November 25, 2005

Calgary... A new handbook is now available for police and Crown prosecutors to help them investigate and prosecute family violence cases.

The 160-page Domestic Violence Handbook for Police and Crown Prosecutors provides information on investigative procedures, prosecutions, victims and abusers, risk factors and safety planning. Alberta Justice and Attorney General and Alberta Solicitor General and Public Security developed the resource as part of its efforts to combat family violence.

"The justice system faces many challenges in addressing family violence. Despite charges and prosecutions, legislation, and a wide range of services for victims and offenders, family violence still mars many Alberta families," said Minister of Justice and Attorney General Ron Stevens. "This resource will go a long way to ensuring a sensitive, responsible and constructive response by professionals in the justice system working together to stop family violence."

Guidelines for developing a domestic violence protocol for police services in Alberta have also been distributed for use with the handbook. They provide a basis for consistent practices in dealing with family violence throughout Alberta and were developed with the support of the Alberta Association of Chiefs of Police.

"Police encounter domestic violence in families from all walks of life," said Harvey Cenaiko, Solicitor General and Minister of Public Security. "The handbook and the protocol provide a more consistent approach by police and the Crown, which is essential to address and prevent family violence in Alberta."

All police and Crown prosecutors in Alberta will receive a copy of the handbook. It is also available online at www.solgps.gov.ab.ca or www.justice.gov.ab.ca.

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Backgrounder

Following are some highlights of the handbook's contents. The entire handbook can be viewed online at www.just.gov.ab.ca or www.solgps.gov.ab.ca

• An extensive definition of domestic violence.
• A statistical profile of spousal abuse in Alberta and Canada.
• Characteristics and behaviour patterns exhibited by many abusers.
• Information that explains why victims stay in abusive relationships, why they recant, strategies they use to cope and what leads them to finally escape.
• An examination of Aboriginal victims including factors such as language, traditions, spiritual beliefs and poverty.
• Special factors concerning other victims groups such as elders, people with disabilities, and those in gay, lesbian, bisexual and transsexual relationships.
• Overcoming language and cultural barriers with immigrant victims.
• How exposure to family violence can impact the development and emotional health of children.
• Identifying a false complaint when both parties claim to be the victim.
• Risk factors for homicide.
• Safety planning strategies to help victims avoid violent encounters.
• Best practices for police and Crown prosecutors and factors the court will consider in sentencing offenders.
• Emergency Protection Orders, Queen's Bench Protection Orders, Restraining Orders and Peace Bonds.
• The relationship between pet abuse and family violence.

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