HomeFront Mission Statement

1. Looking around this room today, I see many of our partner agency representatives� our board� our funders and our community supporters. We�re all here because we want to make a positive difference for the women, children and men impacted by domestic violence! We want to make Calgary a safer and better place to live for all families. The good news is�together we are bringing that vision for a Calgary free from domestic violence a little closer to reality! I�m glad you are all here. Today, we will share how our collective efforts have made a dramatic difference to domestic violence in Calgary! Looking around this room today, I see many of our partner agency representatives� our board� our funders and our community supporters. We�re all here because we want to make a positive difference for the women, children and men impacted by domestic violence! We want to make Calgary a safer and better place to live for all families. The good news is�together we are bringing that vision for a Calgary free from domestic violence a little closer to reality! I�m glad you are all here. Today, we will share how our collective efforts have made a dramatic difference to domestic violence in Calgary!

2. HomeFrontMission Statement To Reduce Domestic Violence in Calgary through Coordinated Community Action

3. Why HomeFront Traditional system does not work for domestic violence victims Only criminal offence where the victim is likely to go home with the perpetrator Victim impact statements submitted only 6% of the time It�s a crime against the state and an offense to the relationship Lengthy delays and adjournments play into the cycle of abuse High numbers of cases dropped / dismissed without any significant interventions being applied

4. HOMEFRONT History 1990 Mayors Task Force Against Violence Community Forum with Dr. Stephen Toope Feb 7, 1998 October 29, 1999-Federal Funding Announced January 2000-Framework and Implementation Committee May 29, 2000 Domestic Violence Intake Court Opened May, 2004 Provincial Roundtable on Domestic Violence and Bullying.

5. Goals To improve the safety and protection of victims of domestic violence. To provide specialized domestic violence training and education. To protect the welfare of children who live with or witness domestic violence. To connect perpetrators and victims of domestic violence to treatment and support. To reduce the recidivism of perpetrators of domestic violence.

6. Funders Government of Canada National Crime Prevention Center Department of Justice Status of Women, Canada Government of Alberta Alberta Justice /Solicitor General Alberta Children�s Services Alberta Gaming Alberta Human Resources&Employment Alberta Mental Health Board Alberta Infrastructure

7. Domestic Violence Domestic abuse is the attempt, act or intent of someone within a relationship, where the relationship is characterized by intimacy, dependency or trust, to intimidate either by threat or by the use of physical force on another person or property. The purpose of the abuse is to control and/or exploit through neglect, intimidation, inducement of fear or by inflicting pain. Abusive behavior can take many forms including: verbal, physical, sexual, psychological, emotional, spiritual, economic and the violation of rights. All forms of abusive behavior are ways in which one human being is trying to have control and/or exploit or have power over another. The Calgary Domestic Violence Committee In Calgary, we have a broad definition of domestic violence. This means that violence in dating relationships (adolescent or adult), abuse of older persons, abuse in a gay or lesbian relationship, abuse of a person with a disability by their caregiver, and child abuse by any family member are all considered domestic violence. Victim/Survivor Perpetrator/Offender/Individual with abusive behaviour Diverse Ethnic & Cultural Populations Children as Victims & Witnesses Qualifiers most examples are of spousal abuse most victims are women abuse happens only to other peopleIn Calgary, we have a broad definition of domestic violence. This means that violence in dating relationships (adolescent or adult), abuse of older persons, abuse in a gay or lesbian relationship, abuse of a person with a disability by their caregiver, and child abuse by any family member are all considered domestic violence. Victim/Survivor Perpetrator/Offender/Individual with abusive behaviour Diverse Ethnic & Cultural Populations Children as Victims & Witnesses Qualifiers most examples are of spousal abuse most victims are women abuse happens only to other people

8. Calgary Statistics CPS responded to approximately 1100 domestic related calls per month in 2003 6 of 15 Calgary murders domestic related 2001 Offenders represent 30% of probation case load CPS report 50-75% of incidents alcohol or other substance use was noted Children were noted as present in approximately 50% of all CPS calls

9. Domestic Violence First Appearance Court Specialized Court � dealing only with Adult Domestic Violence related offences Specialized Staffing 2 Crown 2 Court Probation officers Domestic Conflict Unit Police Officer 4 Domestic Court Case Workers Focus on rehabilitative sentencing for appropriate cases Safety of all persons strongly considered

10. Domestic Court Case Workers 107 cases per week Support Victims through docket court (just expanded include trial court worker) Provide linkages through out Justice system Do the necessary �hand holding� Provide daily court updates Provide voice to the victim Follow up with external referrals

11. Domestic Conflict UnitCalgary Police Service Specialized unit Established in 1997 10 investigators and 1 Sergeant Review all domestic violence related reports Identify �high risk or chronic files� Liaise with field personnel Conduct �risk assessment� on each file Support the court Quick investigations I.e. claims of residency or employment

12. Specialized Probation Officers Domestic violence focused caseloads Focus on offender accountability and victim safety Guidelines for efficient breaches Increased awareness of and communication with treatment and support agencies Partner Support Program

13. Court Probation Officers Provide prior probation history to Crown Make initial contact with perpetrators in court Provide referrals and recommendations regarding appropriate treatment agencies and /or conditions Ensure offender reports to treatment within 48hrs of sentencing

14. Specialized Crown 2 Crown Prosecutors Alternate days Case load solely Domestic Violence files Use Court Team as consultants to support their prosecutorial decisions Fully prepared for each file Heavy docket days will tag team � one meets with counsel while other runs court

15. Research HomeFront Sample Domestic Violence Docket Court N=2000 Baseline Sample Calgary�s Docket Courts N=2000 There has been considerable evaluation done over the four years of the HomeFront project� from stakeholder consultation to quantitative research. And, many of you here today participated in that research�thank you! Today, we�re going to focus mostly on the numbers � the quantitative information. Most of what you�ll hear about today compares the before or baseline information with the after or HomeFront sample. In a nutshell� the researchers tracked what happened to victims, the accused and children impacted by domestic violence before they were involved with the specialized domestic violence docket court and HomeFront programs and support�and then compared that to what happened to the same group of people after the specialized court and HomeFront�s work. And�the news is VERY good!There has been considerable evaluation done over the four years of the HomeFront project� from stakeholder consultation to quantitative research. And, many of you here today participated in that research�thank you! Today, we�re going to focus mostly on the numbers � the quantitative information. Most of what you�ll hear about today compares the before or baseline information with the after or HomeFront sample. In a nutshell� the researchers tracked what happened to victims, the accused and children impacted by domestic violence before they were involved with the specialized domestic violence docket court and HomeFront programs and support�and then compared that to what happened to the same group of people after the specialized court and HomeFront�s work. And�the news is VERY good!

16. In addition to working with offenders to solve problems and reduce their likelihood of being back in front of the court on another domestic violence charge, we also have a strong commitment to supporting the victims through the process. One measure of that support is the engagement of victims in the justice system. In cases where victims could be reached, Domestic Court Caseworkers contacted 96% of victims prior to the date of disposition. That was 71% of all the cases where charges were laid. In addition to working with offenders to solve problems and reduce their likelihood of being back in front of the court on another domestic violence charge, we also have a strong commitment to supporting the victims through the process. One measure of that support is the engagement of victims in the justice system. In cases where victims could be reached, Domestic Court Caseworkers contacted 96% of victims prior to the date of disposition. That was 71% of all the cases where charges were laid.

17. As Ed Sullivan would say�the �really big news� is that the research clearly showed that the collaborative community response to domestic violence resulted in a 2/3 reduction in recidivism! Working together, we are having a powerful and positive effect! For purposes of this research recidivism refers to the number of new domestic violence charges laid against individuals previously charged with a domestic violence offense. The time period referred to is 24 months. In other words, the cycle of violence is being reduced � and significantly! This speaks very positively to our goal of holding offenders accountable for their actions!As Ed Sullivan would say�the �really big news� is that the research clearly showed that the collaborative community response to domestic violence resulted in a 2/3 reduction in recidivism! Working together, we are having a powerful and positive effect! For purposes of this research recidivism refers to the number of new domestic violence charges laid against individuals previously charged with a domestic violence offense. The time period referred to is 24 months. In other words, the cycle of violence is being reduced � and significantly! This speaks very positively to our goal of holding offenders accountable for their actions!

18. Getting back to the Synergy Report, we see that the specialized court has resulted in quicker access to court �and therefore to treatment and problem solving approaches for the family! As most of you know well�before the specialized court, domestic violence cases were often delayed for months. The time between first appearance and disposition or conclusion of the case was reduced by almost half� from an average of 67.5 days in the baseline sample� to 37.2 in the HomeFront sample. Faster handling in the courts leads to faster referral of eligible offenders to intensive batterer treatment programs. Getting back to the Synergy Report, we see that the specialized court has resulted in quicker access to court �and therefore to treatment and problem solving approaches for the family! As most of you know well�before the specialized court, domestic violence cases were often delayed for months. The time between first appearance and disposition or conclusion of the case was reduced by almost half� from an average of 67.5 days in the baseline sample� to 37.2 in the HomeFront sample. Faster handling in the courts leads to faster referral of eligible offenders to intensive batterer treatment programs.

19. Quicker access to court� equals quicker access to treatment� equals increased safety for victims! And, we all know that is what this is all about! 85% of offenders eligible for treatment entered within 30 days of disposition. Treatment is offered through partners at the Calgary Counselling Centre and Sheriff King�.and the recidivism rates I mentioned earlier show that completion of this treatment IS having a positive impact on recidivism. Quicker access to court� equals quicker access to treatment� equals increased safety for victims! And, we all know that is what this is all about! 85% of offenders eligible for treatment entered within 30 days of disposition. Treatment is offered through partners at the Calgary Counselling Centre and Sheriff King�.and the recidivism rates I mentioned earlier show that completion of this treatment IS having a positive impact on recidivism.

20. Demographics 84 percent of accused male, 82% victims female Majority of offenders and victims between 25 and 44 years of age 31% accused completed high school,27% victims completed high school; 12.7 accused completed university degree, 19% of victims 53% of accused, 48% of victims employed full time, 27% & 19% unemployed 23% of accused non-white/ non-European origins, 21% Victims 11% Aboriginal

21. Situation Factors Spousal abuse majority of cases (78%) Alcohol/ substance use were factor in 80%, 76% factor solely for the accused Weapon used or threatened in 13% 56% of accused had prior convictions Dual/cross charge present in 10% of cases Most frequent charges 80% Common Assault, Uttering Threats (20%), Breach of Recognizance/Failure to Comply (15%), Assault with a Weapon (11%)

22. Case Processing Variables 57% of accused appeared within 2 weeks of offence 60% of cases resolved within 2 weeks of first appearance Trials, out of custody, booked on average 6-8 months ahead 65% resolved within 2 adjournments

23. Resolutions, Dispositions, Conditions 35% resolved via Peace Bond, 36% pled not guilty, 24% pled guilty Common dispositions: supervised probation (29%), withdrawn (26%), suspended sentence (18%), & incarceration (14%) Conditions: DV Treatment (77%), Alcohol/ substance treatment (52%), Abstain (37%), No contact (31%)

24. DEMOGRAPHICS - Gender Because I expect you are interested in some snapshots of demographics, with the assistance of Irene, we prepared a few slides to show you who has been appearing in the docket court over the past four years. Not surprisingly, similar to many other jurisdictions, we see the vast majority of accused charged are male and a comparable majority of victims are female.Because I expect you are interested in some snapshots of demographics, with the assistance of Irene, we prepared a few slides to show you who has been appearing in the docket court over the past four years. Not surprisingly, similar to many other jurisdictions, we see the vast majority of accused charged are male and a comparable majority of victims are female.

25. DEMOGRAPHICSEmployment I believe Calgary has a higher percentage of victims and accused that fall into the full time employed category � again this is reflective of our economy � but this figure might surprise some people who perhaps believe domestic violence only happens among the unemployed.I believe Calgary has a higher percentage of victims and accused that fall into the full time employed category � again this is reflective of our economy � but this figure might surprise some people who perhaps believe domestic violence only happens among the unemployed.

26. DEMOGRAPHICS Education Again, we note that a significant number of the persons accused and victimized are well-educated.Again, we note that a significant number of the persons accused and victimized are well-educated.

27. DEMOGRAPHICSAge I believe the age breakdown is quite similar to that found in other jurisdictions.I believe the age breakdown is quite similar to that found in other jurisdictions.

28. DEMOGRAPHICSEthnic Background This first slide demonstrates that aboriginal persons are over-represented in this population and this, of course, is similar to results in other criminal justice studies. The second slide gives a picture of ethnic background for accused persons other than caucasian or white/European.This first slide demonstrates that aboriginal persons are over-represented in this population and this, of course, is similar to results in other criminal justice studies. The second slide gives a picture of ethnic background for accused persons other than caucasian or white/European.

29. DEMOGRAPHICS

30. RESULTS: THE INCIDENT This slide provides an idea of how pervasive the abuse of alcohol and drugs is in relation to domestic violence.This slide provides an idea of how pervasive the abuse of alcohol and drugs is in relation to domestic violence.

31. RESULTS: THE INCIDENT This slide shows us what type of charges were laid that resulted in Courtroom 412 appearances. And, as you can see, by far, common assault is the most common charge laid.This slide shows us what type of charges were laid that resulted in Courtroom 412 appearances. And, as you can see, by far, common assault is the most common charge laid.

32. Domestic Violence Trial Court We�re showing great results in the specialized docket court� and we�re very proud of that! But, that court is only the court of first appearance. Cases where the accused pleads not guilty are referred to regular trial court where the normal delays are in play. In Calgary, there is an average of a 32 week wait for a trial. This puts enormous strain on the family and increases the chance that the victim will not be prepared to see the case through. That is our next major challenge and we�re pleased to report that Minister Hancock offered strong support for that concept at our recent news conference. I�d like to turn the podium over to our other Co-chair, Brian Felesky, to speak to HomeFront�s future directions and, at the conclusion of Brian�s remarks, we will be pleased to take questions or to hear your comments. Thank you very much.We�re showing great results in the specialized docket court� and we�re very proud of that! But, that court is only the court of first appearance. Cases where the accused pleads not guilty are referred to regular trial court where the normal delays are in play. In Calgary, there is an average of a 32 week wait for a trial. This puts enormous strain on the family and increases the chance that the victim will not be prepared to see the case through. That is our next major challenge and we�re pleased to report that Minister Hancock offered strong support for that concept at our recent news conference. I�d like to turn the podium over to our other Co-chair, Brian Felesky, to speak to HomeFront�s future directions and, at the conclusion of Brian�s remarks, we will be pleased to take questions or to hear your comments. Thank you very much.

33. RESULTS: COURT RESOLUTIONS This slide is of particular interest because it demonstrates a drastic difference between docket and trial court in terms of cases withdrawn or dismissed.This slide is of particular interest because it demonstrates a drastic difference between docket and trial court in terms of cases withdrawn or dismissed.

34. RESULTS: COURT RESOLUTIONS And, this next slide further demonstrates difficulties with successful prosecution of these cases at trial. We could go on, of course, showing you various pieces of data analysis, but our time is short so I�d like to move on to discuss some other issues we are learning from the research.And, this next slide further demonstrates difficulties with successful prosecution of these cases at trial. We could go on, of course, showing you various pieces of data analysis, but our time is short so I�d like to move on to discuss some other issues we are learning from the research.

35. Direct Cost Savings � Criminal Justice System *

36. RESULTS: RECIDIVISM

37. Treatment

38. Treatment Providers 2 agencies: Calgary Counseling Center, Sheriff King Family Violence Prevention Center 14-18 weeks of group treatment (CCC supplements 1-4 individual sessions) Cognitive behavioral / Psycho � education approach to treatment Male Female facilitation teams, 8-14 members in a group No Wait lists Approximately $1000 / offender to complete group Tx Approximately $480 000 / year to run mandated programs

39. Effectiveness of Domestic Violence Treatment Dr. Kathleen Cairns

40. Status Summary Project began in February 2002 Focus on: a) Assessment to support appropriate referral; and b) Treatment effectiveness. Total assessed sample of 305 men Total treatment completion sample 131 men.

41. Treatment Effectiveness: New Domestic Violence Charges Early results are influenced by short length of time since treatment (mean of 6 months) Non-completers� recidivism rate is 28.7% Treatment completers� recidivism rate is 7.6%

42. Over 80% of the accused made contact with the treatment agency within one month of resolution Accused who delayed linkages with treatment, who did not show or dropped out of treatment were at a greater risk for re-offence RESULTS: TREATMENT

43. RESULTS: TREATMENT ATTRITION & RECIDIVISM If find ways to keep people in treatment / high risk groupIf find ways to keep people in treatment / high risk group

44. Treatment Effectiveness: Personality Assessment Inventory Few PAI completers were low risk At post-treatment, the completer group had significant reductions in: Alcohol problems* (still >60T for 25%) Aggression Anxiety Borderline features Depression Stress

45. Treatment Effectiveness:Treatment Readiness 50% of treatment completers reach Low Relapse stage profile; (URICA- DV) 21.5% of completers had pre-contemplation profiles at post-test, suggesting failure to accept responsibility for behavior.

46. Treatment Effectiveness: PAS Pre to Post-Treatment Change SARA Pre-test Post-test Low risk 14.6 11.5 Medium 18.8* 13.9 High 25.2* 15.9 *clinical cut-off for PAS is 18

47. Characteristics of High Risk Group Younger - 80% under 35; More likely to plead not guilty; Less educated - 49% did not complete high school; Larger proportion unemployed; Lower treatment readiness; More PAI scales above 60T; More have previous criminal history; and Take longer to enter or complete tx

48. Learnings From Sample Attrition Changes to process needed to: assist with early identification of higher risk offenders; provide closer supervision to those most likely to breach, including judicial review; ensure timely service of warrants; Ensure rapid treatment entry and timely treatment completion; and Provide specialized trial court.

49. Recommendations Trial cases should be heard in a specialized court (reduce withdrawals, improve retention of higher risk offenders, improve rate of referral to treatment); Since a number of offenders in treatment or leaving treatment still show problematic use of alcohol, it is particularly important that the work of HomeFront be coordinated with any new drug court established in Calgary;

50. Recommendations The frequency of alcohol abuse problems suggests that coordination of mental health and addictions treatment requires particular attention to ensure integration and continuity; Add drug and alcohol testing as a component of domestic violence treatment for those with abstention conditions; and Treatment programs should place additional emphasis on verbal abuse.

51. Conclusions Significantly lower recidivism than reported for similar models (30-70%) and pre court 32% why: Communication and information sharing within and between systems Speed of process (14 days of offence, 2 adjournments) Combination of sanctions (arrest, prosecution, treatment) Follow up and supervision (probation, treatment, partner support program)

52. What does this mean Approximately, 1056 perpetrators will not re-offend Approximately, 2224 victims and children will have broken the cycle of domestic violence $2.4 million cost savings in Calgary for Alberta justice Calgary is a safer, healthier community