An Ontario police chief has confirmed she was the victim in a domestic incident that police responded to at her home last weekend.
Belleville police Chief Cory McMullan released a statement about the Aug. 6 incident saying that "the incident did result in injuries which required medical treatment. I cannot speak further at this time as this case is before the courts. "
McMullan said the victims of domestic incidents are often further victimized by the "unfounded allegations and rumours" that follow such events.
"At this time I ask the public and media to respect my privacy while my family and I work our way through this extremely difficult time," she said.
While it is not typical for police to identify the name of domestic violence victim, McMullan said she felt it was necessary to do so because of her position in the community.
McMullan will continue to serve as police chief while the case advances in the courts.
The Belleville Intelligencer reports that McMullan has been the top cop in the eastern Ontario city for just over a year's time.
The police chief's 53-year-old husband, David McMullan, has been charged with assault. He is due to appear in court next month.
A Belleville police news release recently described an Aug. 6 domestic incident that took place "at an east end home in Belleville." Police say the victim "reported she was struck by a male in the home." The victim was taken to hospital for treatment of her injuries and later released. A 53-year-old Belleville man was charged with assault.
With files from The Canadian Press
