SPVM adopts new protocol for domestic violence cases
The Montreal Police Service (SPVM) is rolling out a new protocol for handling strangulation cases in domestic violence situations across the city, following an 18-month pilot program that led to notable improvements and drew national interest.
Launched in partnership with the Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions (DPCP) back in May 2024, the pilot focused on the eastern neighbourhoods of Montreal and was designed to train patrol officers, criminal investigators, prosecutors, and community organizations. The goal was to respond more effectively when someone’s intimate partner tried to strangle them—a violent crime that research shows sharply increases the likelihood of future homicide.
Borrowing strategies from successful American programs, Montreal’s pilot program taught law enforcement to spot not just visible injuries but also less obvious symptoms. Victims were given clear information on health risks, helping ensure they received needed care and understood the serious dangers associated with strangulation.
“The results speak for themselves. Thanks to this training, police across Montreal are now better equipped to spot the warning signs and support survivors,” said Inspector Anouk St-Onge, who coordinated the citywide rollout.
Strangulation, now classified in Canada’s Criminal Code under assault by choking, suffocation, or strangling (section 267 c)), is a method some abusers use to exert control and instil fear. The new protocol emphasizes teamwork between police, forensic technicians, and victim assistance groups, helping ensure that victim testimony and medical symptoms are carefully logged and understood within the justice system.
Specialized prosecutor Maya Ducasse-Hathi, who helped oversee the protocol’s launch, said, “When strangulation is recognized by courts as a precursor to homicide, it’s treated as the serious crime it truly is. The extra training also helps us sort out who’s the real aggressor, especially when there are conflicting reports between partners.”
Key findings from the pilot:
- 348 cases of strangulation were handled
- In 94.5% of cases, the victim was a woman
- 46% of victims had no visible injuries
Since the project’s start, police reports more consistently mention strangulation—rising from 66.7% before the pilot to 86.9% after. Signs and symptoms are documented more regularly (from 51.3% to 66.9%), and referrals to medical services have climbed (from 35.7% to 60.8%). Officers are also better at warning victims about the risks.
New tools were introduced to help officers: enhanced forms, better photo documentation, and updated reporting processes. These improvements give prosecutors stronger evidence and more reliable testimony for court. “With the new resources, officers can spot fresh signs of strangulation earlier, and our cases are stronger when they reach trial,” said Laurent Gagné-Roy, a prosecutor specializing in domestic violence.
Montreal’s approach has already piqued the interest of other police services and legal teams across Quebec and beyond, with many seeking advice and guidance. The protocol is now part of training at the Specialized Court for Sexual and Domestic Violence.
“We’re proud that what started here is now being considered elsewhere,” said Inspector St-Onge. “Domestic violence is a widespread problem, and sharing solutions that help victims is essential.”
Montreal’s protocol isn’t just a local change, it is quickly becoming an example for communities across Canada seeking better ways to protect those at risk. n
