Domestic Violence Sector to Attend Internationally Recognized Threat Assessment Course

CALGARY – Domestic violence is one of the most common problems dealt with by police - and also one of the most lethal forms of violence. Law enforcement across Canada has recognized the need for specific management tools to properly assess threats and risks of increasingly complex and sophisticated cases involving domestic, sexual, and targeted violence.

Over recent years, there has been a significant increase in the use of validated risk/threat assessment skills in policing, with the Calgary Police Service (CPS) on the cutting edge, encouraging frontline officers to utilize these tools within departments such as the Domestic Conflict Unit.

Recognizing the growing trend and responsibility for the use of risk and threat assessments, the CPS is hosting Dr. Stephen Hart and Dr. Randall Kropp, Psychologists who have published extensively on the topic of violence risk, to conduct a comprehensive Threat Assessment Course.

HomeFront, Calgary’s leading edge, coordinated community-justice response to domestic violence believes the course also benefits local agencies working towards improved safety of victims and offenders. In support, HomeFront is sponsoring staff within agencies in the domestic violence sector to partake in this world class opportunity, which due to financial restraints would otherwise not be available.

Thanks to funding from Alberta Children’s Services, Office for the Prevention of Family Violence and Bullying, HomeFront is able to bring the community together and enhance the sectors response to domestic violence.

“Having agencies and law enforcement come together around this issue reinforces HomeFront’s mandate to enhance coordinated community response to domestic violence” states Kevin McNichol, HomeFront’s Executive Director. “When the sector comes together they form a safety net to support families and individuals through a time of crisis. Courses such as this help strengthen the safety net and ensure we are always available for those in need.”

The 2008 Threat Assessment Course will be held April 15 – 28, 2008 and will have in attendance law enforcement and social serving agencies including HomeFront, YWCA, Calgary Counselling Centre, Calgary Family Services, Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter, John Howard Society and Catholic Family Services.

For more information, contact:

Erin Schink, Communications Officer

(403) 206-2100 ext. 225