Cop convicted

  Ex-wife became an advocate against domestic violence

BY KEITH LACEY

A Greater Sudbury police officer convicted of abusing his former wife - who became an outspoken advocate against domestic violence - made plenty of headlines in 2006.

Last spring, following a lengthy trial, Sgt. Robin Chuipka was convicted and sentenced to nine months in jail after being found guilty of abusing Donna Chuipka over several months before and during their marriage.

A court order banning the publication of Donna Chuipka’s name was lifted when she came forward to reporters following her husband’s sentencing hearing saying she wanted her name released.

For much of the rest of 2006, Donna Chuipka made numerous public appearances speaking out against domestic violence and telling women they must leave their relationships once physical violence begins.

In November, Donna Chuipka was the guest speaker for the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, which marks the day in 1989 when 14 women were shot and killed by Marc Lepine at l’Ecole Polytechnique de Montreal.

“You can’t change somebody. Don’t think you’re staying in an abusive relationship because you think you can make somebody better,” she said. “They have to make that choice.

“You can only make the choice that you have to look after yourself. You have to do what’s in your best interest and you have to get out.”

Her husband had a lot of good qualities, but this didn’t prevent him from continual physical, verbal and emotional abuse, she said.

“People look at me funny, but he has a lot of good qualities,” she said. “I didn’t marry him because he was an abuser.

 I married him because I loved him with all my heart and soul...I did see a few red flags. He had two ex-wives and they were not able to speak to each other even over their own children, which I found very strange, because usually our children are the most important people to us.”

Justice Frank Caputo said Sgt. Robin Chuipka’s abilities on the job were impressive and beyond reproach, but said behind closed doors he was a “brute” who terrorized Donna for two long years with an endless string of unprovoked physical, verbal and psychological assaults.

Caputo sentenced the 20-year police veteran in April after finding him guilty of three counts of assault and one count of assault causing bodily harm.

Chiupka handed in his resignation to the Greater Sudbury Police Service after being convicted and sentenced to jail.

During 18 months of probation, Chuipka remains prohibited from purchasing or drinking alcohol and he’s to seek counselling for domestic abuse and have no communication with his former wife.

He’s also prohibited from owning any guns for 10 years or prohibited weapons for life. He must also submit a DNA sample for a national crime data bank.