This bill establishes a requirement for law enforcement officers to conduct a domestic violence risk assessment for individuals they suspect may be victims of domestic violence, contingent upon the victim's consent. The assessment will utilize the Ontario Domestic Assault Risk Assessment (ODARA) instrument, unless an alternative is approved by the Attorney General. Officers are also mandated to inform victims about the purpose of the assessment and to facilitate access to immediate services if the assessment indicates a high risk of serious bodily injury or death. The Attorney General is responsible for developing rules and regulations to implement these provisions effectively.

In addition to the risk assessment requirements, the bill amends existing laws to ensure that the results of these assessments are taken into account during pretrial release decisions. It mandates the Administrative Director of the Courts to create training programs for judges and law enforcement personnel on the dynamics of domestic violence and the application of the risk assessment tool. The legislation emphasizes the necessity for any approved risk assessment instrument to be objective and evidence-based, while also highlighting the importance of comprehensive training for law enforcement and judicial staff in managing domestic violence cases. Overall, the bill aims to improve the response to domestic violence incidents and enhance victim safety through structured assessments and targeted training initiatives.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2C:25-20, 2A:162-25, 2A:162-20