THE EXECUTIVE director of the North Shore Crisis Services Society said there are several reasons to explain why a local woman shct in the hand by her spouse refused to cooperate _ with police. By Anna Marie D'Angelo News Reporter “One of the reasons why a woman doesn’t want to lay charges is that she feels totally at risk.” said Carol Ward-Hall. “She probably feels the police can’t protect her, and quite rightly so, so if she laid charges it might be even worse,” she said, On Oct. 23, North Vancouver RCMP were called to Lions Gate Hospital where a 33-year-old woman was being treated for a gun- shot wound to her hand. A bullet from a .22-calibre gun had been shot at close range through the woman's palm. The bullet exited between her fingers. “She gave several stories as to how she got her gunshot. She refused to identify who shot her,” . ‘said North Vancouver RCMP spokesman Const. Mare Sylvestre. ’ Police say the same North ‘Vancouver woman has been treated for 12 serious injuries related to sus- pected domestic violence. ‘ The injuries have been Sustained over the past two years. The injuries include a broken jaw and broken nose. news briects m- t assault rustrates 33-year-old woman treated for gunshot wound Ward-Hal] said the longer a woman stays in a violent relation- ship, the increased likelihood she will experience “traumatic bond- ing.” “IU is very hard for a lot of women lo get out of these abusive relationships because they really feel a lot of it is their fault.” said Ward- Hall. “They feel all they have to do is be a better wite, girlfriend, mother or whatever and things will be bet- ter, which is, of course, not true.” The shot woman told police that she had not seen her common-law spouse for more than two months when questioned at the hospital. But the woman's spouse, a 33- year-old North Vancouver man, was spotted that night by an RCMP sergeant and other witnesses. according to the North Vancouver RCMP. Police believe the spouse dropped off his wounded partner at the hospital for treatment. “When we went back to get him, he was gone.” said Sylvestre. As police were trying to figure out what was going on. they claimed the woman tried to leave the emer- gency ward, She was arrested for obstructing police. The bizarre incident continued at the North Vancouver RCMP detach-' ment. The reticent woman took off the gunshot bandage and tried to hang herself with it. Sylvestre said police did not believe it a serious suicide attempt, but instead, thought the move was a ploy to try to get out of jail. Cabbie robbed ‘A NORTH Shore cab driver was robbed on Oct. 28 after a customer wrapped his arm around the driver’s neck and demanded money. The driver gave the suspect a smal! amount of cash, according to s North Vancouver RCMP spokesman. The suspect had been picked up at the Bread Garden at the Park Royal shopping centre at 3:30 p.m. and was last seen running down a path near Eastview elementary school in North Vancouver. The suspect is described as being 18 to 20 years old, Caucasian, 1.7 m (5°7” to 5’8”) with a slim build, short brown hair and a slight mous- tache. The suspect carried a red sports bag and an umbrella. Cali 985-1311 with information. Arson charges TWO FEMALE teens were charged with arson on Oct. 22 after three fires were lit in a North Vancouver group home in which they resided. A large fire was started in a bathroom near bed- rooms, according to a North Vancouver RCMP spokesman. It was extinguished by the sprinkler system of the Tatlow House group home. One sleeping resident and two childcare workers were in the home located in the 1800-block of Chesterfield Avenue when the alleged arsons took place. Teens can not be named by virtue of the Young Offenders Act. Dime scam A SCAM involving money exchanges stung the Lynn Valley Dairy Queen on Oct. 16. Manager Jim Oh said a woman came into the store with nine professionally-wrapped bundles of “dimes” and asked to be given bills in exchange. Oh’s staff gave her $45, bui when they unwrapped the coins later they discovered all but two were actually pennies. The woman is described as in her mid-40s, 1.7 m (5°8”), weighing 90 kg (200 lbs.), with brown hair in a penytail and large glasses. She carried the coins in a - black purse. Call the North Vancouver RCMP at 985- 13i1 with information. Police say the woman gave three different addresses. Her name and her spouse's name were not released by police. Said Sylvestre: “It is very, very frustrating for police officers to deal with this situation, “The victim is obviously a victim several times over of domestic vio- lence. “Unfortunately in these occa- sions, things can get more out of control and you never know what vin happen in the end.” Ward-Hall said an abused woman sometimes still loves her assailant. She may he too emotionally dis- traught to think straight. Police have concluded the inves- tigation of the shooting. No charges are being laid. The gun is still out there, likely somewhere in North Vancouver. Sylvestre said there was no evi- dence gathered to allow police a search warrant lo check the couple's Central Lonsdale home for the gun. Ward-Hall said an abused woman may leave an abusive mun up to seven times before leaving him for good. . “The onus is always on the woman. Why doesn’t she leave? Why does she put up with this? “When it should be on the offender. Why is he doing this?” asked Ward-Hall. The North Shore’ transition house, Emily Murphy House, can be reached 24 hours a day at 987-3374. Ward-Hall said women are welcome to take part in drop-in counselling at Emily Murphy House. are easily victimized From page 3 police on how to avoid being a vic- tim and the public is also welcome to solicit expert advice on how to protect their homes and businesses from criminals. The police, however, cannot be everywhere. Certain groups ure particularly susceptible to victim- ization. Among them are the dis- abled. according to Pam Horton. Horton uses a wheelchair and told the News that people like her are especially vulnerable because they often have to let strangers into their homes to provide them with services. In public, they can be at even more risk than able-bodied people because their transportation options are more limited. Horton said in September she was swarmed at the North Vancouver SeaBus terminal while she waited for her Handi- Bus. A group of teenagers sur- rounded her and made rude com- ments until a passer-by yelled at them and scattered the group. Horton isn’t sure how she could have prevented such a situation. But she said other threats can be alleviated with some cooperation trom the municipalities. Discussion during the evening revealed that there is, among other things, a need for more and better lighting on North Shore streets. Andrew said police made it clear that the public has a role to play in helping keep their neighborhoods safe. “If you see something suspi- cious, always phone,” she said. “Don't be afraid to intervene ... or tocall 911.” Sunday, November 6, 1994 - North Shore News - 5 Ze PEF: No cash val . ue with this coupon, Lo pen Sunday 10 to 4 [+ Cannot be combined with any other offer Expitos Nov. 27, 1994 } jSeeronem mrs QB SREY Eerste SENIORS! Let’s Taik Turkey About § Better Hearing j & . y ‘The holiday season is right around the corner, so j don't miss out on one precious moment you can B share with family or friends during the holidays. Find out if your hearing problems can be solved. f In the next few weeks, Beltone’s gift to you is a @ free hearing evaluation with a qualified Beltone s Hearing Specialist. PV Kew ee ee ——————e— ij CALL TO BOCK YOUR APPOINTMENT | FOR A FREE HEARING EVALUATION #217-1940 Lonsdale, Pelgne (next to London Drugs) 988-4477 Government heanceo Heanng Instrumant Speciaksis and Audichogists; registered under the Heanng Axd Act B.C. Finding the right lawyer is as simple as one, two and three. Mark Sager Litigition & dispute resotution Steve Anderson Litigation. personal injury. mulrnenél & lorecosure Myrle Lawrence Wills caine planning, skies Er nate: Introducing three kiawyers who offer exactly what you need in professional legil services, Allright here on the nerd shore, Sono need to seureh past your own neighbourhood, Call 922-8881. Sager, Anderson & Lawrence* Barristers & Solicitors 300 - 235 15th Street. West Vancouver, BC. V71T 2X1 “Ayre L Laster iw Geapeautaay [i