Executive Summary

Introduction

The evaluation of the Gender-based Violence (GBV) Initiatives (Justice Partnership and Innovation Program [JPIP]) was conducted by the Department of Justice Canada (Justice Canada) Evaluation Branch and covers fiscal years (FYs) 2021-22 to 2024-25. This evaluation was conducted in accordance with the Treasury Board Policy on Results (2016). It examined relevance, design and delivery and effectiveness of two JPIP funding streams: 1) Independent Legal Advice (ILA) and Independent Legal Representation (ILR); as well as 2) additional supports for victims of intimate partner violence (IPV) going through the family justice system (Additional Supports).

Funding Stream Descriptions

The two JPIP funding streams, ILA/ILR and Additional Supports, contribute to the federal government’s priority to advance the National Action Plan to End GBV. ILA/ILR and Additional Supports received funding through Budget 2021 with the Government of Canada investing $51.25M over five years. This funding was provided through JPIP, which is a grants and contributions program that supports Justice Canada’s policy directions on family violence, access to justice, and other emerging justice-related issues. The objectives of the funding streams are to:

Findings

There is a continued and growing need for support services for victims of IPV navigating the family justice system, driven by the increasing prevalence of IPV in Canada. This need for support has been compounded by particular challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, diverse and underserved groups face unique challenges, and gaps remain within the family justice system in addressing these needs.

ILA/ILR and Additional Supports align with federal and departmental roles and priorities, including improving access to the justice system, strengthening its response to family violence, and increasing engagement, awareness and understanding of the family and criminal justice system. 

Key areas of success that facilitated the Call for Proposals (CFP), application and reporting process at the program and individual project level included the early support and engagement provided by JPIP officials along with guidance materials. Potential opportunities exist to further streamline and coordinate the CFP process to reduce the administrative and reporting burden and provide additional assistance to those from smaller or grassroot organizations, where possible. Common challenges experienced at the project level included recruitment of qualified staff, high demand of services, and support for short-term projects.

A Gender-based Analysis (GBA) Plus approach was embedded in the design and delivery of ILA/ILR and Additional Supports projects as it was a required component in the application and project reporting stages. JPIP officials supported funding recipients in integrating this approach by providing tools, information, and training related to GBA Plus.

The ILA/ILR and Additional Supports projects led to increased access to GBV resources, services, and supports for victims of IPV. These include the creation of new services, enhanced legal supports, and expanded community-based programs.

Beyond generating access through new services and service expansion, the two JPIP funding streams improved victims’ ability to navigate the justice system, make informed decisions, and access trauma-informed supports. Additional Supports funding also strengthened family justice services by introducing new roles such as family court support workers and legal navigators, particularly in underserved regions. Furthermore, the funding fostered engagement and collaboration amongst legal, governmental, and community stakeholders, increasing awareness of family violence through training, outreach, and public education.

Recommendations

No recommendations are included as the GBV Initiatives (JPIP) funding streams were implemented as expected and there are no identified barriers to the achievement of expected results.