Family Violence Initiative

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

INTERACTIONS WITHIN COMMUNITIES

Law Enforcement

Program Name:

Domestic Violence Closing Form

Organization/Community:

Winnipeg Police Service

Location:

Winnipeg, Manitoba

Website:

winnipeg.ca/police/AboutTheService/organization.stm

Goals and Objectives:

To provide a more effective and efficient front line service to women and their families who are involved in a domestic conflict situations.

Target Group Description:

Women and their families who have been a victim of domestic violence; perpetrators and partners involved in an intimate relationship with victim.

Program Description:

Calls for service are received by the communications center of the Winnipeg Police Service who then direct calls to front line police officers for response. Calls for information or non-criminal cases are also directed to serving police personnel for follow-up. Immediate assistance is provided by police and Victim Services workers at the home and within 48 hours a follow-up call or visit is made to the client. Referrals may be made to crisis shelters or in home counselling. Members of the unit regularly participate in traditional healing ceremonies in order to create a better awareness of the cultural backgrounds of the victims being served. Referrals when requested are made to Aboriginal agencies such as Ikwe and Wahbung who offer healing and counselling based on traditional practices.

Program Successes/Impact:

Increasing police efficiency with regard to investigation and call to service times. Greater public awareness of the service.

Key Lessons/ Challenges:

Reviewing policies regarding zero tolerance and acceptance of the process by members. Overcoming community mistrust of police and Victim Services workers.

Program in operation since:

2008.

Program:

Ongoing.