If I think my brother-in-law is physically abusing my mother, can I report it to the police or does my mother have to report it?

You can report a criminal matter to the police even if it does not directly involve yourself. If you want the police to investigate the possibility of charging your brother-in-law, you will have to lay an information at the police station. This is a statement that describes what you believe your brother-in-law is doing. The police will then investigate the situation, which would likely involve interviewing your mother and your brother-in-law, and any other relevant witnesses. The police will then decide if they have enough evidence to charge your brother-in-law with a criminal offence.

This procedure would be the same if your brother-in-law were reported as carrying out any kind of abuse that might also be a criminal offence, for example, theft or neglect.

If the police considered your mother to be in immediate danger from physical harm, they might also be able to apply to court for an emergency protective order. This kind of order is not available in all provinces.

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January 2006

see also:

• More Abuse of Older Adults FAQs

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