Public Safety and Solicitor General
Women, children, and any family members who are affected by domestic violence now have a safe, supportive place to go for help, with a specialized team focussed on their protection and transition to safety.
The North Shore Domestic Violence Unit (DVU) was officially unveiled today, becoming the eighth DVU in British Columbia.
Based at West Vancouver Police Headquarters, the North Shore unit is the first DVU in the province to staff a dedicated First Nations Justice Worker, the result of a unique partnership with the Squamish Nation, West Vancouver Police, North Vancouver RCMP, the Hollyburn Family Services Society, and the Ministry of Children and Family Development.
(flickr.com) In March 2016, the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General provided the Hollyburn Family Services Society with a $100,000 Civil Forefeiture Office grant to help establish the DVU, so partner agencies can offer victims of physical and psychological abuse enhanced services provided by an integrated team of experts. The unit includes all levels of front line workers, police, community-based victim services and a child protection worker. The goal is to ensure victims of domestic violence have access to the supports they need to recover and rebuild their lives.
Since 2014, the Province has provided more than $1.7 million in civil forfeiture funding to support new and existing DVUs throughout British Columbia – including those in Abbotsford, the Capital Region, New Westminister, Surrey, Vancouver, Kelowna and Nanaimo. These investments demonstrate the B.C. government’s ongoing commitment to work toward a Violence Free BC, in which all women are safe from all forms of violence. In addition to these grants, the Province provides more than $70 million annually for prevention and intervention services and programs to help B.C. families that are affected violence and other crimes.
Domestic Violence Units, which are a commitment under the B.C government’s three-year $5.5 million Provincial Domestic Violence Plan, are an excellent model of law enforcement and community partners working together to provide help to victims of domestic violence. They are widely accepted as an effective and efficient approach to getting the most at-risk women and children the help they need as quickly as possible. One of the five key priorities in B.C’s 10 year Vision for a Violence Free BC strategy launched last year, is supporting women to build their lives.
(flickr.com) Quotes:
Mike Morris, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General –
“Breaking the cycle of family violence for both victims and perpetrators requires expertise from many disciplines – and this is especially true in high-risk cases, where fear, concerns about money and housing, and other factors can undermine a victim’s will to break free. The integrated team at North Shore DVU recognizes and addresses these heightened needs in the most effective and timely way possible.”
Stephanie Cadieux, Minister of Children and Family Development –
“The key to breaking the silence around violence against women is to work together. No single group, government or campaign will put an end to it – it has to be all of us, united. That’s why Domestic Violence Units work. They bring victim services, police and social workers together, so those who are fleeing abuse can get the supports and services they need in one location.”
Naomi Yamamoto, MLA North Vancouver-Lonsdale –
“One of the most important things we can do for victims of domestic violence is to ensure they have a voice. The new North Shore DVU, with a dedicated First Nations Justice Worker, is uniquely positioned to provide the safety and support families need to speak up about domestic violence and begin the healing process. Recovery, with the help of a specialized team, can lead to strong families, safe communities.”
Chris Lewis, councillor, Squamish Nation –
“Squamish Nation is pleased to work in partnership with the B.C. government, the police, and community partners to take unified and proactive approaches to prevent and respond to domestic violence. It is our vision to provide a safe and livable community where members have access to services that protect and enhance the well being of our communities.”
Shane Barber, deputy chief, West Vancouver Police –
“Domestic violence touches all parts of our community. Victims deserve a fully co-ordinated effort across the whole community to protect and support them. West Vancouver Police are proud to partner in this important new integrated unit to enhance responses to domestic violence across the North Shore.”
Randy Marquardt, inspector, North Vancouver RCMP –
“North Vancouver RCMP is proud to be part of the new Integrated Domestic Violence Unit which was announced today on the North Shore. Our commitment to the victims of domestic violence is now enhanced with the strength that comes from working together as one unit. Police thank all levels of government and community supporters in seeing this unique partnerships formation.”
Quick Facts:
- On average, more than 32 abused women seek shelter in B.C. every day – and there were an estimated 70,000 sexual assault incidents in the province in 2014.
- The provincial #SaySomething public awareness campaign launched in 2015, with a focus on domestic violence, expanded this year to focus on sexual assault. The campaign’s goal is to educate and encourage everyone to share responsibility for stopping violence against women.
- The North Shore DVU is among the more than 250 recipients throughout the province that are sharing $7.3 million in grants from civil and criminal forfeiture proceeds announced in March 2016.
- B.C.’s 10-year-old civil forfeiture program has returned more than $27 million to communities in support of projects and programs focused on preventing domestic violence and violence against women, sexual assault, youth involvement in gangs and crime, and other crime prevention priorities.
Learn More:
The Provincial Domestic Violence Plan: www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/podv/pdf/dv_pp_booklet.pdf
#SaySomething information for witnesses and victims of domestic violence and sexual assault: www.saysomethingbc.ca
Violence Free BC (links to a factsheet and to the full strategy document): www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/downloads/Violence_Free_BC.pdf
Supports and services offered to victims of crime: https://news.gov.bc.ca/factsheets/factsheet-supports-and-services-offered-to-victims-of-crime-1
Complete list of 2016 civil forfeiture grant recipients: www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/crime-prevention/community-crime-prevention/grants
Provincial Office of Domestic Violence: www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/podv/
