Edmonton (Alta. ) - 1991 - Family violence breaking the cycle (1991 06) by Edmonton Tower Resource Centre Online Library

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Family-Violence Breaking the city-ot-Edmonton. Ma

.FAMILY VIOLENCE:

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Mayor's Task Force on Safer Cities Family Violence Committee 1117.5a .E3 E368 1991

June 1991

FAMILY VIOLENCE: BREAKING THE CYCLE

Report of the Family Violence Committee Mayor's Task Force on Safer Cities

Planning and Development

LIBRARY The City of Edmonton

June 1991 Fourth Edition

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Committee members acknowledge and greatly appreciate the many citizens and professionals who provided much needed advice, assistance, input and support toward the Committee's efforts. A special thanks is extended to the survivors of family violence who shared their very personal experiences, feelings and insights with us.

FAMILY VIOLENCE COMMITTEE Maria David-Evans, Chair Jeff Christian Frank Topp Harvey Voogd Don Wilkinson Martin Garber-Conrad Committee Support Steve Friedenthal Tish Korchinski Anne Harrison

MAYOR'S TASK FORCE ON SAFER CITIES Mayor Jan Reimer, Chair Howard Sapers, Vice-Chair Malcolm Archibald Denis Bell Jeff Christian Maria David-Evans P.J. Duggan Thanh Nguyen Rose Rosenberger Howard Pechet Dwayne Samycia Frank Topp Harvey Voogd Don Wilkinson Martin Garber-Conrad, Task Force Co-ordinator Kathy Vandergrift, Staff Support

FAMEL7 VIOLENCE: BREAKING THE CYCLE 'Violence is a learned behaviour and can be unlearned."

-D. Members of the Committee come from all levels of government and the voluntary sector and had differing knowledge of family violence at the Committee's inception. We were all struck by the devastating impact of family violence on our community. We were touched by the compassion and lack of blaming expressed by victims and survivors. And we were overwhelmed by the strong personal commitment of Edmontonians from all walks of life to eliminate family violence. This problem cannot be eradicated overnight, but through our work with the community we have developed these recommendations as a first step toward breaking the cycle of family violence.

I. ASSUMPTI02.73 VISION The Family Violence Committee's vision is for a community in peace and harmony and of family life which produces healthy individuals, fully capable of addressing the normal, day-to-day challenges of life. The Committee's basic premise is that violence in our families and in our social relationships is totally unacceptable. Family violence is seen as the precursor to violent acts in other relationships and during other phases of life. Family violence is correlated with much of the criminal activity in our society. Violence in families often continues from parent to child in a cycle which has high physical, emotional, social and financial costs to individuals, families and the community as a whole. Family violence is not solely a women's issue. Every family member is a potential victim. Men in particular must become more active in advocating that family violence is a criminal act, unacceptable in our society. Efforts to influence public attitudes on this issue cannot be left to victims alone. The use of superior physical force to resolve issues or to control or abuse weaker persons cannot be tolerated in a just society. Child abuse will be dealt with in more depth by the Children and Youth Committee of the Task Force on Safer Cities. Elder abuse and abuse of disabled persons, as noted in the report, require further investigation and study. The assumptions underlying the recommendations included in this report are: • Violence is a learned behaviour. • Violence is not acceptable behaviour. • Violence in families can be self-perpetuating through generations. • Family violence encompasses violence against women, children, men, the elderly and the disabled. • Violence in families contributes to crime and violence in our community. • A violent family environment encourages the use of violence to resolve problems. • Family violence severely impacts our whole community.

II.

FAMILY VIOLENCE DEFINITION

We define family violence as harm inflicted on another person who is vulnerable. Family violence includes abuse that is physical, sexual, emotional and psychological.

III.

FACTS ABOUT FAMILY VIOLENCE

What does family violence look like? • Power, insecurity, low self-esteem, gender disrespect, inability to express feelings in appropriate ways, and an inability to problem-solve are at the base of learned abusive behaviour. • Sexual abuse is closely linked with physical abuse of spouse and children. • People who commit violent criminal acts frequently come from homes where family violence, including sexual abuse, was present.

Who is touched by this violence? . Family violence occurs in families from all walks of life, all cultures and all economic groups. Women• The vast majority of seriously abused spouses are women. o

Canadian studies estimate that 1 in 8 women in Canada live in abusive relationships. A 1987 study showed Edmonton's incidence at 14%.1

69% of mothers of sexually abused children were themselves victims of abuse.'

• Reports of assaults against women are increasing. • Women seeking safety and support at shelters go there as a last resort.

1 Kennedy, Leslie W. and Donald G. Hutton, 1987. The Incidence of Wife Assault in Alberta. Edmonton Area Series Report #53. Population Research Laboratory, University of Alberta: Edmonton. 2 Macleod, Linda, 1987 Battered but Not Beaten... Preventing Wife Battering in Canada. Canadian Advisory Council on the Status of Women: Ottawa.

• Elizabeth Fry Society statistics show that most women in conflict with the law are victims of childhood incest. o

55% of women whq are in abusive relationships grew up in violent homes or were abused.'

• On average, Canadian women leave their abusive spouse five times before making a permanent break. Anecdotal evidence suggests this figure is different for women of other cultures. Children• On average incest begins when the child is 6 years old.4 • Over 25,000 cases of child abuse and neglect were reported to Alberta Family and Social Services in 1988. • Edmonton Police Service investigated 597 child abuse cases in 1990. • Children may be even more severely affected by spousal violence than the abused spouse. • Male children exposed to family violence are more likely than are female children to be abusive as adults.' Men-

More than 60% of the men, whose femAle partners stayed in transition houses had been abused as children.°

Men typically require considerable social and legal pressure before volunteering for treatment.

• Some men are also abused in marital relationships.

3 Rosenberg, Mindy S., 1984 Intergenerational Family Violence: A Critique and Implications for Witnessing Children. Paper presented at the 92nd Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association. Toronto 4 Committee on Sexual Offenses Against Children and Youth (Robin F. Badgley, Chairman), 1984 Sexual Offenses Against Children. Minister of Justice and Attorney General and Minister of National Health and Welfare: Ottawa 5 Steinmetz, S., 1991 "Domestic Violence A Family Affair". Paper presented at A Balanced Approach to Spouse Abuse, May 2, 1991, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta 6 Macleod, Linda, Ibid.

Elderly• Reports of elder abuse are on the increase requiring further investigation of the causes and impacts. • Elderly people are abused by partners, adult children and caregivers.

Disabled• Abuse of disabled persons requires further investigation of the causes and impacts. • Disabled persons may be abused by other family members and caregivers.

What is the extent and impact of family violence? • 365 persons were charged by Edmonton Police Service for physically assaulting their spouse during the last quarter of 1990. All were men. 13% were repeat offenders. • On average 4 people are charged every day. • Police estimate they are involved in only 10% of cases of wife battering.' o

25% of all homicides in Edmonton over the past 3 years resulted from family violence.°

• One abuser treated successfully can save society over $75,000 a year in health, social service and criminal justice costs. • A study indicated that wife assault occurs on average 35 times before police are called.' o

Although family violence occurs in all neighbourhoods, there are twice as many domestic disputes reported from the northeast of Edmonton as there is for any other sector of the City.

7 Ibid. 8 Edmonton Police Service 9 Alberta Women's Secretariat. 1991 Fact Sheet on Family Violence. Alberta Women's Secretariat: Edmonton

Alcohol is involved in fewer than 50% of cases of family violence. does not cause abuse but, it can make the situation more dangerous.'" Survivors report that psychological abuse is even more damaging than physical abuse. Abuse often escalates after revelation by the victim. Family violence spills over into the workplace. The loss in productivity and work time is very much underestimated by the corporate sector. Teachers and educators report that the learning ability of children from violent families is greatly hampered.

IV.

COMmrTTEE PROCESS

The Family Violence Committee as its initial step undertook an .extensive literature review, studying reports, research papers and other written materials about family violence. Next, we undertook a community involvement process which included raising the community's awareness level about family violence and meeting with Edmontonians from all walks of life - front line workers, police officers, victims and survivors, perpetrators and agency representatives. The Family Violence Committee then released its tentative findings and completed the process by hosting public forums and attending round table discussions (e.g. Edmonton Metis community and the Provincial Government's Interdepartmental Family Violence Prevention Committee) whereby further exploration of the problem and possible locally grounded solutions were on the agenda. The Committee's experience clearly shows we need to improve public understanding, crisis intervention, the systems dealing with family violence, and encourage and facilitate prevention and treatment services to break the cycle of family violence for the long-term community benefit.

RECOMMENDATIONS

There are five areas requiring concerted action to address our community's concerns regarding violence in families in Edmonton. These are: - A. Education - B. Criminal Justice System â&#x20AC;˘C. Provision of Services - D. Coordination of Efforts

'Planning and Development

LIBRARY The City of Edmonton

- E. Aboriginal Concerns

Tetz, R.J., 1990 Family Violence: How Effective are We? "B" Division 1989. Edmonton Police Service:

Edmonton

Research has shown that family violence is one of the key factors contributing to crime in a community. Family violence is itself a crime and is also a contributor to further crime and other social problems. It must, therefore, be addressed in a comprehensive way by targeted social development programs. Our response needs to deal with the reality of the violence done now, especially to the most vulnerable members of the community - women, children, the elderly and disabled people - by increasing their safety and by promoting healing of the damage they have experienced. A full response must also include prevention of future family violence through education, systemic changes, and amelioration of the conditions that encourage people to use violence as a means to solve other personal or social problems. The recommendations on the following pages represent the first steps required to address the problem of family violence in Edmonton. More will need to be done, over time to fully address this major social issue and to truly make Edmonton a safer city. Following the recommendations is the Committee's mobilization strategy, that is, some concrete ways to take the first steps.

A. EDUCATION To provide information and education to Edmontonians regarding the nature, extent and societal costs of family violence, targeting those specifically involved and those who respond to the problems.

Actions

1. The Public and Separate School Boards implement and strengthen orientation programs to enable teachers to identify children exhibiting symptoms of family violence and develop appropriate response mechanisms. 2. The Public and Separate School Boards integrate in the school curriculum, education on family violence (including dating violence) and alternative ways of dealing with relationship problems. 3. The University of Alberta, University of Calgary, Edmonton Division, and Grant MacEwan Community College include education on family violence in their core course content to properly equip helping professionals likely to be the first point of contact in matters of family violence (e.g. doctors, lawyers, nurses, clergy, psychologists, social workers and law enforcement officers). 4. The Edmonton Chamber of Commerce and the Edmonton and District Labour Council take a leadership role in developing employee awareness programs and supporting family violence initiatives. 5. All levels of government provide funds to community groups to promote family violence education and awareness in the larger community including orientation and programs for new Canadians.

B. CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM To sensitize all components of the Criminal Justice system to the extent and complexity of family violence and the need to provide specialized and informed services. These services relate to the investigation of this crime, witness and court procedures, apprehension, interim release, prosecution, sentencing and follow-up of offenders and victim services.

Actions 1. There be a co-ordinated effort on the part of all levels of the justice system to pursue family violence cases to their conclusion and plea bargaining should be discouraged. 2. Officers of the courts (including judges, crown prosecutors, justices of the peace, defense lawyers, probation and parole officers) and police be given further opportunities to develop their awareness and learn about family violence. 3. The mandate of Family Court be expanded to include family violence and that the court resources currently utilized in family violence hearings be re-allocated to Family Court. 4. Special assistance and more supports be developed to prepare victims and witnesses for appearing in family violence court cases. 5. Sentencing of perpetrators of family violence include mandatory counselling as the highest priority or first option. Fines are inappropriate in family violence cases and temporary incarceration should be pursued when required to ensure the safety of victims. 6. Police and Crown Attorneys request restriction of the accused from the family and family home when speaking to release provisions for perpetrators of family violence. 7. Correctional Service of Canada and the Alberta Solicitor General ensure the provision of and provide appropriate funding for counselling for perpetrators of family violence who are conditionally released or are on probation. 8. Expand the scope of the Sex Crimes and Child Abuse Unit of Edmonton Police Service to include other aspects of family violence.

C. SERVICES To provide adequate services to immediately deal with violence as it occurs; to deal with long-term needs of victims/survivors and perpetrators of violence and that (treatment) services and prevention programs be readily available and accessible to Edmontonians of all cultures.

Actions 1. The level of services to the abused, children and perpetrators be increased to immediately eliminate the current waiting time. 2. Service groups and clubs be encouraged to undertake sponsorship and support to strengthen the ability of existing family violence programs (e.g. Shining Light program being sponsored by Kinsmen and Kinettes). 3. Adult survivors of child sexual abuse be provided with appropriate help to reduce the associated long-term problems. 4. Employment and recruitment programs in human service agencies reflect the principles of employment equity to ensure that residents with different cultural backgrounds can access help that is sensitive to their cultural heritage. 5. Edmonton Police Service and Community and Family Services explore the concept of response teams to address follow-up involvement in family violence cases. 6. All organizations working in the family violence area encourage and help develop self-help groups as a supportive follow-up (including training and on-going support to volunteers/members) for program participants. 7. The Provincial Government simplify the procedure for accessing public assistance by victims of family violence. 8. A feasibility study be undertaken of a residential program for abusers. 9. Alberta Senior Citizens Advisory Council immediately undertake an indepth study of the causes and impacts of elder abuse. 10. City of Edmonton's Advisory Board for Services for Persons with Disabilities immediately undertake to co-ordinate a study of the causes and impacts of abuse of disabled persons.

D. CO-ORDINATION To provide for the most effective strategic funding from all levels of government (Federal, Provincial and Municipal) and the community for services provided for and directed at reducing family violence.

Actions 1. The existing Funders Forumll be challenged to expand its role to developing a strategic approach in their funding so that the delivery of family violence services is co-ordinated in Edmonton. 2. Encourage agencies to undertake case conferences in situations where several organizations/agencies are involved with different members of the family, and increase funding to enable agencies to do this. 3. Funders of family violence services tie funding to collaboration among agencies to ensure a cooperative network of services. 4. The City of Edmonton Community and Family Services Department, in consultation with relevant community agencies, host bi-annual meetings of agencies to build a network for information sharing and co-ordination of (client centred) service delivery with all organizations involved in family violence. 5. The Provincial Government clarify ministerial responsibility in the area of family violence.

The Funders Forum consists of representatives of Alberta Family and Social Services, Edmonton Community and Family Services, United Way of Edmonton and Area, Alberta Mental Health.

E. CONCERNS FOR ABORIGINAL PEOPLES To ensure that Mitis and Indian people have access to required services that are comprehensive, adequately funded, and sensitive to their cultural realities. Actions I. The principle of aboriginal people providing leadership in needs analysis, program design and service provision for their own community be acknowledged at all levels. 2. Indian and Metis agencies that have accepted responsibility for dealing with the issue of family violence in their communities be provided with sufficient funding and other resources to do the job. 3. The right of aboriginal people to access preventive and treatment services of choice in the wider community is affirmed. Therefore, existing community agencies that serve significant numbers of aboriginal people also require recognition, participation in co-ordination, and access to resources. 4. The Edmonton Aboriginal Urban Affairs Representative Committee develop an action plan which identifies gaps in services, outlines workable approaches for Metis and Indian people, and recommends required funding.

FAMILY VIOLENCE: BREAKING 'THE CYCLE MAYOR'S TASK FORCE ON SAFER CMES FAMILY VIOLENCE COMMITTEE MOBIUZATION STRATEGY RECOMMENDATION

ACTION DIRECTION

IMPLEMENTATION

a. City Council request the School Boards place a high priority on the implementation of these programs.

2. The Public and Separate School Boards integrate in the school curriculum, education on family violence (including dating violence) and alternative ways of dealing with relationship problems.

a. City Council request the school boards to develop and deliver such programs.

b. The member of the Mayor's Task Force on Safer Cities who is also a member of the Public School Board report back to the City on progress in implementation.

RECOMMENDATION

ACTION DIRECTION

IMPLEMENTATION

3. The University of Alberta, University of Calgary, Edmonton Division and Grant MacEwan Community College include education on family violence in their core course content to properly equip helping professionals likely to be the first point of contact in matters of family violence (e.g. doctors, lawyers, nurses, clergy, psychologists, social workers and law enforcement officers).

a. The Family Violence Committee of the Mayor's Task Force on Safer Cities meet with the Deans and Department Heads of appropriate Faculties and Departments by October 31, 1991. b. The endowment of a chair in family violence studies at the University of Alberta be explored with charitable foundations (e.g. Wild Rose Foundation, Edmonton Community Foundation).

4. The Edmonton Chamber of Commerce and the Edmonton and District Labour Council take a leadership role in developing employee awareness programs and supporting family violence initiatives.

a. Members of the Family Violence Committee initiate meetings with the Chamber of Commerce and the Edmonton and District Labour Council for in-depth discussions of family violence issues. b. The Office of the Prevention of Family Violence and the Family Service Association of Edmonton be requested to provide information and consultation to the Chamber of Commerce and the Edmonton and District Labour Council.

RECOMMENDATION

ACTION DIRECTION

IMPLEMENTATION

5. All levels of government provide funds to community groups to promote family violence education and awareness in the larger including community orientation and programs for new Canadians.

a. This be implemented immediately by all levels of government.

RECOMMENDATION

ACTION DIRECTION

IMPLEMENTATION

1. There be a coordinated effort on the part of all levels of the justice system to pursue family violence cases to their conclusion and plea bargaining should be discouraged.

a. City Council through Aldermen Binder and White carry forward a motion to the Edmonton Police Commission requesting a letter be sent to the Attorney General to that effect.

B. CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM To sensitize all components of the Criminal Justice system to the extent and complexity of family violence and the need to provide specialized and informed services. These services relate to the investigation of this crime, witness and court procedures, apprehension, interim release, prosecution and sentencing and follow-up of offenders and victim services.

b. Edmonton Police Service uniformly apply their policies and procedures in all family violence cases.

2. Officers of the courts (including judges, crown prosecutors, justices of the peace, defense lawyers, probation and parole officers) and police be given further opportunities to develop their awareness and learn about family violence.

a. City Council request the Alberta Attorney General to emphasize family violence education. b. City Council and Edmonton Police Commission direct Edmonton Police Service to provide ongoing training on family violence awareness to all members including management and officers.

RECOMMENDATION

ACTION DIRECTION

IMPLEMENTATION

3. The mandate of the Family Court be expanded to include family violence and that the court resources currently utilized in family violence hearings be re-allocated to Family Court.

a. City Council write to the Attorney General and to Chief Justice Wachowich requesting implementation of a family court system similar to that in Manitoba. b. Edmonton Police Commission request the Attorney General to allow Crown Counsel to specialize in family violence cases.

4. Special assistance and more supports be developed to prepare victims and witnesses for appearing in family violence court cases.

a. City Council request this from the Attorney General and Edmonton Police Commission request Victim Services to provide such support and assistance to victims and witnesses.

5. Sentencing of perpetrators of family violence include mandatory counselling as the highest priority or first Fines are option. inappropriate in family violence cases and temporary incarceration should be pursued when required to ensure the safety of victims.

a. City Council send a letter to this effect to the Alberta Attorney General.

RECOMMENDATION

ACTION DIRECTION

IMPLEMENTATION

6. Police and Crown Attorneys request restriction of the accused from the family and family home when speaking to release provisions for perpetrators of family violence.

a. The courts implement this procedure at bail hearings conducted by the police.

7. Correctional Service of Canada and the Alberta Solicitor General ensure the provision of and provide appropriate funding for counselling for perpetrators of family violence who are conditionally released or are on probation.

a. City Council make these requests and offer collaboration and consultation to the other levels of government.

8. Expand the scope of the Sex Crimes and Child Abuse Unit of Edmonton Police Service to include other aspects of family violence.

a. Edmonton Police Service implement this change.

RECOMMENDATION

ACTION DIRECTION

IMPLEMENTATION

1. The level of services to the abused, children and perpetrators be increased to immediately eliminate the current waiting time.

The Mayor convene a meeting, at a very senior level, among Alberta Health, Alberta Family and Social Services, the Solicitor General of Alberta and the City of Edmonton to determine government funding responsibilities and develop appropriate funding mechanisms for provision of the various services by September 1, 1991.

Child Welfare reverse its withdrawal of services in involving areas family violence including extrafamilial child sexual abuse.

Edmonton City Council direct Community and Family Services Department to immediately undertake the provision of complementary services to children of violent homes whose parents are receiving services.

RECOMMENDATION

ACTION DIRECTION

IMPLEMENTATION

2. Service groups and clubs be encouraged to undertake sponsorship and support to strengthen the ability of existing family violence to serve services Edmontonians (e.g. Shining Light program sponsored by Kinsmen and Kinettes).

a. City Council send a request to all service clubs in Edmonton asking for their assistance in this matter by November 15, 1991.

3. Adult survivors of child sexual abuse be provided with appropriate help to reduce the associated long-term problems.

a. City Council request Alberta Mental Health Services to the appropriate ensure services are in place.

4. Employment and recruitment programs in human service agencies reflect the principles of employment equity to ensure that residents with different cultural backgrounds can access help that is sensitive to their cultural heritage.

a. Edmonton City Council take leadership by directing City departments to implement employment equity programs. b. Edmonton City Council direct the Community and Family Services Advisory Committee to request organizations receiving City of Edmonton F.C.S.S. and Grant-in-Aid funding to report on employment equity plans in their funding requests.

RECOMMENDATION

ACTION DIRECTION

IMPLEMENTATION

c. Edmonton City Council support the United Way's multi-cultural community awareness initiative.

5. Edmonton Police Service and Community and Family Services explore the concept of response teams to address follow-up involvement in family violence cases.

a. City Council direct these departments to undertake this exploration and report back to Council by November 15, 1991.

6. All organizations working in the family violence area encourage and help develop groups as self-help supportive follow-up (including training and to on-going support volunteers/members) for program participants.

a. Edmonton Community and Family Services convene a meeting with appropriate service providers toward this end. b. City Council request the Federation of Community Leagues to make space available for self-help groups in their own neighbourhoods.

c. The Edmonton City Centre Church Corporation be requested by Edmonton City Council to approach Edmonton churches to support and make space available for self-help groups.

RECOMMENDATION

ACTION DIRECTION

IMPLEMENTATION

7. The Provincial Government simplify the procedure for accessing public assistance by victims of family violence.

a. City Council make this request of the Minister of Family and Social Services.

8. A feasibility study be undertaken of a residential program for abusers.

a. The Province of Alberta do such a study.

9. Alberta Senior Citizens Advisory Council immediately undertake an in-depth study of the causes and impacts of elder abuse. 10.City of Edmonton's Advisory Board for Services for Persons with Disabilities immediately undertake to coordinate a study of the causes and impacts of abuse of disabled persons.

a. The Province of Alberta fund such a study to be coordinated and directed by the Advisory Council. a. City Council request the Advisory Board to undertake such a study and provide special one-time funding for that purpose.

RECOMMENDATION

ACTION DIRECTION

IMPLEMENTATION

1. The existing Funders Forum be challenged to expand its role to developing a strategic approach in their funding so that the delivery of family violence services is co-ordinated in Edmonton.

a. City Council send a letter to each of the participants in the Funders Forum to this effect by September 1, 1991.

b. The City of Edmonton representative on the Funders Forum ensure that this is placed on their agenda no later than December 31, 1991. c. Members of the Family Violence Committee address the Funders Forum in this regard.

2. Encourage agencies to undertake case conferences in situations where several organizations/agencies are involved with different members of the family and increase funding to enable agencies to do this.

a. Community and Family Services encourage all agencies involved in family violence services to consider this.

RECOMMENDATION

ACTION DIRECTION

IMPLEMENTATION

3. Funders of family violence services tie funding to collaboration among agencies for ensuring a cooperative network of services.

a. The Funders Forum undertake this initiative.

4. The City of Edmonton Community and Family Services Department, in consultation with relevant community agencies, host bi-annual meetings of agencies to build a network for information sharing and co-ordination of (client centred) service all delivery with organizations involved in family violence.

by a. This be undertaken Community and Family Services no later than December 31, 1991.

5. The Provincial Government clarify ministerial responsibility in the area of family violence.

a. This be clarified immediately.

RECOMMENDATION

ACTION DIRECTION

IMPLEMENTATION

I. The principle of aboriginal people providing leadership in needs analysis, program design and service provision for their own community be acknowledged at all levels.

a. The Edmonton Aboriginal Urban Representative Committee is requested to consult with the and Provincial Federal Governments on these matters.

2. Indian and Me-Lis agencies accepted have that responsibility for dealing with the issue of family violence in their communities be provided with sufficient funding and other resources to do the job.

a. City Council support funding requests of Native agencies with the Provincial and Federal Governments.

3. The right of aboriginal people to access preventive and treatment services of choice in the wider community is affirmed. Therefore, existing community agencies

a. City Council support the funding requests of other community agencies which serve aboriginal people.

E. CONCERNS FOR ABORIGINAL PEOPLES To ensure that Metis and Indian People have access to required services that are comprehensive, adequately funded, and sensitive to their cultural realities.

RECOMMENDATION

Prepared by: Family Violence Committee Mayor's Task Force on Safer Cities May 1991

ACTION DIRECTION

IMPLEMENTATION

that serve significant numbers of aboriginal people also require recognition, participation in coordination, and access to resources.

b. City Council request the Edmonton Aboriginal Urban Affairs Representative Committee offer advice and assistance on native issues and cultures to agencies serving aboriginal people.

4. The Edmonton Aboriginal Urban Affairs Representative Committee develop an action plan which identifies gaps in services, outlines workable approaches for Met is and Indian people, and recommends required funding.

a. City Council make this request of the Committee.

APPENDIX FAMILY VIOLENCE IN EDMONTON COMMITTEE FINDINGS

PUBLIC OPINION/EDUCATION The private sector could/should become involved in helping employees become aware of family violence and of methods to help prevent abuse. Must continue to educate adults and children that violence is not to be condoned and not an acceptable part of life. Inform general public as well as professionals (doctors, nurses, clergy, teachers, psychologists, social workers, police, lawyers, prosecutors and judges) what being a victim of family violence is about. That if a person is from an abusive relationship they should obtain help. Children can be taught gender respect and human equality. This could this help to resolve or prevent the control and power issues that sometimes leads to family violence. Family violence information is currently provided in family life programs and by Police School Resource Officers assigned to High Schools with responsibility for feeder Junior Highs. Recent high profile initiatives, e.g. "Wife Abuse is a Crime" by Alberta's Solicitor General, Alberta Women's Secretariat and Alberta Family and Social Services has helped to improve the understanding of family violence in the community. Information on family violence is readily available from the Office of the Prevention of Family Violence.

SERVICES FOR ABUSED AND ABUSER Intervention must include family problem identification, appropriate related support agencies to deal with the problem in the family, including counselling for both victim and offender. Programs to aid adult survivors of child sexual abuse are required. It may be feasible to make counselling for victims of child abuse, mandatory. â&#x20AC;˘A presentation on child/spouse abuse was given at the Teachers Conference in February 1991. Cards were prepared for distribution to teachers to help them recognize symptoms of child abuse. â&#x20AC;˘The Public and Separate School Divisions have policies on child abuse.

APPENDIX

Counselling and group programs for abused women are available from agencies such as Community and Family Services, YWCA, Family Services Association, and Catholic Social Services, but they are inadequate to meet the needs. Abusers seem to go through the following stages in treatment regarding the realization of abusive behaviour 1 2 3 4

I'm not abusive but I will take treatment to help save the family Maybe I am abusive but its not my fault I am an abusive person and I need help I was abusive and now I know how not to be.

Victims looking for help will often believe the problem is theirs ..."I have a communication problem". â&#x20AC;˘Alberta Family and Social Services, Fort Road Office has a field worker who will visit WIN House to deal with the immediate needs of battered women who have sought shelter there. This worker will provide cheques for both rent and damage deposits. This is seen as a very fast and effective way of providing essential assistance. Follow-up is continued for up to 3 months if appropriate. â&#x20AC;˘Children raised in a violent family environment are not provided any services by Child Welfare unless they have been severely abused (physical, sexual). Counselling and other therapeutic services for the battered (children, spouses) and batterers are insufficient . Cultural barriers play .a significant part in determining whether or not and when a victim will ask for help. Most organizations delivering family violence services do not have sufficient staff from visible minorities. At the time of reception into WIN House most battered women are in a state of crisis and are questioning: - Where will they live? - Who will support them? - Must she really leave the family situation? Women who do return to their abusive situations (from WIN House) are provided with a safety plan, crisis line telephone numbers and other services to try to minimize the opportunity and danger of being physically assaulted. There is a self-help "Drop-In-Centre" for women victims and survivors on the north side which meets every Thursday night. There is a self-help group for male abusers through Grant MacEwan Community College Cromdale Campus.

APPENDIX

•Considerable time is required for the abused woman to heal herself so that she can function effectively. •Little is known about the behaviour, circumstances of and long-term effects on abused men. Long term solution is education on understanding and breaking the cycle of violence - for professionals - employers (cost in lost time and productivity) - general public - encourage abused and abuser to seek help - education modules developed for school application - cultural factors, impact on methods of delivery, not on content--the notion that violence is acceptable because of cultural variation is inappropriate. •The Metis and Indian communities are calling for self determination in the planning and delivery of family violence services to their peoples within their own holistic and cultural parameters. •One abuser treated successfully can save over $75,000 in other intervention costs. Services for men include: Domestic Violence program, Forensic Assessment and Community Services - capacity diminished over past four years. They offer approximately 2 or 3 ten week sessions per year. - Anger Management Group, Cornerstone Counselling Society counselling in a Christian context. - Bedford Associates - Changing Ways, Edmonton Family Violence Treatment, Education and Research Centre - treats about 100 men per year; uses a cognitive behaviourial model. Consists of a 20 week program. - Grant MacEwan Community College - Family Life Enhancement Program. Focuses on the development of social skills through anger management. •Services to men are extremely limited. Agencies providing these services indicate that lack of funding and/or governmental commitments are placing these services in jeopardy. e.g. Changing Ways indicates that the demand for their services is five-fold over what they can presently accommodate. •Changing Ways bare bones program costs about $55,000 per year and can treat 100 men. To treat 100 men adequately with a quality service would cost approximately $1,500 per person. •There are 14 shelters and 4 satellite shelters for abused women throughout Alberta.

APPENDIX

Follow-up work at WIN House is focused on those who choose to stay away from their violent home situations. Battered women and follow-up case workers frequently have difficulty dealing with Provincial Social Services who seem disinterested, unwilling or (unable) to provide prompt assistance. They do not provide information as to the rights of abused women. •There is often a conditioned acceptance of violence as normative. Levels of violence may progress -verbal-psychological-physical. •Although men in our Society still hold much of the power, Police reports of assaults against men are increasing. Elder abuse is emerging as a significant component of family violence. Although little is known about causes and impacts, it is known that the perpetrators are partners themselves, adult children and cdregivers. Virtually no services are available in this area.

C. SERVICE COORDINATION •There is no central program or facility where all groups could meet and access services. There is no common goal among organizations toward pulling families together. Collaboration among Edmonton school systems, Child Welfare, probation, Court, and social services is not being well carried-out. Bureaucracy or red tape hinders provision of service early, when needed. Funding of family violence services is grossly inadequate, and fragmented. A coordinated approach is vitally necessary.

D. CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM Edmonton Police Service is aggressively pursuing Criminal Code charges in family violence cases, due in part to encouragement by Alberta's Solicitor General. Police Personnel have improved attitudes and methods of handling family violence investigations. Improvements are still needed in "mind-set", education and understanding of the "cycle of violence" and how it should be dealt with.

APPENDIX

Although a staff-sergeant continues to oversee cases to ensure compliance with Police Service policy regarding family violence investigations and a detective is assigned to assist in cases, improved case evaluation and follow-up is needed. Although there is a family violence case file reviewer (in Edmonton Police Service) to ensure compliance with procedures prior to court and ensure witnesses have been notified when to appear in court, support and information on court proceedings for victims and witnesses involved in family violence cases is insufficient. Those in the judicial system - judges, prosecutors and defense lawyers generally do not have the knowledge to deal with or understand the impacts and consequences of family violence. Court sentencing consequences of family violence are so minimal for the perpetrator under the present system, that they continue to assault their partners and abuse their children. Fining and releasing abusers does not provide a solution to family Abusers learn the system and the answers expected by the violence. judicial system. Some believe that prison for abusers is not satisfactory. Placing abusers on probation, which must include counselling, could be more effective than a fine. Sentencing should consider impacts on the entire family. Laying of a criminal charge must have an "effective" outcome. Sentencing the family to a "life-style skills course" could be considered. Ways should be examined to legally remove the abuser from the home environment to a facility that will provide appropriate intervention, counselling and treatment.

EL PREVENTION OF FAMILY VIOLENCE Children should be a strong focus for preventive activities. Students in Edmonton schools should learn about family violence. This topic could be included as a preventive and early intervention strategy. Radio and television campaigns aimed at mothers could be effective in encouraging them to seek help. Children can be taught that although their parent was an abuser, it does not mean they will be abusers when they grow-up. Violence is a learned behaviour and can be unlearned.

APPENDIX

•All victims should be encouraged to report incidents of family violence to provide for prompt intervention and appropriate service delivery.

F. POLITICAL, FUNDING AND SERVICE ISSUES •Political will is essential to significantly reduce family violence. •Prevention, the most effective approach in the long-term, is not readily funded due to high profile crisis situations. •Allocations of money are needed to support the victims of violence. •Any counselling available for children is usually through private sources and is too expensive for most. •Child Welfare services to children from violent homes have been gradually withdrawn and narrowed over the past few years. •Confusion and fragmentation exists among all government levels as to who is responsible for funding and service delivery. Cross-roads program of the City Centre Church Corporation, only program dealing with teen prostitutes, themselves often from abusive homes, is on verge of closing and in need of major funding. 16 to 18 year olds can get Social Assistance only if the parents say that they cannot go home. Abusive parents do not write such letters. For every woman that is sheltered at WIN House, three (some report two) are turned away because the facilities are full. Staff salaries are very low, ranging from $16,000 to $25,000/year compared to facilities like Henwood where salaries begin at $25,000. Most employees live below the poverty line. •Outside of a few notable exceptions, e.g. Field and Field and Blu's Women's Wear, the involvement of the business community is virtually non-existent. Family violence has a significant negative economic impact in terms of time lost and reduced productivity due to the impacts of psychological and physical abuse. Services to children who are sexually abused by family members are available through Child Welfare usually on a purchased service basis from community agencies. Service to children suffering emotional abuse from living in a violent home environment is non-existent. Counselling services to children who have been sexually abused (outside of the immediate family) are no longer available through Child Welfare.

APPENDIX

•The Provincial Government is unclear as to which department has the mandate for family violence prevention and treatment--Social Services or Health, etc.

G. DATING VIOLENCE •Early intervention at this phase could prevent more serious problems and reduce the need for more intensive intervention later. •Dating violence is part of the cycle of family violence. •The school systems could be a positive vehicle for education by way of the Curriculum and Life Management (CALM) course. •A pamphlet on dating violence is being prepared for release in Spring, 1991 by Community and Family Services. •Violence occurs in approximately 106 of dates.

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