Implementation of Programmes for Offenders of Intimate Partner Violence in British Colombia (From Annual Report for 2005 and Resource Material Series No. 69, P 39-63, 2006, Simon Cornell, ed. -- See NCJ-217726)

• NCJ Number: 217727
• Author(s): Jane Katz; Harry Stefanakis
• Date Published: July 2006
• Length: 25 pages
• Sale Source: United Nations Asia and Far East Institute for the Prevention of Crime and Treatment of Offenders
• Publication Format: Book Chapter
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: Japan

Annotation

This paper discusses the prevalence and etiology of domestic violence in Canada and British Columbia and reviews treatment options and the key features of effective programming for domestic violence.

Abstract

The main argument is that one of the key components of effective domestic violence programming is the integration of services. Domestic violence in British Columbia must be viewed as a criminal justice matter as well as a serious social and family problem. Confronting and healing domestic violence, therefore, must involve the coordination of victim services, women’s shelters, the police, the crown counsel, probation, health care networks, mental health services, child welfare services, clergy, and other family-oriented services. In making this argument, the authors begin with a thorough review of the prevalence and severity of domestic violence in British Columbia and Canada, as well as factors affecting the risk of abuse, the impact of violence on family relationships, and women’s use of violence in relationships. The development of policies and procedures for responding to domestic violence in British Columbia and Canada are discussed, which only became viewed as a criminal justice matter beginning in the mid-1980s. The development of mandated educational programs on domestic violence within the correctional services of Canada and British Columbia are reviewed, which have the direct goals of stopping violence, reducing abusive and controlling behaviors, and offering men alternatives to abuse that encourage sharing power and decisionmaking within respectful relationships. British Columbia’s pro-arrest and pro-charge policies are discussed, which have enjoyed both widespread acclaim as well as criticism, the latter of which is mainly based on the disempowerment of women by the process. The solution, according to the authors, is to integrate all relevant services, including those that cater to the unique needs of victims and those that sanction and treat offenders. Future work in this regard should focus on the standardization of programs, particularly with respect to interventions and treatments. Footnotes, references