New response team provides additional support to victims of family violence  

December 4, 2009

Calgary... Calgary families who have experienced family violence now have additional support available to them through a newly established Domestic Conflict Response Team.

Through the Alberta government’s Safe Communities Innovation Fund, the response team is receiving $1.5 million over three years to enhance intervention and ongoing support for families impacted by domestic conflict. The pilot project partners caseworkers from Calgary HomeFront and Children and Youth Services with Calgary police officers to provide follow-up support and a tailored response to families identified as high risk for repeated domestic violence.

“Family violence is a complex issue that has far-reaching and devastating impacts on individuals and families across our province, and successfully addressing it takes communities working together,” said Janis Tarchuk, Minister of Children and Youth Services. “This team builds on our existing partnership with Calgary Police Service by offering additional help to families to help them make positive changes in their lives and end the cycle of violence.” 

“A strong partnership between police and caseworkers allows them to work more effectively with high-risk families,” said Fred Lindsay, Solicitor General and Minister of Public Security. “By tailoring their response to each situation, the team is better able to address the family’s unique issues.”

                                  
The team will focus on providing services for families who have had repeated incidents of domestic violence reported to police, and who want to make changes before the courts become involved. Through co-ordinated case planning and joint response, the team aims to connect families with community supports within 72 hours of a reported incident.

“The intent of these teams is to make contact with families proactively rather than reactively. We want to provide support and resources before violence occurs and before they find themselves entering the justice system,” said Calgary Police Chief Rick Hanson. “We’re in the early stages of the trial phase, but the reception has been very positive.”

                
HomeFront works to implement programs that help prevent domestic violence, but that also intervene before the violence can escalate. “Support from the Safe Communities Innovation Fund allows us to provide assertive community intervention to our most serious high-risk and vulnerable families,” said Kevin McNichol, Executive Director of HomeFront.  “Our highly trained Domestic Conflict Response team interrupts and supports these families through quick and compassionate action.”

                     
The Safe Communities Initiative is a partnership of nine government ministries that are working closely with police, community groups, municipalities, businesses and social agencies to find meaningful and long-term solutions to address crime in communities.

                
An important part of the Alberta government’s plan for a strong economic recovery, The Way Forward, is maintaining support for programs and services Albertans need most, such as health care, education and safe and vibrant communities. For more information on the plan visit Alberta.ca.

                 
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Media inquiries may be directed to:

Roxanne Dubé Coelho
Communications
Children and Youth Services
780-427-4801
 

Eilish Lemieux
Communications
Solicitor General and Public Security
780-427-6171

Erin Lillywhite
Communications
HomeFront
403-206-2100 ext.225

Calgary Police Service
Public Affairs / Media Relations Unit
(403) 206-7979

To call toll-free within Alberta dial 310-0000.