Le pardon de la victime en matière de violence conjugale : un facteur non atténuant lors de la détermination de la peine

H.K. c. R., 2015 QCCA 64

Lien vers la décision

[31]        Cet argument est sans fondement. Le souhait exprimé par la victime ne peut être considéré comme un facteur atténuant, compte tenu de la gravité objective et subjective des crimes commis, ainsi du contexte conjugal des agressions. Les tribunaux ont reconnu à plusieurs reprises que, règle générale, le pardon de la victime ne doit pas avoir d'effet sur la peine en matière de violence conjugale. La Cour d'appel de la Saskatchewan rappelle le principe dans R. v.Ochuschayoo[8]:

11     In light of the victim's apparent forgiveness within the relationship, we stress that this is not a private matter between the parties to the relationship. The following passage in the reasons of Lambert J.A. in R. v. Stanley [1986] B.C.J. No. 695 at para. 8 is apposite:

I wish to say particularly in this case that society has a deep interest in this kind of conduct. It is not a private matter between the parties to the relationship nor a matter that goes away if there is forgiveness within the relationship. This kind of conduct endangers and imperils society. In addition the guardians of the social interest, the people involved in social work and the police who are called out and into these situations, must have the protection of the law and the understanding that these offences will not be ignored by society or that forgiveness by one spouse will not put an end to the offence. Other people are at risk. Children are at risk and the neighbours are at risk. The nature of the assaults can escalate to the point where they are completely unbearable. . . .