Family Violence Initiative

COMPENDIUM OF PROMISING PRACTICES TO REDUCE VIOLENCE AND INCREASE SAFETY OF ABORIGINAL WOMEN IN CANADA

ECONOMIC CIRCUMSTANCES

Alternatives to Gangs

Program Name:

Breaking the Cycle of Violence

Organization/Community:

The RCMP's Gang Awareness Unit

Location:

Winnipeg, Manitoba

Website:

N/A

Goals and Objectives:

To reduce violent victimization with particular emphasis on family violence and preventing or curtailing gang involvement through the establishment of community-based awareness, education and training initiatives.

Target Group Description:

Everyone

Program Description:

The program is focussed on prevention, development of accountability among male offenders and supportive action for victims and their families. The education component continues to evolve and work is being done to incorporate this information into the curriculum at the schools. Community workshops have been held for service providers, involving Aboriginal Elders, law enforcement, probation, health services and addictions service representatives. The sharing circle is used at meetings and workshops; there are two Aboriginal Elders on the justice committee. The Aboriginal Elder is currently involved in the education component and regularly makes presentations at the local school and in the workshops.

Program Successes/Impact:

The main accomplishment is the increased interest by Garden Hill residents, in particular, the core of volunteers who have come forward to offer support and assistance for the initiative.

Key Lessons/Challenges:

Limited number of volunteers and volunteer burnout. RCMP staff member changes due to the short two year posting are an impediment to the smooth continuity of the program.

Program in operation since:

2011.

Program:

Ongoing.