you're right--the victim is living with someone in a home. I guess in many respects that's a plus. On the other hand, reporting the perpetrator means that someone has to be removed from that residence, and the support services need to be in place to assist victims in that regard.
As I said, our policy with respect to violence in relationships is fulsome. It's very comprehensive, and our members—and I speak only for the RCMP—are trained that they must abide by that policy so that we can minimize the incidence of violence.