In a harrowing account of intimate partner violence, Tammy Sanderson from Cardigan, P.E.I., revealed the brutal abuse she endured over three years. The abuse included being beaten with broom handles, whipped with cords on her skin, suffering broken ribs, and having her face burned with a cigarette. However, in 2024, she gathered the courage to report the abuse to the RCMP after enduring relentless torment along with her children.
Sanderson handed over her phone containing hundreds of incriminating photographs, videos, and messages to the police. Subsequently, the RCMP’s Major Crimes Unit located the perpetrator and charged him with multiple counts of assault, including assault causing bodily harm and assault with a weapon. Despite expectations of a minimum five and a half-year prison sentence, the abuser received a mere 90-day jail term, served on weekends, following numerous court appearances spanning 14 months.
Standing before Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) in the P.E.I. Legislature, Sanderson recounted the horrors of domestic violence her family faced. She emphasized that her abuser had a history of violence against women and highlighted the lack of adequate support services available in the province.
During the court proceedings, Sanderson delved into criminal codes, P.E.I. legislation, and domestic violence protocols in different regions. It was during this research that she discovered Clare’s Law, a legislation that enables police to disclose an individual’s history of abusive behavior to potential at-risk individuals. Named after Clare Wood, a victim of domestic violence in the U.K., the law empowers the public to access information on a partner’s history of violence, stalking, or harassment.
Motivated to bring similar protective measures to P.E.I., Sanderson engaged with RCMP in provinces where such laws were in effect. She urged MLAs to address the systemic failures in handling domestic violence cases and advocated for the implementation of Clare’s Law to safeguard potential victims.
The bill proposing Clare’s Law was introduced by Liberal MLA Carolyn Simpson, who described it as a crucial piece of legislation that empowers potential victims of intimate partner violence. Simpson expressed confidence that the law would significantly reduce instances of violence and save lives, emphasizing the importance of careful implementation to ensure its effectiveness.
In a unanimous vote, MLAs supported the bill, marking a significant step towards enhancing protections for victims of domestic violence on Prince Edward Island. The bill’s proclamation into law is pending, with thorough planning and consultation to ensure its successful enforcement.
Sanderson, visibly moved by the support received, emphasized the vital role of improved support systems and education in combating domestic violence in the province. She underscored the necessity of dedicated personnel and resources focused on addressing intimate partner violence and aiding victims in their recovery and protection.
For individuals needing assistance, various resources including crisis hotlines, support services, and legal advice are available. These services aim to provide immediate support and guidance to those experiencing intimate partner violence, ensuring their safety and well-being.
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