DOMESTIC VIOLENCE COURT OPENS IN REGINA

Released on March 20, 2008

Another tool in the fight against domestic violence was unveiled today in Regina with the first sitting of the Regina Domestic Violence Court.

A therapeutic court emphasizing healing and offender accountability, the new court will work to increase the safety of victims of domestic violence by focusing on creating permanent changes in the behaviour of offenders.

"Violence and abuse in all situations is unacceptable," Justice Minister Don Morgan said. "When it happens in the home, it causes great trauma not only to the victim, but also to our children and it destabilizes families and communities. I am pleased to see that so many partners have come together to address this issue, and I particularly want to thank the Court for its leadership in this area. We've seen the success these type of programs can have in making communities safer and we're proud to see the expansion of this option."

Approximately 25 partners, including the Provincial Court, the Ministries of Justice and Attorney General, Corrections, Public Safety and Policing, and Health, the Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region, Regina Police Service, RCMP, defence bar, victim's services, Aboriginal groups and community-based organizations, have worked together to develop an appropriate model to meet Regina's particular needs.

Minister Morgan and Provincial Court Chief Judge Carol Snell attended the opening of Regina's domestic violence court to acknowledge the work of the partnership.

"We are very pleased to continue this important initiative in Regina," Judge Snell said. "Domestic violence perpetuates a cycle of abuse. An innovative approach is necessary to interrupt this cycle and reduce recidivism, increase victim safety and assist families."

The Regina Domestic Violence Court will provide intensive support for victims and families starting as soon after the offence as possible, including referrals to existing counselling services, crisis intervention, ongoing information about the case, and an opportunity to participate in decisions affecting offenders. It will deal with offenders who enter a guilty plea to the charge of domestic violence and who accept responsibility for the incident. Those who enter a not guilty plea will be transferred to another court for trial.

There are two domestic violence courts currently operating in Saskatchewan, the Battlefords Domestic Violence Treatment Options Court in North Battleford and the Saskatoon Domestic Violence Court in Saskatoon.

In the 2008-09 budget, the Government of Saskatchewan provided $430,000 to support the implementation of the Regina Domestic Violence Court and the existing courts in North Battleford and Saskatoon. This funding will provide dedicated Legal Aid and Crown counsel positions for the Regina Court and will ensure that court staff and Aboriginal courtworkers are also available. In addition, it will fund a co-ordinator to assist the work of all three courts.

"We are starting to see that the Regina Drug Treatment Court, another therapeutic court that opened about a year and a half ago, can have a positive impact on offenders," Morgan said. "We expect that the Regina Domestic Violence Court will lead to similar positive changes to help families experiencing violence and abuse."

Additional funding to support the Regina Domestic Violence Court was provided by Justice Canada's Victims Fund, Regina United Way and the Ministries of Health and Corrections, Public Safety and Policing.

-30-

For more information, contact:

Candace Cook
Justice and Attorney General
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0775
Email: ccook@justice.gov.sk.ca