Family Violence Initiative

COMPENDIUM OF PROMISING PRACTICES TO REDUCE VIOLENCE AND INCREASE SAFETY OF ABORIGINAL WOMEN IN CANADA – COMPENDIUM ANNEX: DETAILED PRACTICE DESCRIPTIONS

History:: This is a three year pilot project that began in March 2009 and will end in March of 2012.

Goals & Objectives:: To increase safety and knowledge of historical trauma, cultural and intergenerational trauma, and intimate violence through a psycho-educational program.
Traditional/Indigenous ways:: Local Elders are sought to be a part of the committee in order to provide a strong cultural component to the program.
Components of program:: The program seeks to empower communities through the creation of a cultural domestic violence treatment program. The facilitators go to the community and build a committee made up of community members. Through a train the trainer program the community becomes able to facilitate, manage and find sustainable funding to keep their own uniquely designed program in operation.
Services/How they work:: Services are rendered in the participating communities
Funding:: Funding is provided from NTC Crime Prevention; and in kind donations from Homefront.

Involvement of Target Groups:: Community committees collaborate with service agencies.
Partners:: Partnerships vary from community to community. Each development is community specific.
Other relationships:: N/A

Evaluation:: An evaluation has been completed.
Highlights of Evaluation Findings:: The program was found to be one of the most comprehensive of its kind and follows the best practices in Alberta with regard to violence treatment committees and creating a standard of treatment in Alberta. The evaluation report is available at
http://www.homefrontcalgary.com/assets/files/HomeFront%20Evaluation%20Final%20Report.pdf

Measures of Success:: Through the numbers of facilitators trained and how many people have completed the program.
Achievements:: Some of the main accomplishments include the capacity that has been built, and that the facility has sustainable, comprehensive response teams. Successes include Siksika Nation received funding for a family violence response team, First Responding, because of collaborative work.
Challenges:: Obtaining funding. Women's programs have a high dropout rate. There is a challenge of clients having transportation to attend programs.

Replication Advice:: The program is considered replicable. Someone needs to do the coordination and smaller communities need training.
Resources:: Adequate funding and staff to train community members are needed in order for the program to succeed.