Provincial Funding a Prerequisite to Ending Domestic Violence

Alberta agencies maintain a strong and vital relationship with government, while provincial cutbacks in B.C. nix domestic violence programs                                                                                          

CALGARY, ALBERTA- The article “B.C. budget cuts nix domestic-violence programs” (September 27, 2009 www.theglobeandmail.com) has HomeFront, Calgary’s coordinated community-justice response to domestic violence, voicing its concern over these cutbacks, but commending the Alberta Government for their continued support in our province.

The pilot project in British Columbia was highlighted during a coroner’s inquest last year as a model for preventing domestic homicides, but with the recent cutbacks, the project is now dormant. Preliminary results showed the integrated response between government and community agencies lead to conviction increases, improved victim support and fast-tracked court proceedings – all consistent results experienced by HomeFront locally since 2000.

Proven through independent evaluation, HomeFront is successfully reducing and making inroads to eradicating domestic violence. With the support of the Alberta Government, particularly Children and Youth Services, Health and Wellness, Justice and Attorney General and Solicitor General and Public Security Ministries, we know the benefits of a coordinated response to domestic violence includes saving lives.

According to Chief of Police Rick Hanson, “The number one partnership we have is between our Domestic Conflict Unit and HomeFront. They are our homicide prevention unit. Their intervention saves lives, it saves families, it saves people. …Without HomeFront we couldn’t do the job we’re able to do right now.”

In a past evaluation, our work within the community, law enforcement and justice systems has lead to a dramatic decrease in recidivism (re-offence) rates from 34% (prior to HomeFront) to 13% in 2008. For Calgary this means approximately 1150 perpetrators will not reoffend this year and approximately 2500 victims and children will break from the cycle of domestic violence, ultimately making Calgary a safer and healthier community.

Support from the provincial government is an important link in our coordinated response to domestic violence. HomeFront estimates that by preventing even one domestic homicide, the cost savings to the tax payers of Alberta equals $ 1,696,067.00.

Last year there were 7 domestic homicides in Calgary.

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A collective of systems, HomeFront coordinates an improved and integrated community-justice response to domestic violence. We provide early intervention for families, long term support for victims and ensure access to treatment for both victims and offenders. Our primary partnerships include the Alliance to End Violence, Brenda Strafford Centre, Calgary and Area Child and Family Services, Calgary Counselling Centre, Calgary Police Service, Community Corrections, Crown Prosecutors Office, Defence Bar and the YWCA Sheriff King Home.

For more information, contact
Erin Lillywhite, Communications Manager
206-2100 ext. 225