Domestic Violence and Manitoba Family Court
How Manitoba courts consider domestic violence in custody decisions.
Parenting and Custody in Domestic Violence Cases
Parenting and Custody Basics
Custody decisions focus on the best interests of the children involved. Courts consider many factors including the child's safety, well-being, and the ability of each parent to provide care. Parenting arrangements can include sole custody, joint custody, or visitation rights, depending on circumstances.
Presenting Domestic Violence Concerns
When domestic violence concerns are relevant, it is important to share this information with the court. This might include reports, protection orders, or statements from professionals. Courts take such concerns seriously to determine what arrangements support the child's and parent’s safety.
Evidence Courts Examine
Courts review various types of evidence related to domestic violence such as police reports, restraining orders, witness statements, and any documented injuries or threats. This information helps the court understand the context and potential risks in parenting decisions.
Possible Supervised Access
In some cases, the court may order supervised access or visitation. This means a third party is present during parenting time to ensure safety. Supervised access is often used when there are ongoing concerns about violence or the child's welfare during visits.
Additional support options can be found through resources listed at DV.Support.