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:

Sturgeon Family Violence Prevention Program

Organization/Community:

Sturgeon Victim Services Association

Location:

Morinville, Alberta

Website:

www.sturgeonfamilyviolenceprogram.com

Goals and Objectives:

To provide a supportive and non-judgemental environment in which clients can safely and confidentially learn about family violence prevention.

Target Group Description:

Victims and Offenders (No age range given)

Program Description:

The program provides psycho-educational sessions for both victims and offenders. A court worker is available to clients to help with understanding and working with the legal process. The program provides risk assessments to assess the potential safety risk for both men and women. It is designed to allow clients to make their own choices during all stages of the process and to increase community awareness of family violence and prevention. The program also facilitates access to services (i.e. substance abuse programs, Aboriginal groups, employment and financial support agencies) in and around the surrounding area. Clients have access to Elders and other cultural supports to address unique needs when identified.

Program Successes/Impact:

Male clients of the program often accept responsibility for their actions and are able to take the next step toward reconciliation. Women have become more aware of options to avoid staying in abusive households.

Key Lessons/Challenges:

Obtaining funding. Lack of court mandated attendance for women offenders has been a challenge.

Program in operation since:

2007.

Program:

Ongoing.