Coordinated Justice Response
In 2006 nearly 13,000 calls were made to the Calgary Police Service reporting domestic conflict. Almost half of these situations involved children. A random sample of the calls conducted by HomeFront revealed children made a significant number of these calls. Police lay charges in approximately 3,000 domestic conflict cases and the Calgary and Area Child and Family Services Authority intervene when children are deemed to be at high risk.
The justice/community response to domestic violence in Calgary is coordinated by HomeFront in cooperation with its justice and community partners. The results include:
- an early intervention and outreach program with voluntary participation for families that are referred by the Calgary Police Service
- a faster response time for domestic violence cases in the justice system
- a specialized domestic violence docket court with links to treatment for eligible offenders
- direct support and assistance for complainants
- an innovative use of peace bonds
- a specialized domestic violence trial court
- a long term support program for partners offenders under community supervision (probation)
HomeFront strives for continuous improvement to the justice response to domestic violence. It’s the place where ideas are cultivated and put into action. Research (Evaluation) is an important part of that process.
HomeFront is an independent agency and a model for a coordinated community justice response to domestic violence that provides direct services to victims.
