Appendix C: Community Comparisons

BC Communities Addressing Violence in Relationships

Compiled by: Community Coordination for Safety in Relationships Team, Golden, BC for its Community Plan to Relationship and Sexual Violence

Table of Contents
Community Comparisons Introduction Page 3 100 Mile House Page 4 Burns Lake Page 6 Invermere Page 8 Golden Page 13 Haida Gwaii Page 16 Vernon Page 19 York Region, Toronto, Ont. Page 24
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Community Comparisons
To assist in the decision of action items our team would take on for this Community Plan, the CCSR Team identified rural communities similar to ours to research how services are responding to gender-based violence in their communities and what programs are in place that address the issue of relationship and sexual violence. The team looked at highlights, successes and challenges, and determined action items in this community plan inspired by what stood out in other communities that would help address gaps. The following is a list of communities the CCSR Team investigated: Burns Lake, BC Prince George, BC Vernon, BC Maritime Provinces 100 Mile House, BC Haida Guaii, BC Invermere, BC North York, Toronto, ON Tumbler Ridge, BC Fernie/Sparwood, BC Northern Communities Additional suggestions from EVA BC

Those working on this component of the CCSR Project were able to connect with all of the organizations. Our goal was to connect with at least five. We were successful in obtaining detailed information from: 3

100 Mile House Burns Lake Invermere Golden Haida Gwaii Vernon York Region, Toronto, Ontario

Community Coordination for Safety in Relationships, Golden, BC Community Coordinated Response Practices and Programs: Comparison Chart 100 Mile House
Organization: Volunteers in the Community Location: 100 Mile House, BC Hours of Operation: Mission/Vision: 100 Mile House & District Women's Centre Society Box 1930 #102 - 475 S. Birch Ave 100 Mile House B.C. V0K 2E0 Ph.: 395-4093 Fax: 395-4012 Email: 100women@bcinternet.net Office Hours: 10 am - 4 pm Closed 11:30 - 12:30 Bulletin Board Library Stop the Violence Counseling Volunteer Opportunities Program Description: ICAT: Just on the brink of getting it up and running. Talk to Terry for more info: Ph.: 395-4093 Back on the 21st Similar to other ICATs: Partnerships: RCMP, Victim Services, In the Community: Women Centre, Victim Link, Food Bank, Safe Homes, Crisis Line, Youth Resource Centre, Victim Assistance, STV Counselling Program Hours: Program Goals/Objectives:

Partnerships:

Supporting Policies/Procedures/Protocols:

Duration in place: Success Rate: (# of people served, changes to legislation) How are the programs sustained? Challenges: Additional Info: 5

Burns Lake
Organization: Elizabeth Fry Society: 250-692-7559 Location: Burns Lake, BC pop: Approx. 4,000 Hours of Operation: Mission/Vision:

Program Description: Services for Women and Children: Violence Counselling Children Who Witness Abuse Program: Stopping the Violence Outreach Program Transition House (30 days), Support and Recovery Bed, Eagles Next: 250-692-5720 Clothesline: free clothes Youth Counselling Fearlessly Girls Program for high school girls to build self-esteem Program Hours: Program Goals/Objectives: Services for Women and Children: Violence Counselling Children Who Witness Abuse Program: Stopping the Violence Outreach Program Transition House (30 days), Support and Recovery Bed, Eagles Next: 250-692-5720 Clothesline: free clothes Youth Counselling Fearlessly Girls Program for high school girls to build self-esteem Currently trying to build ICAT, but it is difficult to get everyone at the table. They tried years ago, but it didnt work out. Currently forming a VAWIR Committee to build an ICAT. The group received specific VAWIR Training from Community Coordination for Womens Safety, EVA, BC Contact: Morgan Baldwin: morganbaldwin@gmail.com, 250-635-5300 Cell: 250-250-631-7897 Mens Programs are run through local Band. Contact: Ron Blin: 250-692-9311 6

Partnerships: RCMP, VS, Corrections, Chief of Fire Hall, Mental Health and Addictions, MCFD (yes and no)

Supporting Currently no Protocols, but they developed a Terms of Reference that everyone signed based on the training Policies/Procedures/Protocols: they received. Duration in place: Success Rate: (# of people served, changes to legislation) How are the programs sustained? Challenges: Additional Info: 7

Invermere
Organization: Columbia Valley Community Coordination for Safety in Relationships/Integrated Case Assessment Team Location: Invermere, BC Hours of Operation: Mission/Vision: The CCSR, through partnerships, will ensure effective coordination and promotion of justice, community and health services for people affected by relationship violence, sexual assault and sexual exploitation. We are a team of committed professionals and community members working toward coordinating our response to violence in relationships. We know that with a coordinated response, we increase safety and better outcomes in relationship violence.

Program Description: CCSR Initiatives: Education of community and professionals on Violence in Relationships (VIR) Promotion and support of community events related to VIR Create a local resource guide of services related to VIR Establish protocols with professional programs and agencies providing services related to VIR Team Meetings: Meetings are held once a month. Members will provide leadership and direction in developing and maintaining a Professional Community Coordination Team for Safety in Relationships. Program Hours: Program Goals/Objectives: Integrated Case Assessment Team Subcommittee: To assess the risk of serious bodily harm or death to victims of domestic/intimate partner violence or stalking To use collaborative approach to provide an enhanced safety and support system to the victim To provide proactive interventions to the potential offender To offer information to court, for purpose of bail decisions and sentencing To identify and eliminate systemic barriers to safety To advocate for women in high risk situations before something goes wrong

Partnerships: Youth Workers Community Link Worker Probation in Golden RCMP Victim Services Safe Homes

Supporting Terms of Reference: CCSR Policies/Procedures/Protocols: Includes: o Priorities o CCSR Steering Team Membership and Meetings o Reporting o Coordinator Accountability *Columbia Valley Integrated Case Assessment Team Procedures Includes: o Record Keeping o Referral Process o Domestic Violence ICAT/RCMP Liaison Process (after receiving referral) o Consent Procedure o Meeting Attendance o Meeting Arrangement o Meeting Process o Safety Planning Process o Follow-Up Meetings o Privacy/Confidentiality o Providing Information/Report to Crown Counsel (RTCC) o Closing Files o Updates to the CCSR Committee

*Columbia Valley Integrated Case Assessment Team: Reviewing Highest Risk Domestic Violence Cases Protocol: Includes: o Purpose o History o Definitions Domestic/Intimate Partner Violence High Risk Columbia Valley Integrated Case Assessment Team Determination of High Risk Integrated Case Assessment Team o Legislation Guiding the Protocol: Includes: Federal Privacy Act Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act Personal Information Protection Act o Risk Assessment Process Documents: Columbia Valley Community Coordination for Safety in Relationships CCSR Directory *Summary of Domestic Violence Risk Factors *CCSR Referral Form *Consent to Release Personal Information *Affirmation of Confidentiality Intake Form Court Summary Form (B-Safer Assessment Protocol) Follow Up Meeting Form (B-Safer Assessment Protocol) Coordinator Report Monthly: features goals and current activities Assessment Meeting

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*Modified from North Okanagan High Risk Domestic Violence Team)

Duration in place: Before 2006 (VAWIR), 2006 (CCSR) Present (CCSR) 2009/2010 (ICAT Sub-Committee Created) History: Before 2006 = VAWIR Committee: a small group of people concerned about Violence in Relationships invited others including RCMP cooperatively (culture among themselves) their concerns were meetings, women, drug screening, trends Goal to Get to know Eachother 2006 = CCSR Developed a mission statement Engulfed sexual assault Goal setting Connected with Vernon and built... Priorities: o Young women being exploited by older men o Mens Programs = Burning Issue o Affordable Housing 2009 = CCSR Priorities: o Education of community and professional on Violence in Relationships (VIR) o Promotion and support of community events related to VIR o Create a local resource guide of services related to VIR o Establish protocols with professional programs and agencies providing services related to VIR 2011 = CCSR Priorities: o Education of community and professional on Violence in Relationships (VIR) o Promotion and support of community events related to VIR o Maintain the local resource guide of services related to VIR o Identify and communicate roles of professional programs and agencies related to VIR o Continue to support the ICAT in High Risk cases Review of priorities happen every October

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2010/2011 = ICAT Subcommittee of CCSR Success Rate: CCSR: (# of people served, changes ICAT: Have completed 3 cases to this point to legislation) How are the programs Initially off the sides of their desks. sustained? Challenges: Additional Info:

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Golden
Organization: Spearheaded by the Golden Womens Resource Centre. Group went by many names over time: Community Coordination Violence Against Women in Relationships Coordination Committee Community Violence Prevention Committee Family & Community Issues Team (FACIT) Location: Golden BC Mission/Vision: In the 90s, there were some high profile incidents: o One woman was murdered by her husband. o There was a sexual assault and murder o One attempted murder of a woman by her partner Everyone was working independently, no coordination at the time. Started with a need for better understanding of what everyone did, their missions, mandates, etc. Started with general conversation what its like working in this community providing direct services to people. Service Providers got together simply to address the issue of how do we make the community a better place Felt as though they were dealing with immediate issues, no long range plans. Pooling resources. Organizations would pool resources to bring training to community for service providers. Fundraising. Group accessed grants and funds to purchase educational materials. FACIT (groups like these were all over rural BC): o Vision: Community well-being. o Purpose: to support the development and the evaluation of services, which address the needs of the people of Golden and areas. To support the delivery of services which are relevant, equitable, effective and efficient. o Mission: Communicating to promote community well being. o Mandate: to identify and support resources for referral and information to promote community well being. Program Description: Did talk about individual cases at first. No consent from clients, very informal. Boards became nervous and asked for this to stop. Program Brought Abusive Mens Treatment Program to Golden. Men were directed to participate as a requirement of Goals/Objectives: their parole, probation or bail under the supervision of the probation officer. Had Town of Golden pass a resolution Domestic Violence 94-922: That: the town of Golden has a zero tolerance policy towards domestic violence as it is a crime and our community will not tolerate it: AND THAT: the Town of Golden will encourage programs that promote zero tolerance of violence in the community.

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Group received funding through the GWRC to conduct a Domestic Violence Intervention Project. Goal 1: To create consistent protocols to respond to violence against women. To determine if there are any overlaps or holes in the services offered by agencies dealing with domestic violence in Golden. To work on a coordinated approach in developing a process and system of follow through. Crown counsel and a physician are to be involved during all phases of this development. Goal 2: To educate the public about the problem of domestic violence. Sexual Assault Intervention Plan Group received funding through the GWRC to do this. Goal: to raise awareness regarding the impact of sexual assault on women and on the community, examine what services are available, and develop a coordinated intervention plan in dealing with sexual assault incidences. Develop a coordinated intervention plan for dealing with sexual assaults in Golden Safe Haven project like a neighbourhood watch program with participating businesses offering their places as safe havens for people. This includes allowing access to telephone and having local emergency and agency phone numbers available. Each business given a Safe Haven Manual and attend introductory seminar. Window sticker, required to fill out brief incident report each time the telephone is used. Dont think this ever took off the ground. Did do a survey with local business owners. Majority expressed interest. Safety Audit done in the community survey conducted to identify places that people considered unsafe. Uncertain what came out of this. Community Education posters up around town regarding sexual assault and Preventing Family Violence booklets. Media involvement. Partnerships: Group participants varied depending on the project and time. Community organizations involved at one time or another: Women Centre Lawyers High School Family Centre Victim Support Services Elementary Schools Community Community Resource Society Abuse Recovery Coordinator Members RCMP Ministry of Social Services Ministry of Children & Families Probation officer Mental Health Golden Health Council Family Court Services Public Health Nurses Foster Parents Association Crown Counsel Golden & District Hospital Employment Services Physicians Family Support Worker Food Bank Justice of the Peace Abusive Mens Treatment Prog Columbia Basin Trust Supporting Duluth Model was used in creating the DVIP.

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Policies/Procedures/ Protocols:

Duration in place: Success Rate: (# of people served, changes to legislation) How are the programs sustained?

Challenges:

Additional Info:

Confronting Abusive Beliefs: A Group Treatment Program for Men Who Abuse their Partners (we have a copy of this) Violence Against Women in Relationships Policy (1996) Safe Haven Manual/Model Members attended Conference on Coordination for services for women fleeing violence. Rural Womens Safety Audit (video from Cowichan Womens Safety Audit Project shared) Many resources from Community Coordination for Womens Safety 2003, Community Coordination for Womens Safety came to Golden (Gail Edinger) Group evolved. Started in early 90s into the 2000s Success rate of Mens Abusive Treatment program was good. Success of bringing service providers together to better understand one another and have conversations was positive. Little reporting required from funders, therefore, little concrete information to be found. Mens program funded by Ministry of Attorney General, contract held by Golden Community Resource Society. Program lasted into early 2000s and funding eventually ended. DVIP and Sexual Assault Map were revisited occasionally to ensure that the protocols were still in place, that they were working and that organizations were still providing the same services. Unclear as to where funding to create DVIT and Sexual Assault Intervention plan came from. Other sources of funding that were accessed or approached: o Hospital Employees Union, Sikh Society, Knights of Columbus, CP Rail, Registered Nurses Association, and Cupe, member of the group sold jewellery gave the proceeds to the group, Rotary Club The name of the group was continually changing because of funding priorities and comfort levels within the group. Struggled with fluctuating group size and participation. No clear focus. Despite this, many in the group felt it was beneficial simply to be networking, having discussions, and keeping each other updated. Establishing cooperative attitudes. Reference made to another group that met, the Community Consultative Group met every 2 months at the RCMP detachment. A forum to bring community issues to the attention of the RCMP. Wide range of community representation at the meetings.

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Haida Gwaii
Organization: The Islands Women Society Mailing Address, PO Box 207, Village of Queen Charlotte, BC, V0T 1S0 Administration: Phone: 250-559-4743 Location: Haida Gwaii Hours of Operation: Mission/Vision: Mission Statement: The Islands Women Society is an inclusive community based agency, which

provides a variety of services in a safe and supportive environment for the women, children, and families of Haida Gwaii. These services endeavour to promote empowerment, overcome trauma, address violence against women, and provide resources for the wellbeing of our communities (2009).
Program Description: Victim Assistance Program: Provides legal information to victims of crime, so that the victim is more educated about the court process and their rights and responsibilities. Our worker acts as an advocate between RCMP, Crown Council, and the victim. She provides legal information to any victim of all types of crime. Women's Counselling Program: Provides long-term free individual counselling and/or psycho-educational groups for women who were impacted by violence: in childhood, in intimate relationships, and/or who experienced sexual assault. Child and Youth Counselling Program: Provides services to children and youth, ages 3 to 18 years, who have witnessed or been impacted by abuse in their lives. Long term or short term counselling available. Community Outreach Program: Facilitates community networking initiatives aimed at increasing the safety of women and children. Provides support and assistance to Women who have experienced violence. Delivers culturally appropriate public education initiatives to raise awareness of the effects of violence against Women; of violence prevention; and of Services available to Women who have experienced violence, abuse, or threats. Child Care Resource and Referral: BC Child Care Resource & Referral Programs offer quality child care referrals, resources and support to all child care providers and families. Website: Resources: Community Coordination: lists of places and contact informationwhere people can access help. Links: list of links, including: website for youth who need help: www.youthspace.com Resources for Aboriginal Women: http://www.thehealingjourney.ca/inside.asp?279 Program Hours:

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Program Goals/Objectives: Objectives:

Support community well-being on Haida Gwaii by providing programs and services Ensure the visibility of our services in order to reach all members of our communities Provide public education about the issues relevant to our services Collaborate and partner with other community service providers in order to respond to community needs To ensure sustainability of needed programs and services Cultivate a strong, effective, and supportive agency

Principals:

The Islands Women Society uses a consensus-based decision making process, and strives to function collaboratively and cooperatively. Our feminist framework is inclusive of women, men, children and families, and perceives all as equal. We support the individual and collective diversity of the people of Haida Gwaii. Community well-being is built on positive relationships between individuals and organizations. IWS endeavors to always support and strengthen this web.

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Partnerships:

Supporting Policies/Procedures/Protocols:

Duration in place: Success Rate: (# of people served, changes to legislation) How are the programs Contracts from the Province of BC sustained? Challenges: Additional Info:

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Vernon
Organization: North Okanagan Integrated Assessment Team Location: North Okanagan, Vernon, BC Hours of Operation: Mission/Vision:

Program Description: History: VAWIR Committee has met regularly since 1996 Reviewing high risk cases a goal of VAWIR Strategic Plan Robb and Debby submitted a grant application to PSSG Meeting with Detachment Commander in January, after we found application was successful Draft Terms of Reference produced

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Program Hours: Program Goals/Objectives: Purpose of ICAT Protocol: To assess the risk of serious bodily harm or death to victims of domestic/intimate partner violence or stalking To use a collaborative approach to provide an enhanced safety and support system to the victim. To provide proactive interventions to the (potential) offender. To offer information to court, for purpose of bail decisions, sentencing To identify and eliminate systemic barriers to safety

Vernon, RCMP Vernon Womens Transition House Society (includes Specialized Victim Assistance, Womens Outreach, Transition House, etc.) MCFD MSD Outreach RCMP Base Victim Assistance Community Corrections Vernon Parole Vernon Jubilee Hospital Interior Health Mental Health and Addictions Okanagan Indian Band First Nations Friendship Centre Crown Counsel John Howard Society of North Okanagan Vernon and District Immigrant Services Society Other agencies are invited to participate, as the case arises Supporting Stages of Development: Policies/Procedures/Protocols: Identified Need Applied for Grant Funding Struck committee, developed Terms of Reference Engage with Drs. Randall Kropp and Steve Hart for training and mentorship. Conducted research and began development of tools Consulted with CCWS, RCMP lawyer to test efficacy of privacy practices Conducted mock assessments Began risk reviews Follow up training with Dr. Koop and Hart Risk Review Process: Agency or individual suspects high risk case Referral is made to Domestic Violence Unit Coordinator (RCMP Member) RCMP provides initial safety interventions

Partnerships:

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 DVU Coordinator calls ICAT Meeting ICAT Assesses risk and commits to safety plan Notes are sent to RCMP, who forwards details to Crown counsel ICAT reconvenes to review critical update in cases biweekly or sooner if necessary Protocol for Confidentiality Terms of Reference Purpose Responsibilities Role of Membership Role of Co-Chairs (System and Community) Decision Making Role of Coordinator vs Chair Meetings North Okanagan Integrated Case Assessment Team Procedures: Record Keeping, Referral Process Domestic Violence Unit Process (after receiving referral) Consent Procedure Meeting Attendance Meeting Arrangement Meeting Process Safety Planning Process Follow Up Meetings Privacy/Confidentiality Providing Info/Report to Crown Closing Files Updates to the VAWIR Committee North Okanagan Integrated Case Assessment Team Local Protocol: To provide a framework for a coordinated and collaborative approach to assess the risk of serious bodily harm or death to victims of domestic/intimate partner violence or stalking. As well, the same collaborative approach will be used to provide an enhanced safety and support system to the victim and proactive interventions to the alleged offender. Includes:

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o o Forms:

Definitions Domestic/Intimate Partner Violence High Risk North Okanagan High Risk Domestic Violence Team Determination of High Risk Integrated Case Assessment Team Legislation Guiding this Protocol Includes: Information Sharing, Applicable Privacy Laws (including the Federal Privacy Act (for RCMP, Parole), Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (for public bodies) and the Personal Information Protection Act (for the private and nonprofit sector; SARA, B-Safer How a decision is made to share personal information without consent. Risk Assessment Process

Release of Personal Information Integrated Assessment Team Affirmation of Confidentiality North Okanagan High Risk Domestic Violence Team Initial Case Referral Summary of Domestic Violence Risk Factors Spotting the Signs Before Someone Dies Creating Sustainable Safety for Battered Women

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Duration in place: Timeline: 1994: Existing North Okanagan Violence Against Women in Relationships (VAWIR) Committee was formed with the goal of improving community services to victims of domestic/violence and alleged offenders. Since that time, the VAWIR Committee has continued to meet and work toward the goals of annually developed strategic plans. December 2008: Rob and Deb applied for a grant opportunity from the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor Generals Victim Services and Community Programs Division for a Domestic Violence Response Fund. The application was successful and North Okanagan RCMP and Vernon Womens Transition House Society partnered to work toward a comprehensive safety assessment and planning process. Success Rate: They received an award from Ministry of Justice, Victim Services and Crime Prevention for their outstanding (# of people served, changes work in crime prevention. to legislation)

How are the programs They have survived on grant funding for the coordinator but basically it requires people to put in kind sustained? commitment to the operations of the team. Most teams meet only as needed or if a case needs monitoring, once a week for one hour. Otherwise they meet twice a month for an hour and go over the open files. Most people find it saves them time (especially MCFD) in filling their required vulnerability assessments. The VAWIR policy is the only backbone to the initiative, with the VIR policy supporting but not advocating for the same type of collaboration. Challenges: Administrative tasks are time consuming and time sensitive and are done off the corner of our desks. Support services have to fit high risk cases in with already burdened services. Hearing details of cases is overwhelming Additional Info: Steering Committee that created ICAT: North Okanagan High Risk Domestic Violence Team Purpose to develop, administer and evaluate a local process that increases the safety of those affected by domestic violence. This steering committee dissolved after ICAT was created.

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York Region, Toronto, Ontario

Organization: York Region and Toronto Domestic Violence Services Put together by: Woman Abuse Council of Toronto York Region, Toronto, Ontario

Location: Hours of Operation: Mission/Vision: The Woman Abuse Council of Toronto (WomanACT) is a policy development and planning body that coordinates an efficient and effective approach to providing services for assaulted women and their families. The 30 person general council is made up of senior level representatives of each of the key sectors in the community response to woman abuse. As a coordinating body, the Council: identifies gaps in service; supports and facilitates policy development and pilot projects; and undertakes research and actions that promote institutional and systemic change. WomanACT has a network of standing committees that generally meet monthly and are made up of front line service providers. One of the most important philosophic principles of the Council is that the voices of women survivors should inform policy and program development and planning. WomanACT is pleased to support Women's Voices for Action - the committee of the Council composed of women survivors.

Since its incorporation in 1999, The Woman Abuse Council of Toronto has worked collaboratively with other sectors to develop:

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Protocols for Police, Crown Attorneys and Probation. Best Practice Guidelines/Protocols and Resource Manual for health, social service practitioners and educational institutions. Accountability standards and guidelines for intervention programs for abusive men. Specialized domestic violence courts High Risk Consult Team to help practitioners working with women in high risk, potentially lethal situations. Womens Court Watch Project to monitor domestic violence trials (see 2006 report)

Program Description: Neighbours, Friends and Families: Ontario Public Awareness initiative to inform the public if they are a victim or an offender and where they can get help, as well as Neighbours, Friends and Families on how they can help victims and offenders that they

know. The website is offered for French and English speaking folks, and tailored for Native Cultures and for Immigrants, new to Canada. Domestic Violence Court Program (DVC): Is a specialized process for handling domestic violence cases. Domestic Abuse Review Team (DART) Peterborough County Mission: Peterborough County DART is dedicated to establishing an effective, coordinated response to prevent domestic abuse. The committee collectively reviews cases and shares information in order to provide a coordinated response to domestic abuse, as well as ensuring that abusers will be held accountable for their actions. The participating agencies agree to hold one another accountable to ensure the established protocols are appropriate and are directed towards ensuring the safety of domestic abuse victims in the Peterborough area community. Domestic Abuse Review Team (DART) South Simcoe: Mission: DART collectively reviews cases and shares information in order to provide a coordinated response to domestic abuse, ensuring that abusers will be held accountable for their actions. Participating agencies agree to hold one another accountable to ensure established protocols are appropriate, adhered to, and reviewed when necessary to determine effectiveness. Domestic Abuse Review Team (DART) York Region: Primary focus is to specifically review individual domestic violence cases that involved a police investigation and a subsequent prosecution process. Additional DART programs in Kitchener/Waterloo, Perth County, South Simcoe, High Risk Response Pilot Project: To ensure early identification of high risk and an intervention model. The projct has three main aims; the first is the development of a model for risk assessment, the second is to plan timely and appropriate interventions, and the third is to ensure that practitioners are able to facilitate appropriate responses from all sectors to help protect a woman s safety through training and consultation. Domestic Violence Emergency Response System (DVERS): Designed by ADT Security Services Canada, Inc. to help prevent domestic violence and to protect women and their families. DVERS is a personal alarm for victims who are deemed at high risk of experiencing violence by an intimate ex-partner. The program is gender neutral. Specific to victims of domestic abuse who are presently before the court system, and who are deemed to be in high risk situations based on criteria. SupportLink: A three-part program that provides: extensive safety planning; twice monthly follow-up with clients; Cell phones preprogrammed to 911. For anyone identified as at risk for domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking.

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Program Hours: 24-hours Program Goals/Objectives: Domestic Violence Court Program Is a specialized process for handling domestic violence cases. The objectives of the Program are to: Lessen the impact of crime by providing services to victims of domestic violence. Increase victim safety and help prevent re-victimization. Hold offenders accountable. Intervene early in Domestic Violence Cases Improve Coordination of Services Core Components: enhanced investigative procedures by police; designated Victim/Witness Assistance Program (V/WAP) staff; in some locations, a hospital-based Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence (SA/DV) Treatment Centre; designated domestic violence Crowns; specialized processing to expedite cases called the Early Intervention Program (EIP); a specialized intervention program for abusive partners with an outreach component for victims called the Partner Assault Response program; French-language services comparable to English in the 24 designated Grench Language Servcies Act areas; interpreter services; specialized procedures for domestic violence cases for probation and parole staff; and an advisory committee of justice and community representatives called the Domestic Violence Court Advisory Committee. Domestic Abuse Review Team (DART) Peterborough County Goals: Ensure that victims are protected and assisted. Ensure that abusers are held accountable for their actions. To advocate for the improvement of services for victims and their children, as well as the offender. To coordinate inter-agency information flow through the review of procedures and policies and monitoring the application of such policies. To achieve effective communication between participating agencies. To promote education and training in relation to domestic abuse issues for the public and service providers. To establish and monitor a domestic abuse case review between participating agencies and subsequently, where appropriate, to gather research, statistics and information that will be shared by the community. Domestic Abuse Review Team (DART) South Simcoe: Goals: 1. Ensure that abusers are held accountable for their actions. 2. Ensure that victims are protected and assisted. 26

3. Advocate for the improvement of existing services for victims and their children, as well as the offender. 4. Coordinate interagency information flow through the review of procedures and policies, and monitor the application of such policies. 5. Achieve effective communication between participating agencies. 6. Gather research, compile statistics, and bring this information back to the community at large. 7. Promote initiatives within the community that improve service for victims and their children, as well as the offender. 8. Establish and monitor a domestic abuse case review between participating agencies. Domestic Abuse Review Team York Region: Goal: To address current domestic violence issues as we work towards a leadership role in effectively addressing domestic violence through a coordinated community response. Hopefully by addressing the current issues we can establish possible solutions that will improve the effective handling, monitoring and intervention by various agencies. High Risk Response Pilot Project: Three components: 1. Regular and Ongoing Use of Risk Assessment Process and Procedures: Use of a risk assessment process by all those involved with a woman who they believe is at high risk for death/serious injury. Ideally, the practitioners should encourage woman to participate in her own risk assessment process using available tools with the practitioners. 2. In Cases Of Identified High Risk Safety Planning: Convening of a safety planning group to the immediate needs. This plan will include ways to protect her safety in conjunction with key stakeholders ie. The Police, family members, friends, etc. 3. In Cases of Concern and Need to Consult Constraining the Abuser: Bring a specific case situation to intersectoral group by using the specialized domestic violence court advisory meetings to consult on difficult cases and brainstorm possible interventions. ADT-DVERS alarm system is a pendant that is worn by the victim at all times while in the home, and within 100 metres of the residence (e.g., front and back of property). It is designed specifically for the home, and as an additional safety measure. When a victim is a risk, they activate the alarm which goes to the ADT 24-hour monitoring station. A trained technician responds by calling 911 and relating all pertinent information. Police respond on a high priority basis. There is no cost to the victim or to the community from ADT. Partnerships: Domestic Abuse Review Team York Region: York Regional Police Domestic Violence Unit, Newmarket Crown Attorneys Office Domestic Violence Team.

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Toronto DVERS Advisory Committee Support Link: Private/Public sector initiative between: Rogers AT&T Wireless, Ericsson Canada, Victim Services Division

Supporting Domestic Violence Court Program Policies/Procedures/Protocols: Domestic Abuse Review Team (DART) Peterborough County All persons have the right to live free from the presence of threat of violence and abuse. Domestic Abuse is a crime and will not be tolerated. Those who commit violence and abuse are responsible for their behaviour and must be held accountable. Victims who experience violence and abuse are not responsible for the offenders behaviour. Those involved in the social and justice systems have a right to be informed of the process. Domestic Abuse Review Team York Region: There are no current Terms of Reference at this time. When they are created they will reflect the guidelines as suggested in the Policing Standards Manual 2000. The guidelines are as follows: To establish a protocol for the operation of the committee. To establish a criteria for case and/or systems review. To review cases that meet established criteria, and subject to confidentiality requirements, sharing case specific information among relevant member organizations in order to provide a coordinated response. To monitor and evaluate the response to cases by agencies participating in specific case reviews. To ensure local protocols involving victim notification and assistance are adhered to. We anticipate that the Terms of Reference will develop over time as cases are considered and reviewed. Domestic Abuse Review Team South Simcoe: High Risk Response Pilot Project: Principles in Intervening in High Risk and Lethal Situations. Ex. 1. Safety of women and children is

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paramount and should determine action. Safety must encompass both emotional and physical aspects. 10. High risk and potentially lethal situations require an immediate response. 16. Long term supports for women and children both separately and together, should be made available in order to concretely assist rather than re-victimize women. Indicators of High Risk, ex. Threats of homicide or suicide; Disregard on the part of the abuser of court orders; including restraining orders, bail conditions, probation conditions etc. A Tool for Risk Assessment in Woman Abuse Situations: to identify indicators where a woman is at high risk for death or serious injury. Not meant to be filled out by a woman alone as it can be traumatic. Safety Planning Kit to be completed with worker and victim. SupportLink: Administrators Criteria: Provide safety plans to the clients; train clients on use of the phones; maintain ongoing follow up contact with the client; ensure review committee is set up; refer clients to appropriate counselling; provide ministry with monthly statistics; meet with clients; set up client files; maintain record on status of phones. Client Criteria: Proactive prevention: Reported the situation to the police; are not living with the accused; are using and abiding by all protective orders. Willingness to work with the program: are willing to work with the coordinator to prepare a personal safety plan; are willing to remain in contact with the coordinator; accept the terms of the SupportLink agreement; have reasonable grounds for feeling at risk; do not already have a cell phone; are willing to sign all documents; indicate an understanding of the use and limitations of the phone. Duration in place: Domestic Violence Court Program Began in 1997 and 1998 in six Ontario communities and, expanded to 49 or the 54 court jurisdictions with plans to begin operations in the remaining five jurisdictions in 2006. High Risk Response Pilot Project: 2002 The program was first introduced in Winnipeg in 1991 and is currently operating in 25 Canadian communities. In the US, the program is active in 130 communities under the acronym AWARE. It launched in Toronto on April 2, 1998 SupportLink: 16 communities in Ontario. Success Rate: (# of people served, changes to legislation)

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How are the programs DVRS: Funding from the Ontario Womens Directorate and the City of Toronto sustained? Challenges: SupportLink: Dead spots; Lack of coverage throughout Ontario; Preprogrammed to 911 only; phone not available in an emergency. Additional Info: Supporting Resources: Jacquelyn C. Campbells Danger Assessment A handout with respect to Torontos Domestic Violence Emergency Response System A Power Point explain the Support Link Service in York Region. It is used by Ontario Victims Services which operate with the police under the jurisdiction of Ministry of Attorney General Victim Services Division A copy of a power point from a workshop called What can We Learn from the Child Victims of Domestic Violence Homicide? Formal evaluation of the Domestic Violence Court Program Domestic Abuse Review Team for York Region Info and info from other DART programs in Ontario A pamphlet from a program called Neighbours, Friends and Families an Ontario public education awareness initiative. A copy of the High Risk Response Pilot Project: An Integrated Model for Creating Safety This was produced by the Woman abuse Council of Toronto which oversees all the Partner Abuse Programs (program for offenders with partner contact) in Toronto

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