In Search of Promising Approaches: Canadian Child Protection Responses to Cases of IPV
Meet the academic team
Learn more about Dr. Kendra Nixon
Kendra’s research has primarily focused on policies aimed at reducing violence, as well as institutional responses to intimate partner violence, including the child welfare and criminal justice systems. Kendra is also the Director of RESOLVE, a tri-prairie research network on violence against women and gender-based violence. Although Kendra assumed the Director position in July 2018, she has been with the network since 1999 in various roles and capacities.
To read more about Kendra’s work, please visit: https://umanitoba.ca/social-work/faculty-and-staff/kendra-nixon.
For more information, contact Kendra by phone 204-474-9292 or email kendra.nixon@umanitoba.ca.
Learn more about Dr. Lise Milne
Dr. Lise Milne is currently undergoing training certification in the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics through the Child Trauma Academy. She is a board member for the Saskatoon Sexual Assault and Information Centre, and a Steering Committee member and provincial academic representative for RESOLVE.
Learn more about Dr. Marlyn Bennett
Marlyn has received many awards in recognition of her achievements in policy and research and she has published extensively on matters related to First Nations child welfare. For 13 years she had been involved with the boards of the Canadian Centre for Child Protection (previously Child Find Manitoba) and Beyond Borders in their concerted efforts to ensure safety for children who’ve gone missing or who have been sexually exploited.
Marlyn is the President/Chair of Animikii Ozoson Child & Family Services and is on the Board of Directors for the Sandy Bay Child and Family Services agency and serves on the Board of the Manitoba College of Social Workers as a public representative. In addition, Ms. Bennett is an advisory member of the First Nations Canadian Incidence Study (CIS) Advisory Committee. She is the Director and an Assistant professor in the Masters of Social Work based in Indigenous Knowledge Program with the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Manitoba. She previously worked with the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada for 13 years as the Director of Research.
In addition to her scholarly pursuits she is a rock painter and a digital designer. She co-owns a graphic design company (EB2 Image Design Research) and together with her partner, they have been instrumental in developing various company logos, photos, videos and print materials for many Indigenous organizations in Manitoba and Ontario. She is a mother of one daughter (Raven Marie) who was born in her second year of law school back in 1993.
Learn more about Dr. Angelique Jenney
The Wood’s Homes Research Chair was established in order to build a knowledge base that will improve mental health in children and youth and to bridge community-based practice with academia. Dr. Jenney has over 25 years of experience in intervention and prevention services within the children’s mental health, child protection and violence against women sectors. Dr. Jenney’s research and program development has been devoted to understanding and responding to the impact of exposure to violence/trauma on children; including family-based interventions for childhood trauma; child protection responses to intimate partner violence cases; the experience of mothering in the context of violence/trauma; the role of childhood exposure to violence on children in out of home care environments and reflective approaches to teaching and training social work students. She regularly promotes knowledge translation and exchange through relevant publications, speaking engagements, community-based workshops, and conference presentations.
Learn more about Dr. Ramona Alaggia
Ramona is currently running a large scale study on the impact of the #MeToo movement on gender based violence disclosures in Canada. The 3rd edition of her co-edited book "Cruel But Not Unusual: Violence in Relationships and Families in Canada" will be released in 2020.
Meet the student research assistants
About the project
Project background
Children's exposure to intimate partner violence (IPV) in Canada is a disturbing reality. In 2021, approximately 91,000 women were abused by their partners. Exposure to this type of violence has devastating impacts on children's well-being. In response, many child protection services (CPS) systems in Canada have made substantial changes to their policies and practices, including expanding the legal definition of child maltreatment to include exposure to violence in the home. Today, exposure represents the most common type of maltreatment substantiated by Canadian CPS systems. CPS is now routinely involved in cases of IPV, sometimes removing children from the home due to safety concerns. However, we know little about the effects of these new policies on children, survivors, families, those working in child protection, and other stakeholders.
Objectives and expected outcomes
Study Objectives:
- Establish a foundational understanding of how Canadian CPS systems respond to IPV;
- Investigate promising and/or advanced policy and practice approaches to children’s exposure to IPV occurring in Canada;
- Identify gaps/inconsistencies within CPS policy or practice and barriers to policy development;
- Develop useable frameworks that contain tangible and practical recommendations for effective policy/practice development and implementation.
Expected Outcomes:
We anticipate several significant outcomes will result from this study:
- A comprehensive understanding of how CPS systems across Canada are addressing cases of IPV. We will create the capacity to identify CPS systems that have engaged in significant policy/practice development, as well as those that have engaged in little or no development.
- Development of frameworks for enhanced policy and practice. Specific frameworks will be developed and offered to CPS policymakers in Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta because we will have identified concerns unique to these provinces. More universal policy and practice frameworks will also be offered to CPS systems across the country. Frameworks will include key elements such as routine screening, risk assessment, assessing parenting capacity, intervention with all family members (survivors, perpetrators, and children), mandatory training to CPS staff, and interagency protocols with collateral agencies. CPS systems will be able to implement this information in ways that are most relevant to them.
- Explore the impact of recent CPS changes on marginalized groups, notably Indigenous and immigrant/newcomer populations. Given the over-representation of these populations in CPS caseloads, it is critical that any policy models developed be assessed to determine their potential impact on marginalized groups. This information will improve the capacity of CPS systems to respond to diverse populations, ensuring that not only will policy/practice do no harm to diverse cultural groups, but that they are also both relevant and appropriate.
- Contribute to the current body of knowledge on best practices in the areas of Canadian CPS policy, child maltreatment, and IPV, which is currently lacking.
- New collaboration among academics and researchers, government policymakers, CPS administrators, and community stakeholders across the country, which will continue beyond the life of the project.
- Provide critical material for graduate and undergraduate social work education.
- Comprehensive training and research opportunities for graduate students, enhancing their potential as future researchers, academics, and leaders in the field.
Key activities
Year 1
Conduct national scan of CPS policies
Conduct interviews with CPS managers and supervisors
Analyse CIS data re: IPV and children’s exposure
Develop CPS surveys
Year 2
Administer CPS survey
Conduct follow-up CPS frontline worker survey and focus groups
Conduct collateral agency interviews
Year 3
Conduct interviews with survivors/families
Develop of policy/practice frameworks – first draft
Carry out knowledge mobilization activities
Year 4
Finalize/circulate first draft of policy/practice frameworks
Meet with CPS decision makers and managers for feedback and revise frameworks
Circulate feedback survey to frontline CPS workers
Host community meetings with collateral agencies
Circulate final draft of policy/practice framework to CPS decision makers and managers
Carry out knowledge mobilization activities
Role of CPS systems
Our study is based on a reciprocal and interactive model where the research team works collaboratively with the people who work closely with families experiencing violence, including CPS staff. One of the study outcomes is to develop policy and practice frameworks that will be shared with CPS policymakers in Manitoba, Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Alberta so it is essential that we hear from those who would benefit most from the frameworks, including CPS managers and frontline staff. We would like CPS systems in all four provinces to be involved in the study in some way and we are open to discussing a variety of collaborative arrangements. We are hoping that CPS authorities can:
- Identify key contact persons within CPS to liaise with research team;
- Provide direction/input as to what CPS organizations would find useful from the research;
- Assist with recruitment of participants (i.e., managers, staff, and CPS-involved families);
- Provide space for meetings with CPS stakeholders and research interviews
- Help circulate CPS survey in Year Two to all front-line staff
- Review drafts of policy/practice frameworks (Years Three and Four)
- Assist with knowledge mobilization activities as appropriate
National Policy Scan
The National Policy Scan for the Canadian Child Protection Responses to Cases of Intimate Partner Violence project includes information pertaining to CPS legislation, services, specialized training, adoption of specialized approaches, civil legislation, police/court policies and procedures and multidisciplinarly policies/interagency protocols in 13 provinces/territories.
Terminology
Domestic violence, intimate partner violence, interpersonal violence, and family violence are used throughout the National Scan. While they all have separate definitions, they overlap greatly and are often used interchangeably depending on the context.
- IPV - intimate partner violence
- DV - domestic violence
- CPS - child protective services/child protection services
- CFS - child and family services
National
In addition to the Criminal Code of Canada, there are two pieces of relevant legislation regarding CPS and IPV:
1. An Act Respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth, and families (Bill C-92) - This Act came into force in 2020 and alters the way CPS functions nationally. This Act "affirms the rights and jurisdiction of Indigenous peoples in relation to child and family services" and allows communities to create their own CPS legislation. Currently, there are ten communities that have created their own legislation:
- Wabaseemoong Independent Nations Customary Care Code (in force January 8, 2021) - Wabaseemoong Independent Nations (Northwestern Ontario)
- Miyo Pimatisowin Act (in force April 1, 2021) - Cowessess First Nation (Saskatchewan)
- Asikiw Mostos O’pikinawasiwin Law (in force October 10, 2021) - Louis Bull Tribe (Alberta)
- Loi de la Protection Sociale Atikamekw d'Opitciwan (in force January 17, 2022) - Atikamekw of Opitciwan (Quebec)
- Honouring our Children, Families and Nation Act (in force January 21, 2022) - Peguis First Nation (Manitoba)
- Inuvialuit Qitunrariit Inuuniarnikkun Maligaksat
Child Wellbeing (in force November 25, 2022) - Aklavik, Inuvik, Paulatuk, Sachs Harbour, Tuktoyaktuk, and Ulukhaktok (Northwest Territories) - Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug Dibenjikewin Onaakonikewin (in force April 1, 2023) - Kitchenihmaykoosib Inninuwug (Ontario)
- Snowoyelh te Emi:melh te Sts'ailes (in force April 1, 2023) - Sts'ailes First Nation (British Columbia)
- Spallumcheen Indian Band Care of our Children By-law (in force April 1, 2023) - Splatsin (British Columbia)
- Awas'ak Wiyasiwewin (in force May 15, 2023) - Loon River First Nation #476, Lubicon Lake Band #453, and Peerless Trout First Nation #478 (Alberta)
2. Divorce Act - Recent amendments to this Act include expanded definitions on family violence, including that family violence may not involve behaviours that are considered criminal offences, and includes coercive control:
s.2(1) "family violence means any conduct, whether or not the conduct constitutes a criminal offence, by a family member towards another family member, that is violent or threatening or that constitutes a pattern of coercive and controlling behaviour or that causes that other family member to fear for their own safety or for that of another person — and in the case of a child, the direct or indirect exposure to such conduct — and includes
(a) physical abuse, including forced confinement but excluding the use of reasonable force to protect themselves or another person;
(b) sexual abuse;
(c) threats to kill or cause bodily harm to any person;
(d) harassment, including stalking;
(e) the failure to provide the necessaries of life;
(f) psychological abuse;
(g) financial abuse;
(h) threats to kill or harm an animal or damage property; and
(i) the killing or harming of an animal or the damaging of property;"
In relation to family violence and the best interests of the child, the amendments included any direct or indirect harms that the child my experience due to family violence. When determining the best interests of the child, the following is included in the amended Act:
s.16(3) "In determining the best interests of the child, the court shall consider all factors related to the circumstances of the child, including [...]
- (j) any family violence and its impact on, among other things,
- (i) the ability and willingness of any person who engaged in the family violence to care for and meet the needs of the child, and
- (ii) the appropriateness of making an order that would require persons in respect of whom the order would apply to cooperate on issues affecting the child; and
- (k) any civil or criminal proceeding, order, condition, or measure that is relevant to the safety, security and well-being of the child."
s. 16(4) "In considering the impact of any family violence under paragraph (3)(j), the court shall take the following into account:
(a) the nature, seriousness and frequency of the family violence and when it occurred;
(b) whether there is a pattern of coercive and controlling behaviour in relation to a family member;
(c) whether the family violence is directed toward the child or whether the child is directly or indirectly exposed to the family violence;
(d) the physical, emotional and psychological harm or risk of harm to the child;
(e) any compromise to the safety of the child or other family member;
(f) whether the family violence causes the child or other family member to fear for their own safety or for that of another person;
(g) any steps taken by the person engaging in the family violence to prevent further family violence from occurring and improve their ability to care for and meet the needs of the child; and
(h) any other relevant factor."
Other Legislation
An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Judges Act (violence against an intimate partner) - Also known as Keira's Law, this Act received Royal Assent on April 27, 2023, and makes amendments to the Criminal Code and the Judges Act. Specifically, the Act involves the creation of training on IPV and coercive control for federal judges. As well, this Act includes the use of electronic monitoring devices as a possible condition for release.
IPV Employment Leave - Provides both paid and unpaid IPV leave for federal government employees.
British Columbia
CPS Legislation
Child, Family and Community Service Act (includes DV):
s.13 "(1) A child needs protection in the following circumstances: [...]
(e) if the child is emotionally harmed by [...]
- (ii) living in a situation where there is domestic violence by or towards a person with whom the child resides"
s.5(2) Includes services to support children who witness DV.
Standards
Best Practice Approaches: Child Protection and Violence Against Women - This report by the Ministry of Children and Family Development contains best practices and guidance to those providing services regarding violence against women - particularly in cases when there is a risk children may have been exposed to the violence. The document affirms that when possible, services should be offered to the victim so she is able care safely for her child.
The B.C. Handbook for Action on Child Abuse and Neglect – For Service Providers - Created in 2017 and states that reporting an IPV situation to a child welfare worker may not be required unless the individual believes the child is also being emotionally or physically harmed, or if they are likely to be physically harmed.
Child Protection Response Policies - Created by the Ministry of Family and Child Development, and includes information on when to conduct a "Protection Order Registry Check," to check if domestic violence is a risk factor (p.4).
Services
PEACE Programs - Formerly known as Children Who Witness Abuse Programs, PEACE stands for Prevention, Education, Advocacy, Counselling and Empowerment. The programs are for children and youth who have witnessed abuse/violence in the home.
Youth Against Violence - Youth Against Violence support workers are available at a 24 hour hotline to talk to youth about their own or other's safety.
Domestic Violence Shelters - A list of shelters in communities across B.C.
Specialized Training
Taking Action Plan on DV in BC (2014 Update) - Training various service providers, including CPS workers and police, to increase awareness of risk factors associated with DV.
Prevention of Violence, Abuse & Neglect - This government report includes education and training for health care professionals to identify IPV and children exposed to violence.
Interventions with Children Exposed to DV: A guide for professionals - A guide for the B.C. Children’s Hospital employees for working specifically with children who have been exposed to violence. Provides education on responding to disclosures of DV, safety planning, and information about behaviours of children who witness violence throughout development.
Helping My Child: A Guide to Supporting Children Exposed to Domestic Violence - A guide created for mothers to support them when their children have witnessed them experiencing violence. The guide has information of the impacts of DV on children, and the cycles of abuse.
Adoption of Specialized Approaches or Models
Framework for Domestic Violence Courts - This framework consists of evidence-based key principles for B.C.'s domestic violence courts. It includes common features of successful specialty DV courts, which includes specialized education, information sharing, accountability, and victim supports.
Comprehensive and coordinated systemic approach and Aboriginal Strategy - Acknowledges the increased risk factors for Indigenous women, and outlines the intent for an interagency protocol for a B.C. specific Indigenous DV strategy.
Civil Legislation
Family Law Act - Improved response with respect to parenting after separation and providing protection orders. Creates protection order to replace restraining order in the previous Family Relations Act. New protection orders will be enforced through the Criminal Code rather than through the civil justice system.
Leave Respecting Domestic or Sexual Violence - Through this policy, employees experiencing IPV may take 5 days of paid leave plus 5 days of unpaid leave to attend appointments or access services.
Interpersonal Violence Disclosure Act (Clare’s Law) 2019 - This legislation allows for police to disclose information to person deemed at risk of interpersonal violence.
Police/Court Policies and Procedures
Best Practice Approaches: Child Protection and Violence Against Women - Updated March 2014 and 2017. This document has been amended to include protective intervention orders which a mother can obtain (Point 7: “Effective Ways to Protect Children”).
Intimate Partner Violence and Risk Assessment Unit - This unit responds to IPV, criminal harassment (stalking), and elder abuse in the Greater Vancouver Area.
Intimate Partner Violence Crown Counsel Policy Manual - This policy manual outlines what constitutes IPV, the charge assessment, possible alternate measures, and bail.
Multidisciplinary Policies/Interagency Protocols
British Columbia’s Provincial Domestic Violence Plan: Prepared by the Provincial Office of Domestic Violence, (2016 Update). - Developed over three years, this comprehensive plan "aims to strengthen responses" to DV by increased information-sharing, an integrated response strategy, and better services for perpetrators, victims, and children.
Early Childhood Exposure To Domestic Violence: You Can Help - As part of the Provincial Domestic Violence Pan, this toolkit was developed as a resource for those who work with children 5-years-old and younger.
Misc.
The Ministry of Health’s provincial Core Functions Framework - This framework identifies the association between disease, disability and injury with IPV.
Responding to Child Welfare Concerns: Your Role in Knowing What and When to Report - This handbook created was created in 2017 for the general public of British Columbia. It notes that DV in the home may cause emotional harm to a child and must be reported.
Residential Tenancies - Leases may be broken early due to IPV. Tenants must give one month notice and complete form that is signed by an authorized healthcare professional.
Alberta
Summary of Alberta Child Protection Practice
CPS Legislation
The Child, Youth, and Family Enhancement Act (includes DV)
s.3 "(a) a child is emotionally injured
- (i) if there is impairment of the child’s mental or emotional functioning or development, and
- (ii) if there are reasonable and probable grounds to believe that the emotional injury is the result of (c) [exposure to domestic violence or severe domestic disharmony]"
Standards
Child Intervention Practice Framework - Based on six principles: Indigenous experience, preserving families, strength-based, connection, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Services
Escaping Abuse Benefit - Emergency financial support for those leaving abusive situations.
Family Violence Info Line - Available 24/7 to those living in Alberta. The phone line is available in 170 languages, and the chat is available in English.
Provincial Family Violence Treatment Program - Treatment program for perpetrators of family violence.
Alberta Council of Women's Shelters - An interactive map of shelters in communities across Alberta.
Specialized Training
Delegation Training - Required for all Child Intervention staff, but inconsistent inclusion of DV content (Snyder & Babins-Wagner, 2012).
Enhancement Policy Manual - Directs caseworkers when delivering services under the Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act.
Adoption of Specialized Approaches or Models
Family Violence Hurts Everyone: A framework to end family violence in Alberta - This framework focuses on evidence-based and preventative strategies against family violence in Alberta.
Civil Legislation
Protection Against Family Violence Act (2000) - This Act outlines what constitutes family violence and includes protection orders and family violence death reviews.
Protection Against Family Violence Amendment Act - This Act makes changes to the Protection Against Family Violence Act regarding emergency protection orders, provides offence provision for breaches of protection orders.
Domestic Violence Leave - Allows up to 10 days of unpaid leave with job protection.
The Disclosure to Protect Against Domestic Violence Act (Clare’s Law) - This legislation allows for police to disclose information to person deemed at risk of interpersonal violence.
Police/Court Policies and Procedures
DV Courts - Specialized DV courts currently operate in Calgary, Edmonton, Grande Prairie, and Lethbridge.
A Domestic Violence Handbook for Police and Crown Prosecutors in Alberta (2014) - This handbook includes information on children who witness violence, risk assessment, and safety panning information.
Edmonton Police Service Domestic Offender Crimes Section - A partnership between the City of Edmonton Community Services Department and the Edmonton Police Service which includes social workers and constables with specialized DV training.
Multidisciplinary Policies/Interagency Protocols
Intimate Partner Violence Treatment Services (IPV) Linking Protocol - Between the City of Edmonton Community Services and Edmonton John Howard Society, Edmonton and Area Child and Family Services-Region 6, Edmonton and Area Community Corrections, Edmonton General Prosecutions, and Edmonton Police Service.
Our Way Forward: A Coordinated Response to Intimate Partner Violence (2017) - A community strategy to address IPV, with guidelines and best practices .
Safer Spaces Certification - Allows residential leases to be ended early due to IPV.
Saskatchewan
Summary of Saskatchewan Child Protection Practice
CPS Legislation
Child and Family Services Act (includes DV)
s.11 "A child is in need of protection where: a) as a result of action or omission by the child’s parent: [...]
- (vi) the child has been exposed to domestic violence or severe domestic disharmony that is likely to result in physical or emotional harm to the child"
Standards
Structured Decision Making System (SDM) Services - Used to assess caregivers and reduce child maltreatment.
Services
Domestic Violence Victim Services Programs - Contact information for DV service centres in North Battleford, Saskatoon, and Regina.
Interpersonal Violence and Abuse Programs - Includes services and information for transitional housing, sexual assault services, victim services programs, and ending a rental agreement.
Intimate Partner Violence Outreach Program - Provides weekly group therapy sessions for past and current victims of DV and abuse.
Intimate Partner Violence Information Handbook - For victims and includes information on services, cycles of abuse, and legal help.
Domestic Violence Shelters - A list of shelters in communities across Saskatchewan.
Services for People Experiencing Violence and Abuse - This website provides information and resources on safety planning, legal rights, violence prevention, and more.
Specialized Training
PATHS Domestic Violence Training - the Provincial Association of Transition Houses and Services (PATHS) of Saskatchewan provides various trainings for family law practitioners, workplaces, survivors, and others on DV.
Adoption of Specialized Approaches or Models
Domestic Violence and Intergenerational Trauma and Indigenous Women - Research on DV, intergenerational trauma from the Residential School System in Saskatchewan.
Civil Legislation
The Victims of Interpersonal Violence Act - Allows for judges to grant emergency protection orders.
Saskatchewan Employment Amendment Act 2017 (Interpersonal Violence Leave) - An employee who is a victim of IPV may take 10 unpaid days off.
Saskatchewan Employee Amendment Act 2019 (Paid Interpersonal Violence Leave) - An employee who is a victim of IPV may take up to 5 paid days off.
Interpersonal Violence Disclosure Protocol Act (Clare's Law) This legislation allows for police to disclose information to a person deemed at risk of IPV.
Police/Court Policies and Procedures
Domestic Violence Court - A therapeutic court specifically for cases of DV. There are locations in Regina, Saskatoon, and North Battleford.
8 question risk assessment developed by Ministry of Justice for Saskatoon Police Service
Policy Manual for Saskatchewan Municipal Police Services - Created in 2021 by the Saskatchewan Police Commission, and notes that if children have witnessed the violence, Child and Family Programs will be called.
Multidisciplinary Policies/Interagency Protocols
Interministerial Committee on Interpersonal Violence and Abuse - Assists in ensuring a coordinated government service response.
Saskatchewan Child Abuse Protocols 2019 - This protocol is for the public to understand their duty to report child abuse. Exposure to domestic or interpersonal violence in the home is under the definition of child abuse.
Misc.
Child Protection Services Manual - Includes information for caseworkers when DV is a factor or is suspected.
Ending Fixed-Term Lease Agreement due to IPV - Tenants who have experienced IPV may break a lease by providing a court order for no contact between two cohabitating tenants or a professional person statement (written by a nurse, police, psychotherapist etc.) which states that the individual has been a victim or IPV.
Manitoba
Summary of Manitoba Child Protection Practice
CPS Legislation
Child and Family Services Act - Manitoba is one of the provinces that do not define witnessing or exposure to intimate partner violence explicitly in their CPS legislation as a grounds for CPS involvement. As of November 3, 2022 sections 52 and 20 have been repealed, and a new section, Application for order not to contact child, replaces them. The new section now allows for agencies to apply for no contact order if it believes any contact between the child and a person will cause or is likely to cause the child to be in need of protection.
The Child and Family Services Authorities Act - This Act established Manitoba's Child and Family Service Authorities.
Standards
Child and Family Services Standards - Outlines child protection standards and policies.
Differential Response - A service framework providing two services streams: traditional child protection intervention, and the preventative Family Enhancement stream.
Structured Decision Making Model - An assessment tool for caseworkers that is used to ensure all family assessments are standardized and detailed.
Services
Caring Dads - An intervention program developed in Ontario in 2001 that has groups in Manitoba.
Domestic Violence Support Services - Free services for victims of IPV that include safety planning, support services, and more.
Manitoba Association of Women's Shelters (MAWS) - An association with 10 shelters and 11 affiliate members.
Domestic Violence Shelters - A list of shelters in communities across Manitoba.
Spirit of Peace Program - For Indigenous families who have experienced family violence, and offers resources, counselling, sharing circles, ceremonies, medicine picking, and sweats for women, men, and children.
Gender-Based Violence Program - The program plans and develops community programs to stop IPV and family violence. The webpage has information on IPV and family violence, as well as resources.
Sexual Assault and Intimate Partner Violence Crisis Response Program - A newly funded program that provides wrap-around community services for survivors of sexual assault and/or IPV.
Specialized Training
Safe and Together - Training for General Child and Family Services Authority staff.
Adoption of Specialized Approaches or Models
Approach and Priorities for Addressing Gender-Based Violence - The Government of Manitoba is developing a strategy that discussed current initiatives and future plans to address gender-based violence.
Civil Legislation
Domestic Violence and Stalking Act - This Act defines stalking, DV, and outlines the application for protection orders.
The Family Law Act - In this Act, the best interests of the child must take into account any family violence, including violence that the child is indirectly exposed to.
Clare's Law (not yet in force) - This legislation would allow for police to disclose information to a person deemed at risk of IPV.
The Employment Standards Code Amendment Act (Leave for Victims of Domestic Violence, Leave for Serious Injury or Illness and Extension of Compassionate Care Leave) - Starting in 2016, survivors in Manitoba may take up to 10 intermittent or consecutive days, or up to 17 continuous weeks in a 52-week period. Up to five days may be paid.
Police/Court Policies and Procedures
Contacting Police - This webpage providers information about the police processes for victims/survivors of IPV after they call the police.
Multidisciplinary Policies/Interagency Protocols
Protocols between Child and Family Service Authority Agencies and Women’s Shelters in Manitoba - This document includes guidelines on services provided by women’s shelters and CFS agencies and discusses how they should work together.
Misc.
Ending Residential Tenancies - Survivors of IPV can end leases early with a certificate from Manitoba Justice and notice to landlord.
Ontario
Summary of Ontario Child Protection Practice
CPS Legislation
Child, Youth and Family Services Act (2017) - Ontario is one of the provinces that do not define witnessing or exposure to intimate partner violence explicitly in their CPS legislation as a grounds for CPS involvement. However, if the child is experiencing emotional distress caused by the actions or lack of actions by the parent, they may be in need of protection.
Children's Law Reform Act - Under 'Part III: Decision-Making Responsibility, Parenting Time, Contact and guardianship,' the Act defines family violence:
s.18(1) "family violence means any conduct by a family member towards another family member that is violent or threatening, that constitutes a pattern of coercive and controlling behaviour, or that causes the other family member to fear for their own safety or for that of another person, and, in the case of a child, includes direct or indirect exposure to such conduct"
The Act states that for its purposes, the conduct does not need to be a criminal offence.
Standards
Ontario Child Protection Standards (2016) - Universal screening of DV for all referrals, provides guidance on screening for DV (including presence of risk factors), investigation, notification of results of investigation, case management, and risk assessment).
Standard 2 Planning and Conducting a Child Protection Investigation - This approach outlines expectations for the conduct of investigations by Children's Aids Societies.
Ontario Child Protection Tools Manual (2016) - Provides the tools necessary for CPS workers to follow the Ontario CPS Standards.
Differential Investigative Response - All responses involve an investigation; however, the worker may implement a traditional or customized investigation.
Eligibility Spectrum (2021) - Scale 3 (Child Exposure to Partner Violence).
Services
Assaulted Women's Helpline - This 24/7 helpline is for women who have been abused.
Support for Indigenous Peoples experiencing violence - Includes the Family Violence Healing Program, shelters for Indigenous women and children, and the Kizhaay Anishinaabe Niin (I am a Kind Man) program for men.
Domestic Violence Shelters - A list of shelters in communities across Ontario.
Specialized Training
Make it Our Business - DV training by Western University.
Emergency Department Staff Training - Training by the Ontario Network of Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Treatment Centres.
Violence Against Older Women - Training by the Ontario Network of Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Treatment Centres which includes a unit on domestic violence against older women.
Luke's Place: Legal Information - Courses and resources for women and their lawyers.
Help for those experiencing violence - Government of Ontario webpage with resources and information.
A Framework for teaching about violence against women - This framework was created in response to the need for education about DV within law schools.
Adoption of Specialized Approaches or Models
Specialized Violence Against Women position - Toronto Catholic Children's Aid Society.
Co-Location Model (Toronto CAS) - Toronto's Child and Youth Advocacy Centre has a co-location model where multiple practitioners are co-located and work together with formal meetings each day.
Civil Legislation
Family Statute Law Amendment Act, 2009 - Amended various acts in respect to family law matters and repealed the dormant
Domestic Violence Protection Act, 2000 - The Family Statute Law Amendment Act made significant changes to the provisions under the Family Law Act and the Children's Law Reform Act, and specifically the process for obtaining restraining orders in the family court, the content of restraining orders and the penalties for violating such orders.
IPV Employment Leave - Ontario's employment legislation was amended in 2017 to include IPV leave. Employees in the province may take up to 10 days and up to 15 weeks of leave, with 5 days being paid.
Intimate Partner Violence Disclosure Act (Clare's Law) - Came into force in 2021. The act allows for individuals to request information about their partner from police, and allows police to provide this information.
Police/Court Policies and Procedures
Domestic Violence Court Program - A special court for DV cases.
Multidisciplinary Policies/Interagency Protocols
CAS/VAW Collaboration Agreements - These agreements, developed in 2003, describe how CAS and VAW agencies will collaborate when the work of the two sectors intersect. Local collaboration committees were created in 44 communities and are co-chaired by a representative from both the CAS and VAW sectors.
It's Never Okay: Ontario's Gender-Based Violence Strategy - Originally launched in 2004, this 2012 update of Ontario's Domestic Violence Action plan is a multi-ministry initiative that sets out a collaborative approach.
Misc.
Family Court and Beyond - A Survival Workbook for Women - Workbook with information, tips, and resources for women experiencing violence.
Re-Imagine Child Welfare - Ontario Association of Children's Aid Societies Strategic Plan 2013-2023.
Breaking Residential Lease - Starting in 2016, survivors of IPV can legally break a residential lease with a 28 day notice to the landlord.
Quebec
CPS Legislation
Youth Protection Act (includes DV)
s.38 "For the purposes of this Act, the security or development of a child is considered to be in danger if the child is abandoned, neglected, subjected to psychological ill-treatment or sexual or physical abuse, or if the child has serious behavioural disturbances.
In this Act, [...]
(c) “psychological ill-treatment” refers to a situation in which a child is seriously or repeatedly subjected to behaviour on the part of the child’s parents or another person that could cause harm to the child, and the child’s parents fail to take the necessary steps to put an end to the situation. Such behaviour includes in particular indifference, denigration, emotional rejection, excessive control, isolation, threats, exploitation, particularly if the child is forced to do work disproportionate to the child’s capacity, and exposure to conjugal or domestic violence"
Services
Services for victims and men who display violent behaviours - A list of services and support organizations for men.
Crime Victims Assistance Centres - Provides a variety of helping services to victims, including accompanying victims when making police statements and legal advice.
Help and Resources - A list of resources for survivors including shelters, helplines, and other organizations.
Domestic Violence Shelters - A list of shelters in communities across Quebec.
Specialized Training
McGill Domestic Violence Clinic Training - Provides training for graduate students across disciplines on family violence.
Adoption of Specialized Approaches or Models
Actions Prioritaires pour Contrer la Violence Conjugale et les Fémicides - Priority actions to counter DV and femicide (from 2021-2026).
Civil Legislation
An Act to assist persons who are victims of criminal offences and to facilitate their recovery - In force as of October 2021, this Act outlines the rights of victims of violence and abuse, including IPV.
IPV Employment Leave - In 2018, Quebec added IPV leave to their employment legislation. The leave allows for 26 weeks of unpaid leave. There is no paid IPV leave in the province.
Police/Court Policies and Procedures
Recognizance Orders – A preventative justice tool that can be ordered even if no crime has been committed.
Police-provided panic buttons - Panic buttons for survivors of DV.
Making a Domestic Violence Complaint: The Steps Explained - A information source for survivors to report DV.
Domestic Violence Court - A pilot project that will be made permanent by November 2024 has set up specialized courts in multiple districts.
Multidisciplinary Policies/Interagency Protocols
Stratégie Gouvernementale pour L’Égalité Entre Les Femmes et Les Hommes - Government strategy for equality between women and men 2022-2027.
Contrer la violence sexuelle, la violence conjugale et Rebâtir la confiance - Countering sexual violence, DV, and rebuilding trust, an integrated gov strategy 2022-2027.
Misc.
Forms of Violence - Information resource from the government of Quebec.
Terminating Residential Lease - Renters can terminate their lease if their safety or child's safety is threatened to to assault by intimate partner, sexual assault has occurred, or a child has been a victim of violence.
New Brunswick
CPS Legislation
Family Services Act (includes DV)
s.31(1) "The security or development of a child may be in danger when [...]
(f) the child is living in a situation where there is domestic violence"
Child and Youth Well Being Act (not yet in force)
s.5(2) "In determining the best interests of the child or youth, the Minister or the Court shall consider all factors related to the circumstances of the child or youth, including:
- (g)any family violence and its impact on the child or youth, including whether the child or youth is directly or indirectly exposed to the violence,"
s.34 "The well-being of a child or youth may be in danger in the following circumstances:
- (i) the child or youth is living in a situation where violence exists that is likely to result in physical or emotional harm to the child or youth;"
Standards
Child Protection Policies - Includes the below standards and models:
Multiple Response Practice Standards in Child Protection and Family Enhancement Services, a framework for child welfare accountability.
Structured Decision Making Model, a tool for intake assessment that has questions specific to DV and the impact on the child.
Family Group Conference Practice Standards (Collaborative Decision Making process in child welfare) safety for working with survivors of DV.
Services
Resources for abusive partners - This online directory includes a list of services for perpetrators of abuse.
Support services for victims of abuse - This webpage includes information and services for victims of abuse.
Domestic Violence Shelters - A list of shelters in communites across New Brunswick.
Specialized Training
Intimate Partner Violence “Train the Trainer program” - Launched in 2008 for Police and Social Workers.
Adoption of Specialized Approaches or Models
Child and Youth Well-Being: A New Chapter - Engagement on phase II of a regulatory framework and program design (2022).
Civil Legislation
Intimate Partner Violence Intervention Act - This Act defines IPV and outlines emergency intervention orders.
Domestic Violence, Intimate Partner Violence or Sexual Violence Leave - Since 2018, New Brunswick employers must provide up to 5 days of paid leave and up to 16 weeks of unpaid leave for survivors of DV.
Disclosure to Protect Against Intimate Partner Violence (Clare's Law) (Not Yet In Force) - This law involves the right to know and the right to be informed. Individuals may as police about the relevant criminal history of their partner.
Police/Court Policies and Procedures
National Framework for Collaborative Police Action on Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) - Includes information on children exposed to risk, risk assessments for children involved in IPV and barriers faced by children re: implications of dual arrest and child protection referrals. This document specifically addresses the impact of child exposure to IPV “through seeing, hearing or being aware of violent episodes” (p.5).
Emergency intervention orders - Legal information about emergency intervention orders.
Emergency Protection Orders for Couples Living on Reserve - A guide for those living on reserve, who are governed by the Family Homes on Reserve Act.
Saint John Police Family Protection Unit - Explains the Family Protection Unit which investigates crimes relating to families.
Provincial Domestic Violence Court - A court specifically for cases of domestic and family violence.
Multidisciplinary Policies/Interagency Protocols
Specialized approach to Woman Victims of Abuse Protocols - This interagency protocol is to be used for education and cooperation among different government departments and service providers.
Child Victims of Abuse and Neglect Protocols (2005) - This interdepartmental protocol created in 2005 outlines a multidisciplinary approach for providing services children and families.
Comprehensive and Collaborative Response Strategy for Dealing with IPV - This strategy is part of the National Strategy that recommends collaboration between police and community provider.
Misc.
Silent Witness Project - This project is used to remember women killed by IPV, create awareness, and promote action
Domestic Violence and Intimate Partner Violence Workplace Toolkit - A toolkit for workplaces impacted by DV.
Ending Residential Lease - Those that have experienced IPV only need to give a one month notice (instead of the normal three).
Nova Scotia
CPS Legislation
Children and Family Services Act (includes DV)
22(2)(i) "The child has been exposed to, or has been made aware of, violence by or towards (i) a parent or guardian, or (ii) another person residing with the child, and the parent or guardian fails or refuses to obtain services or treatment, or to take other measures, to remedy or alleviate the violence."
Standards
Domestic Violence Action Plan - This action plan identifies pre-existing government programs and services, and creates an outline of 10 areas of new actions.
Services
Intimate Partner Violence Services Programs and Resources - A list of available resources in Nova Scotia.
Domestic Violence Shelters - A list of shelters in communities across Nova Scotia.
Specialized Training
Training partnership on domestic violence - To develop a consistent, coordinated approach to training on DV across the government and in the community.
Civil Legislation
Domestic Violence Intervention Act (2001) - Current since April, 2003.
Amendment to the Residential Tenancies Act - As part of the Domestic Violence Action Plan (2013), which allows a survivor to leave a lease early without financial penalty in cases of DV. Individuals must give one month's notice.
IPV Employment Leave - In 2018, Nova Scotia amended its labour standards to include IPV leave. The leave includes up to 10 intermittent or consecutive days and up to 16 consecutive weeks, 3 of which may be paid.
Police/Court Policies and Procedures
Domestic Violence Court - A court specifically for cases of domestic and family violence.
Halifax Regional Police information for victims of domestic violence - Information from the Halifax Police on DV, including emergency protection orders.
Multidisciplinary Policies/Interagency Protocols
Community Collaborations and Partnerships - Includes high risk protocol committees and interagency committees on family violence.
The Domestic Violence Action Plan (2010) - A comprehensive cross-government plan to address domestic violence. Includes the High Risk Case Coordination Protocol Framework: primary service providers make referrals and share information regarding high-risk spousal and IPV cases.
Misc.
Unpaid leave for victims of intimate partner violence - Allows employees to take 10 days off, and up to 16 consecutive weeks off, with up to 3 days being paid by the employer.
Prince Edward Island
CPS Legislation
Child Protection Act (includes DV)
s.9 "A child is in need of protection where [...]
(m) the child has suffered physical or emotional harm caused by being exposed to domestic violence by or towards a parent;
(n) the child is at substantial risk of suffering physical or emotional harm caused by being exposed to domestic violence by or towards a parent"
Services
PEI Family Violence Prevention Services - Provides services such as shelters, second stage housing, support groups, and a hotline.
Information and Resources for Neighbours, Friends and Family - An information list for those who are aware of IPV.
Engaging Men and Boys - Resources and information for engaging men and boys in the fight against IPV..
Support for Victims of Sexual or Intimate Partner Violence and Workplace Sexual Harassment - The RISE program provides services, legal help, and support for those who have experienced workplace or IPV.
Family PRIDE Programs - A support and prevention program for on-reserve Mi'kmaq families.
Domestic Violence Shelters - A list of shelters across communities in Prince Edward Island.
Specialized Training
Addressing Family Violence: A guide for PEI workplaces - A training handbook for managers and supervisors supporting employees affected by family violence.
Civil Legislation
Victims of Family Violence Act - This Act defines family violence and outlines both emergency protection orders and victim assistance orders.
Domestic Violence, Intimate Partner Violence or Sexual Violence Leave - Since 2019, victims of IPV can have 3 days of paid and up to seven days of unpaid leave in a year.
Residential Tenancy Act - Survivors of IPV may end residential leases early, with a one month's notice.
Police/Court Policies and Procedures
Probation Services Woman Abuse Protocol - Created in 2001, this policy outlines probation options with the aim of perpetrator accountability.
Spousal Abuse Police Charging Protocol - Created in 2004, this policy outlines that DV is just like any other criminal charge, and the onus is on the police, not the victim, to make the charges.
Victim Services Family Violence Protocol - Updated in 2014, this policy was created for Victim Services, a free program for victims of family violence.
Legal and Justice Help - The Premier's Action Committee on Family Violence Prevention website with a list of legal resources.
Provincial DV Court (In Progress) - The province has began the process of creating a therapeutic DV court.
Multidisciplinary Policies/Interagency Protocols
Premier Action Committee on Family Violence - Established in 1995 to implement the action plan against family violence.
Victim Services Advisory Committee - This committee consults with the Minister to protect and help victims.
Hospital Emergency Domestic Violence Protocol - Created in 2002, this protocol is a guide for health care professionals with assessment and intervention strategies.
Misc.
Faith Communities and Family Violence - A list of education and resources for religious communities.
Information, Teaching Materials, and Resources for Teachers - A resource for teacher to education students on healthy relationships.
Newfoundland and Labrador
CPS Legislation
Children, Youth and Families Act (includes violence in the home)
s.10(1) "A child is in need of protective intervention where the child [...]
(l) is living in a situation where there is violence or is living in a situation where there is a risk of violence;
(m) is living with a parent whose actions show a propensity to violence or who has allegedly killed or seriously injured another person"
Standards
Risk Management Decision Making Model (RMDM) (2013) - A mandatory decision making framework for child protection across the province.
The Protection and In Care Policy and Procedures Manual (2011) - This manual includes policy direction for seeking police involvement in CPS matters and direction for social workers when making an application to the court to seek a prohibit-contact order.
Services
Transition House Association of Newfoundland and Labrador - Provides housing, income, legal aid and other available services.
Iris Kirby House – Life Skills Program - Program to teach life skills like finances and cooking to those leaving or looking to leave a relationship.
Domestic Violence Helpline - Province-wide helpline that connects victims with a professional.
Domestic Violence Shelters - A list of shelters in communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador
Specialized Training
Empowering Them - A free course on gender-based violence.
Adoption of Specialized Approaches or Models
Violence Prevention Initiative - Reflects the government of Newfoundland and Labrador's commitment to finding long-term solutions to family violence.
Safe and Together Model - Newfoundland and Labrador is another province that uses the S&T model.
Civil Legislation
Family and Violence Protection Act (2006)
Conditions available include:
- no contact;
- exclusive possession;
- custody;
- requirement to make rent/mortgage payments;
- restraining the respondent from terminating the basic services of utilities servicing the residence;
- directing respondent to deliver to police weapons that he/she owns, possesses or controls; and
- publication ban (applicant or child) on identifying information
Interpersonal Violence Disclosure Protocol Act (Clare's Law) - Not yet in force.
IPV Employment Leave - In 2019, IPV employment leave was created and included 3 days paid and 7 days unpaid per year.
Police/Court Policies and Procedures
Family Violence Intervention Court - A court specifically for cases of family violence.
Police Watchdogs Oversight Agency - The agency is set up to investigate IPV perpetrated by members of the police force.
Multidisciplinary Policies/Interagency Protocols
Memorandum of Understanding on Information Sharing: A coordinated Response In Child Abuse - Outlines a process for sharing of information between the Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Child, Youth and Family Services and policing agencies on matters relating to the protection of children.
Ministers Committee on Violence Against Women and Girls - Formed in 2017, the committee is made up of government, community members, and those with lived experience.
Victims of Violence Policy – Newfoundland and Labrador Housing - Affordable housing for those experiencing abuse.
Misc.
Family Violence Fact Sheet - A fact sheet with information about family violence in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Violence Prevention Safety Planning - Escaping a Violent Relationships - Information and a step-by-step guide on safety planning for those wishing to leave a relationships.
Application to Terminate - Family Violence - Tenants may end leases early due to family violence, but must provide 30 days notice.
Yukon
CPS Legislation
Child and Family Services Act (includes DV)
s.21(1) "A child is in need of protective intervention if the child: [...]
(c ) is, or is likely to be, emotionally harmed and there are reasonable grounds to believe the emotional harm is caused by a situation or circumstance described in subsection (4)"
s.21(4) "for the purposed of paragraph (1)(c ), the following are the situations or circumstances where, if they are the cause of emotional harm, the child is in need of protective intervention: [...]
(b) the exposure of the child to domestic violence or severe domestic disharmony"
Children’s Law Act - Outlines the best interests of the child in custody arrangements.
Services
Get Help: Escape a Violent Situation - Government of Yukon webpage with information and contact to the three Victim Services branches in Whitehorse, Dawson City, and Watson Lake.
Women’s Advocate - The Victoria Faulkner Women's Centre supports those in crisis through various services including social, financial, and legal.
Kaushee’s Place Shelter - A shelter where women and children can stay for up to 30 days.
Dawson Women’s Shelter - A shelter for women in Dawson City.
Help and Hope for Families Society - A shelter that provides both emergency and second-stage housing for women escaping violence.
Independent Legal Advice Program - This program for victims of domestic or sexual violence to receive up to 4 hours of free legal advice.
Specialized Training
RCMP unit specialized training to respond to domestic violence - This police unit is based in Whitehorse but does travel throughout the territory to target DV cases.
Adoption of Specialized Approaches or Models
Healthy Families Project - Targets parents with children 0-6 who were considered high risk for criminal behaviour or victimization and exposure to DV.
Civil Legislation
Family Violence Prevention Act (2002) - This legislation outlines provisions for three protective court orders:
- Emergency Intervention Orders (EIOs)
- Victim’s Assistance Orders (VAOs)
- Warrants of Entry
Victims of Crime Act (2010) - Under this act individuals may be considered victims even if there are no charges.
Yukon Domestic Violence Leave - Provides for 5 days of paid leave, 5 days of unpaid leave, and up to 15 weeks of unpaid leave with employer approval for victims of DV.
Police/Court Policies and Procedures
Yukon Domestic Violence Treatment Options Court (DVTO) - A court specifically for cases of DV.
Yukon’s Policing Priorities - States that there will be more engagement and support for children, as well as stronger prevention, investigation and enforcement strategies in regards to violence against women, girls and 2SLGBTQ+ people.
Together for Safety - This protocol between women's organizations and the Yukon police is to create safety for women through communication, collaboration and commitment to the protocol.
Multidisciplinary Policies/Interagency Protocols
Inter-Agency Agreement for the Investigation of Child Abuse (1998) - The signatories are: Health and Social Services, Justice Canada (who represented the Public Prosecution in 1998), Department of Justice, Yukon, Department of Education, Yukon and RCMP.
The guiding principle: successful investigations require cooperation. The protocol covers all stages of child abuse investigation including: receiving reports; interview process; laying of charges; court process; treatment options and; roles and responsibilities of the RCMP, Family and Children’s Services and the Crown.
Protocol Agreement between the Department of Education, Health and Social Services and Justice - Regarding Interdepartmental Information Exchange of Children and Their Families (1993)
The protocol is an agreement between government departments to ensure the appropriate and timely exchange of information between departments while balancing the right to privacy and confidentiality to citizens. The protocol lays out department’s responsibilities in attempting to get verbal/written agreement prior to sharing information, and lays out the procedure for resolving conflicts related to information sharing.
Misc.
Response to Yukon Child and Youth Advocate Office Systemic Review and Recommendations (2019) - CPS training, health families, Signs of Safety Practice Framework, Family Enhancement Teams.
North West Territories
CPS Legislation
Child and Family Services Act (includes DV)
s.7(3) "A Child needs protection where [...]
(j) the child has been exposed to domestic violence by or towards a parent of the child, the child has suffered physical or emotional harm from that exposure and the child’s parent fails or refuses to obtain services, treatment or healing processes to remedy or alleviate the harm;
(k) the child has been exposed to domestic violence by or towards a parent of the child and there is a substantial risk that the exposure will result in physical or emotional harm to the child and the child’s parent fails or refuses to obtain services, treatment or healing processes to prevent the harm
Services
Getting Help with Family Violence - Includes various resources and services, including the 24/7 territorial Help Line.
Community Counselling Program - Free phone and in-person fly-in counselling by trained professionals.
Domestic Violence Shelters - A list of shelters in communities across the North West Territories.
Specialized Training
Family Violence Shelter Worker Training Program - A curriculum developed specifically for the North West Territories.
Trauma and Violence-Informed Approach for Organizations - Training for organizations for service delivery in the North West Territories.
Trauma and Violence-Informed Approach for Service Providers - A practical training guide for service providers in the North West Territories.
Civil Legislation
Protection Against Family Violence Act (2005) - This Act outlines protection orders and emergency protection orders in the case of family violence.
Paid leave for Domestic Violence Survivors - Effective as of January 2020, the Family Violence Leave allows for 5 days paid and 5 days unpaid leave, with additional 15 consecutive day unpaid leave.
Police/Court Policies and Procedures
Intimate Partner Violence Treatment Options Court - A court specifically for cases of IPV which allows perpetrators of violence to take accountability and go to therapy to reduce risk of re-offending.
Multidisciplinary Policies/Interagency Protocols
Yellowknife Interagency Family Violence and Abuse Protocol (2008) - A multi-agency agreement on how to respond consistently to family violence.
Strategic Directions in Ending Family Violence in the NWT - A report by the Coalition Against Family Violence, a group of governmental and non-governmental organizations working together on family violence.
Misc.
NWT Family Violence Report Card - An overview of how the NWT responds to family violence by the Coalition Against Family Violence.
We Hear You - A report by the Status of Women Council of the NWT that identified 5 main conclusions, including IPV is a public health issue and that children are impacted in many ways by IPV.
Workbook: We Hear You - A workbook by the Status of Women Council of the NWT which to help identify ways to help women experiencing IPV - either personally, professionally, organizationally, or institutionally.
Rental Termination due to DV - Tenants may end leases early if there is an Emergency Protection Order in place and 30 days notice is provided.
Nunavut
CPS Legislation
Child and Family Services Act (includes family violence)
s.7(3) "A child needs protection where: [...]
(p) the child is repeatedly exposed to family violence and the child’s parent is unwilling or unable to stop such exposure"
Services
Family Violence Services and Supports - Government of Nunavut webpage with information about violence and abuse, as well as links for shelters and other services.
Domestic Violence Shelters - A list of shelters across communities in Nunavut.
Specialized Training
Recommendations to Prevent Domestic Violence Related Deaths - Public awareness, specialized training, collaborations.
Adoption of Specialized Approaches or Models
Community Justice Outreach Worker (CJOW) - Positions in each community in Nunavut. These specially trained individuals are tasked with implementing FAIA by way of linking individuals with culturally appropriate resources, such as traditional counselling, helping get protection orders etc.
Made in Nunavut Solution to Domestic Violence - Removing the perpetrator from the home instead of uprooting the other parent and children.
Family Violence Prevention Framework for Action - A framework for coordinated action for violence against women that integrates Inuit principles.
Civil Legislation
Family Abuse Intervention Act (2008)
- An Emergency Protection Order (EPO) to be safe from the immediate harm of abuse; or
- A Community Intervention Order (CIO) to seek counselling for the development of safer, healthier relationships.
IPV Employment Leave - The most recently added legislation, Nunavut provides 5 days paid and 5 days of unpaid IPV employment leave.
Multidisciplinary Policies/Interagency Protocols
Child Abuse Response Protocol (2004) - Based on the idea that successful child abuse investigations involve collaboration between organizations involved in the education, health, support, and protection of children. All stages of child maltreatment investigation are included in the protocol. Signed by Government of Nunavut – Health and Social Services, Education and Justice, Justice Canada, and RCMP.
The Saillivik Policy - Offered by the Government of Nunavut’s Department of Health and Social Services. Services offered through the Saillivik Program are meant to protect and support victims of family violence, and provide viable responses to family violence issues. Under the Saillivik Program, social workers can help move women and children away from family violence. Depending on the family’s situation, social workers will help a family get help through the Family Abuse Intervention Act or move family members to a safe place, such as Family Violence Shelter or Community Safe Home.
Misc.
Access to Justice Family Violence Prevention Recommendations - A set of recommendations by the Law Society of Nunavut for police, justice, community service providers, and the government.
Study of Gender-based Violence and Shelter Service Needs across Inuit Nunangat - A 2019 report by Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada that made recommendations after a 24 month study.
Final Report on Access to Justice on Family Violence in Nunavut (2022) - A report that recommended culturally-appropriate initiatives to breaking cycles of violence.
Men and Boys Initiative Grants - Funding for programs that may include parenting programs, recovery from cycles of violence and others.
Women’s Initiative Grants - Funding for programs that may include parenting, etc.
Break the Silence Campaign - A public awareness campaign about violence against women.
Study Deliverables
Literature review
Coming soon
Overview of CPS and Children's Exposure to IPV
Interviews with CPS administrators/supervisors
CPS front-line worker survey
Interviews with collateral agencies
Interviews with survivors/families
RESOLVing Violence Podcast Interview
Navigating the Terrain: Policies and Responses to Intimate Partner Violence - Dr. Lise Milne discusses the Saskatchewan findings of In Search of Promising Approaches on the RESOLVE Saskatchewan podcast.