New spousal assault policy

The B.C. government has a released a discussion paper suggesting that spousal assault cases should no longer be prosecuted automatically.

Attorney General Geoff Plant says sending all spousal abuse cases go to court regardless of the wishes of the victim doesn't work.

He says many of the cases have to be dropped before they go to trial because the Crown has to deal with hostile and reluctant witnesses,

He says this can leave the victims at risk of further abuse.

• LINK: Government discussion paper

New Democrats are slamming the plan, saying the report shows the government doesn't take spousal abuse seriously.

NDP MLA Jenny Kwan says the proposed changes would expose women and children to further violence.