News release

Family Violence Prevention: It's A Collective Responsibility--Op-Ed Piece

Justice

JUSTICE--Family Violence Prevention: It's A Collective Responsibility--Op-Ed Piece


by Jamie Muir, Justice Minister

Family violence is an issue that touches far too many Nova Scotians. It's also an issue the government of Nova Scotia has continued to take very seriously. If we are to be effective in dealing with family violence however, we cannot work in isolation. Governments cannot solve this problem alone. The community must be involved -- as must our neighbours, friends and colleagues. The responsibility to stop family violence is a collective one.

In 1995, the Framework for Action Against Family Violence was implemented, putting in place the pro-charge, pro-prosecution policy regarding family violence. The framework also encouraged greater co-operation and cohesion among those on the front lines who deal with victims of violence on a daily basis. Training was a major component of this initiative and more than 3,300 justice personnel received special instruction regarding family violence, its impact and the protocols developed to address the issue.

In December 2000, Dawn Russell, dean of Dalhousie Law School, was asked to review the relevance and effectiveness of the Framework for Action Against Family Violence. She provided her report to the Minister of Justice in May 2001. Her report concluded that "there was a consensus that the framework was a very positive step in dealing effectively with intimate partner violence, and that the framework itself is sound and should remain in place."

The Russell report also provided a number of recommendations which were designed to build on the success of the framework and to ensure the justice system continues to respond appropriately to victims of spousal/partner violence.

Key among her recommendations was the need for ongoing training for justice personnel. In response, the government of Nova Scotia created the Justice Learning Centre. The centre became operational in September 2002 and provides training for justice personnel through a partnership with the Nova Scotia Community College. The partnership allows the department to offer courses through the Nova Scotia Community College system and also online.

Additionally, the Domestic Violence Intervention Act was passed and will come into force on April 1, 2003. It will allow victims of family violence to apply to justices of the peace for 30-day orders ranging from temporary possession of the home or bank accounts to orders that direct an individual to avoid contact with the victim. The legislation was another point Dean Russell suggested that the province consider.

A total of $158,000 in funding is being provided to establish a Domestic Violence Case Co-ordination Program. Co-ordinators will work directly with police agencies to help facilitate case management and identify high-risk situations. The objective is to ensure that the appropriate referrals are made and information with the appropriate service agencies is being shared.

Nova Scotia also co-chaired the federal/provincial/territorial working group, which reviewed spousal abuse policies and legislation across the country, including the pro-arrest, pro- prosecution policy in place here at home. The report of this working group is expected in the spring.

We have made progress in dealing with this issue -- and in improving the response of the justice system to victims of family violence. The justice system is, however, but one component of an effective and co-ordinated response. That's why the community must be involved in our efforts to deal with this critical issue. The strides we have made are important -- working together, our progress can be much greater.