CLE Online

Day 1:  Dynamics of Domestic Violence—A Community Responsibility

Welcome and Introduction

Overview

• understanding the dynamics of domestic violence
• recognizing the signs; identifying the risk factors
• understanding the challenge and the stakes
• the Domestic Violence Interview Guide
• contributing to safe outcomes within the context of our roles and disciplines

Jocelyn Coupal — Domestic Violence Consultant/Crown Counsel, Vancouver

Women and Children Who Have Experienced Violence: Safety Planning

• an “academic” question?: defining risk and safety in domestic violence situations
• evidence-based research: the victim voice in impacting issues of policy and law reform
• “context” is all: diverse factors which impact individual domestic violence victim risk
• “risky” domestic violence policy and law: how to evaluate the effectiveness of specialized instruments and practices
• role of authority figures in the lives of women and children; how not to replicate the power/control of the abuser
• the neurobiology of trauma and attachment: effects on information processing and decision making for women who have experienced relationship violence
• how socialization affects decision making
• how presence/absence/”fit” of resources can affect decision making; the role of professionals in connecting women to resources
• the need to outreach and not be deterred by a lack of response from the woman
• collaborative safety planning: considering the social context
• complexity and the need for flexibility as women’s unique situations change
• social factors that impact a woman’s level of risk
• safety planning for leaving or deciding to stay in the relationship 

Dr. Margaret A. Jackson — Director, FREDA Centre for Research on Violence Against Women AND Professor Emerita, School of Criminology, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver
Gail Edinger — Regional Coordinator, Community Coordination for Women's Safety, 100 Mile House; Ending Violence Association of BC, Vancouver
Heather Whiteford — Manager, Victim Services, Family Services of Greater Vancouver, New Westminster;
Director, JASMINE (Justice Access Society for Maintaining Independence and Empowerment), Vancouver

Questions and Discussion

Networking Break

Networking Lunch (provided)

Questions and Discussion

Immigration Issues and Human Trafficking

• immigration status: compounding issues and risks in domestic violence situations
• compromise and re-victimization of immigrant women
• solutions and recommendations for policy makers
• human trafficking: indicators, risks, and protection measures
• what is human trafficking? what are the specific Criminal Code and Immigration and Refugee Protection Act provisions related to it?
• what are the needs of trafficked persons? what risks do they face?
• what measures of protection can Canada offer to trafficked persons?
• what is the role of BC’s Office to Combat Trafficking in Persons?

Rosalind Currie — Director, Policy and Stakeholder Relations, Office to Combat Trafficking in Persons, Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Vancouver
Kamaljit K. Lehal — Immigration Lawyer, Lehal & Co, Delta; supervising lawyer, Ending Violence Association of BC Immigrant Women’s Project, Vancouver

Questions and Discussion

Day 2:  Risk Factors and Safety Planning

Welcome and Introduction

Lessons Learned from Tragedies: The Findings of Ontario’s Domestic Violence Death Review Committee

• the vast majority of domestic homicides appear predictable and preventable
• consistent pattern of risk factors: often known to friends, family, co-workers, and community professionals before tragedies happen
• the need for enhanced public awareness and professional development in all sectors
• the critical role of risk assessment and risk management
• recognizing the dangers to children in these circumstances
• successful intervention often requires active collaboration amongst legal, mental health, and social service professionals
• prevention strategies for schools, colleges, and universities

Dr. Peter Jaffe, PhD, CPsych — Faculty of Education, University of Western Ontario AND Ontario Domestic Violence Death Review Committee, London, Ontario

High Risk Domestic Violence Files: A Partnership Approach

• risk factors: accused variables, victim variables
• collaborative approach to safety planning for victim and victim’s children, including
  • police
  • Ministry of Children and Family Development
  • bail/probation workers
  • Crown
  • family members of victim and accused
• redefining success in high-risk domestic violence files 
  • broader than judicial outcome
  • increased victim safety in present and future
  • increased offender accountability contributes to victim safety

Detective Constable Michele McKnight — Domestic Violence and Criminal Harassment Unit, Vancouver Police Department, Vancouver
Adriane Egan — Community Counsellor, Vancouver Domestic Violence Unit, Family Services of Greater Vancouver, Vancouver

Questions and Discussion

Networking Break

Lunch (on your own)

The Domestic Violence Interview Guide

• focuses an interview on identifying risk factors for lethality
• guides interviews for organization and documentation of information
• identifies strategies and processes to increase victim safety
• ensures understanding of the unique needs and circumstances of the client so that appropriate referrals and resources can be recommended

Jocelyn Coupal — Domestic Violence Consultant/Crown Counsel, Vancouver

Questions and Discussion

Networking Break

Workshop: Interviewing Skills

Actors will enact a police investigation scenario. Using a tape-recording and transcript of a 911 call, and the Domestic Violence Interview Guide, small groups will conduct focused interviews of victims (played by actors) and identify risk factors for lethality and steps for safety planning.

Closing Comments

Jocelyn Coupal — Domestic Violence Consultant/Crown Counsel, Vancouver