August 12, 2010
Husband Punches Wife, the Police ChiefBelleville, Ont., Police Chief Cory McMullan (left) says she was the victim in a "domestic incident" at her home last Friday.
She says it is common for police to not identify anyone involved in domestic incidents in order to protect victims and their families.
But in an e-mail to the media, Chief McMullan said given her position in the community, "it is important to acknowledge that I am the victim."
Chief McMullan added she suffered injuries "which required medical treatment," but would not be specific since the case is before the courts.
In her e-mail, the police chief also asked the public and media to respect her privacy while her family works through this "extremely difficult time."
Chief McMullan,47, also signalled that she will stay in her post by saying she will continue to be dedicated as chief of police of the Belleville Police Service.
The chief's husband, David McMullan, 53, a retired policeman is charged with assault and assault causing bodily harm. He is scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 13. The couple has two teenaged children.
Residents in this city of 50,000 were busy trading tales on Wednesday about what triggered the incident last Friday.
Mayor Neil Ellis lashed out at those who would spread "gossip and innuendo."
"We have a victim who needs community support and that's where this should be going," he said during an interview in his office.
Gossip is common in any politician's life, he said. "I don't pay attention to rumours."
Surrounded by pictures and mementoes of his wife and three children, Ellis said he doesn't know McMullan well and only "as the chief of police." The 24-year policing veteran has held the position for just over a year.
"It is shocking," he said of the attack. "No one can really make sense of any type of abuse, especially if it causes physical injury. This shows it can happen in any household."
"The important thing here," he added, "is Cory, er, the chief and the chief's family. We have to support her and stand behind her."
McMullan also referred to rumours in her statement to the media.
"The impact of physical violence as well as emotional abuse in domestic incidents, including unfounded allegations and rumours that further traumatize victims and their families, is well documented," she said, asking for privacy "while my family and I work our way through this extremely difficult time."
In downtown restaurants and pubs near City Hall, employees were quick to say "no comment" when asked for their thoughts on the police chief as a victim of domestic violence.
But a customer enjoying a mid-afternoon beverage offered a "good for her" for coming forward.
"When things escalate between a man and a woman, it doesn't matter who you are," said Sonya Vos, a Madoc resident and regular visitor to Belleville. "Maybe it was the last straw. Maybe she said, 'I'm not going to take it any more, I'm going to tell everyone.' "
McMullan "had a gun," Vos pointed out. "It was good discipline on her part not to use it."
Bartender Katrina Eagleton said the domestic violence incident was a "big deal" because McMullan is a member of the police service.
"Being a victim of abuse and coming forward makes her a stronger person," she said.
At the marina, a yachtsman said he wasn't surprised McMullan spoke up.
"There were so many rumours going around, I think she had to."
McMullan has indicated she will stay in her post, saying she will continue to be dedicated and committed as Belleville's chief of police.
When contacted by phone on Wednesday, the chief said she could not comment.
From Globe and Mail and Toronto Star.
Henry Makow is the author of A Long Way to go for a Date. He received his Ph.D. in English Literature from the University of Toronto. He welcomes your feedback and ideas at
