Specialized Domestic Violence First Appearance (Docket) and Trial Courts

HomeFront operates within the first appearance docket court specializing in domestic violence offences, as well as a specialized domestic violence trial court launched in 2005. The docket court team includes experts who meet and review cases with defence counsel prior to pursuing them. In appropriate cases, treatment-focused sentences are strongly considered. All sentences include some form of legal sanction (e.g. peace bond, probation, incarceration, fine, etc.) and treatment (e.g. specialized domestic violence counselling, substance abuse counselling, etc.) with an emphasis on complainant/child safety and offender accountability.

When cases must progress to the specialized domestic violence trial court, domestic violence court caseworkers act as liaison between Crown prosecutors and complainants. Domestic court caseworkers support complainants by removing trial participation barriers. 

The reduced wait time for cases coming to trial is resulting in faster, more effective outcomes for all parties.

Contact

For more information on the court program process please contact 403.206.2100 ext.224.