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Cpl. Mike McKee, one of two Royal Canadian Mounted Police officers posted in Rigolet, poses on his snowmobile in front of the RCMP detachment.
It can take years before a domestic abuse case is resolved along the northern coast of Labrador, compared to months in larger Canadian centres. The prospect of enduring a marathon journey through the legal system means some women simply don’t bother pressing charges. Police typically send accused men home on a promise not to contact the victim – a problem in tiny villages, since they have ample opportunity and time to reconcile with their spouse before their case is heard by a judge.
“You’re not talking about not seeing your wife for a month. You’re talking about not seeing your wife for a year or more. That can certainly play on people,” said Cpl. McKee.