A new investment of $878,000 for the Provincial Office of Domestic Violence will support the important work of ensuring co-ordination and collaboration of domestic violence programs and services throughout government.

This funding will support eight new full-time staff members to ensure co-ordination and accountability across government programs and services in all B.C. communities.

The Provincial Office of Domestic Violence was announced on March 1, 2012, and became operational on March 26, 2012. The office will be the permanent lead for government on strengthening the services and supports available for children and families affected by domestic violence.

In collaboration with the ministries of Children and Family Development, Health, Social Development, Education, Justice, and Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation, the office has begun work to develop an action plan that will respond to the recommendations made by the Representative for Children and Youth in her report on the tragic deaths of Kaitlynne, Max and Cordon Schoenborn. The action plan will be presented to the Representative by July 31, 2012 and implemented immediately thereafter. The office will monitor, evaluate and report out on progress.

In addition to reviewing the policies, programs and services currently in place to identify areas for improvement, the Provincial Office of Domestic Violence is in the process of engaging stakeholders whose feedback will help the office build a comprehensive provincial plan for domestic violence. These collaborations represent the thorough analysis being done to find and address the gaps in how domestic violence is recognized and responded to in B.C.

The comprehensive provincial plan will continue to strengthen the response to domestic violence across government and with community stakeholders. The plan will be ready for full implementation in 2013.

Quotes:

Mary McNeil, Minister of Children and Family Development -

"Our government is serious about taking action and providing sustained leadership on the issue of domestic violence, which is why we have worked aggressively to put the Provincial Office of Domestic Violence in place and ensure it has the funding to be fully operational."

Shirley Bond, Minister of Justice and Attorney General -

"The Province commits more than $40 million a year for prevention and intervention services and programs for domestic violence. It is crucial that we continue to support public awareness and prevention strategies on this important issue in communities throughout the province."

Contact:

Shae Greenfield
Media Relations Manager
Ministry of Children and Family Development
250 356-1639
250 508-8403 (cell)