“Call the police immediately” – superintendent urges victims to trust protection orders

…promises rapid response

Critics often dismiss protection and restraining orders as ineffective in shielding victims of domestic abuse. However, Superintendent Shellon Daniels has defended their significance, emphasising that these orders carry the full authority of the courts and remain a vital tool in safeguarding survivors of gender-based violence.
Speaking during a recent Police and You interview; the superintendent addressed the perception that that perpetrators and victims often ignore. According to her, it is common to hear such statements, but she anchored her views in the weight that the paper holds. “That [Restraining order] is a paper with authority. Once you’re armed with this protection order, the rights are invested in you that if the perpetrator should violate that order, you immediately call the police, either via 911 or the Human Services hotline number, which is 914. The police are going to investigate and they are tasked with investigating that breach,” she reaffirmed to the wider public. She further reassured the public that once someone is armed with a protection order, the rights are vested in them.

Daniels explained that once a report of violation is made, the protection order becomes part of the victim’s case file and the perpetrator can face criminal charges for breaching it. “It is a paper that is signed either by a judge or a Magistrate with full authority to give the police the right to even end up on the premises where the perpetrator might enforce his or herself upon while this order is in force and take evasive action,” she said. At the same time, she urged victims to take extra steps in safeguarding themselves, noting that affordable technology can help provide additional security. “If there is a need for you to install security around your premises, you don’t have to get big, elaborate, expensive security,” Daniels said. “You have the little Wi-Fi ones. If you have access to Wi-Fi, you could be away from home, connect it to your phone and you would be able to monitor your house. So from the time you might observe the person entering upon the premises, you will be able to call the police,” she advised. Meanwhile, the Superintendent assured that police patrols are on standby and mandated to respond swiftly once a call is made. Victims, she said, are not restricted to reporting incidents through a single station. “You’re not confined to one police station. There are several police numbers out there… There’s always the police hotline number, 227-1149. Wherever you dial that number, one station or the other picks up that phone. You’re not just confined—let’s say you’re not getting on to Brickdam… there’s also the 914, and somebody always answers the number.” Meanwhile, in closing remarks, Superintendent Daniels was asked what advice she would give to those who remain skeptical about reporting incidents of domestic violence – particularly victims who fear that seeking police help might put them in greater danger.
She firmly encouraged victims to still make the report, stressing that multiple avenues are available. “I would still encourage them to report the matter and again, you don’t have to go to the inquiry’s office if you don’t feel comfortable. You could go directly to the commander of that region or even to the deputy commander. There are also senior officers – both male and female, that you can reach out to.”
Daniels also noted that across each police division, there are designated private areas for victims of domestic violence.