News Release Archive
JUSTICE--ANNIVERSARY OF STRATEGY TO ADDRESS FAMILY VIOLENCE ----------------------------------------------------------------- The Government of Nova Scotia's comprehensive strategy to address family violence reaches its first anniversary tomorrow. The goal of the multi-faceted program is to improve the justice system's response to family violence, through the implementation of policies and training for justice workers. As well, support services for victims have been enhanced in communities across Nova Scotia. Justice Minister Jay Abbass said "We have made progress in increasing awareness and in improving our response to incidents of family violence. We still have a lot of work to do and our efforts must continue to address this very important issue." More than 2,000 justice workers will be trained as part of the initiative; 500 have completed the course to date. Comprehensive policies for dealing with family violence have been developed for key sectors of the justice system. Policies for the police, Victims' Services', the Public Prosecution Service, the courts and corrections have been developed and integrated as part of the training program. "We are on the leading edge in Nova Scotia," said Raymond Cusson, Family Violence Program Coordinator. "Our policies for key sectors have been developed and are a focus of our training programs. Since each sector is aware of the role they are expected to play, we can ensure a more coordinated response to incidents of family violence." Through a collaborative effort with Community Services, services to victims have also been enhanced. A total of $500,000 has been provided to a number of programs representing different models of victim support. A key component of the initiative has been the involvement of those on the front lines who deal with victims of family violence every day. They also agree that the program has had an impact. Bea LeBlanc, executive director of Cape Breton Transition House, said, "No doubt about it, it's a very, very positive thing. We're seeing changes in the community, and in how the police respond to family violence. Courts are recognizing the seriousness of this offence. In just one year, we've seen dramatic changes, and there's more to come." Chief Cecil Martin of the Hantsport Police Department said, "The program has been well received by the members. The training groups have developed their own mission statements and action to go into the community and sell the idea. The community is interested." Chief Brent Crowhurst of the Lunenburg-Mahone Bay Police Service said,"The fact that the police agencies in the community now have a resource they can use that provides the necessary services for victims of family violence is important. Previously, police felt this issue wasn't properly dealt with. Now we know something else will be done. By having additional resources, the community can better service those that find themselves in this situation." Karen O'Hara of Tearmann House said, "It has strengthened our relationship with the police. The main thing is we can follow through with services and we can act as advocates. The program allows us to provide a more consistent response, and allows the system to provide a more consistent response." Sharon Walden, the Lunenburg-Queens Family Violence Coordinator said,"The message is getting out there, and the people are responding to it. Sometimes I am overwhelmed with referrals and worry that the community doesn't have the resources needed to deal with everyone. It will take a long time and a lot of work to make this happen, but it looks like everyone is committed to making the system work better." Carolyn Marshall of the Family Violence Prevention Initiative (FVPI) said,"The FVPI applauds the Departments of Justice and Community Services for their efforts in responding to family violence. As author of the tracking project, which identified weaknesses in the justice system's response to family violence in Nova Scotia, I'm particularly pleased to see action of this type, especially in the provision of training, improved policies, accountability mechanisms, and enhanced services to support victims. We will continue to collaborate with the Department of Justice to monitor the implementation of this program and evaluate its impact." Susan Potts of the Public Prosecution Service said, "We implemented a policy on spousal partner violence in June after a two-day Crown attorney training program on domestic violence. Every Crown attorney in the province will have received this training by the end of October, 1996. The cases subject to this policy will be tracked by the PPS to ensure its successful operation from the beginning of the case to its conclusion." -30- Contact: Michele McKinnon 902-424-6811 EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional information contact: Bea LeBlanc 902-562-4666 Chief Cecil Martin 902-684-3538 Karen O'Hara 902-928-0774 Chief Brent Crowhurst 902-634-4312 Sharon Walden 902-543-2427 Carolyn Marshall 902-424-2079 Susan Potts 902-424-5450 trp Sept. 18, 1996 - 3:55 p.m.