Family Violence Initiative

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

ECONOMIC CIRCUMSTANCES

Healing and Reintegration of Offenders

Program Name:

Spousal Abuse Counselling Program

Organization/Community:

The Friendship Centre of Rankin Inlet

Location:

Rankin Inlet, Nunavut

Website:

www.pulaarvik.ca

Goals and Objectives:

To use a holistic approach to health and wellness designed to make spousal abuse and assault a thing of the past.

Target Group Description:

Court mandated adult offenders (men and women)

Program Description:

There are three main components to the program. An abusers program lasting 14-16 weeks consisting of clients that are court mandated or who have pled guilty to assault. It offers one on one and group sessions of counselling which can continue for the client even after finishing the program. There is also a voluntary victims program that offers counselling to victims of violence. Counsellors teach victims better ways of relating to spouses, how to take time outs and how to avoid conflict. The third program is a community outreach program that conducts community public education sessions open to everyone to attend. There is also an Elders advisory committee that offers traditional teachings, imparting an historical and culturally relevant aspect to the understanding of violence in the home and community.

Program Successes/Impact:

Successfully keeping family units together. Increase in student scholastic performance in homes where parents have participated in program.

Key Lessons/Challenges:

Limited human resources. Preventing staff "burnout"

Program in operation since:

2002.

Program:

Ongoing.