Domestic Violence Intervention From Policy to Practice

While governments may plan and develop policy, it is the police officers and social workers that are in fact the frontline ’interactors’ with victims and perpetrators. Any contribution to the strengthening of the capacity to prevent violence or to support and assist victims is therefore welcomed, as this process moves from policy to practice.

In 1996, based on our policy of gender equity and equality, the resulting intolerance to domestic violence and the need for a multifaceted apporach to eliminate this behaviour, [the Ministry of Culture and Gender Affairs] undertook the preparation of a comprehensive Programme to address domestic violence.

The parameters of the policy were:

• public awareness, including access to information and services and the elimination of stereotypes

• legislative reforem

• training and development of women

• encouraging women in leadership and decision making

• addressing men’s gender issues;

• addressing poverty and dependency issues.

Government policy in this area is not contained within one Ministry; there is substantial integration of effort and collaboration on projects among several Ministries.

Some of the practical measures introduced to address domestic violence were:

• The creation of a national domestic violence toll-free hotline which operates twenty-four hours per day, seven days per week, with services to community police and shelters.

• The enactment of a more encompassing Domestic Violence Act of 1999 which addresses major shortcomings of the [1991] Act and allows the criminal justice system to respond more effectively to domestic violence issues.

• The establishment of the Community Policing Unit to engage in preventative policing.

• The creation of community-based, drop-in/information and support centres in 23 communities, which offer members of the public access to assistance for matters related to domestic violence, rape, sexual assault and family conflict within their communities, and information on services available.

• The creation of a Cabinet appointed, multi-sectoral team of prefessionals to develop a comprehensive, integrated national policy on domestic violence. This committee is to present its final report in August 2000.

• The introduction of new pieces of legislation or the reform of existing Acts, to address issues of gender equity and access.

• The creation of a Male Support Programme containing four modules designed to address gender issues and stereotypes held by boys and men as well as introducing exposure to non-violent conflict resolution techniques.

• The creation of a Women’s Second Chances project to address the need for training poor women - particularly single mothers - with emplyment on a three-monthly rotational basis.

• The creation of a non-traditional skills training project for women to expose them to skills traditionally held by men which attract higher rates of income.

• The inauguration of a Women’s Leadership and Enhancement Institute for the empowerment and enhancement of women in personal, family, community, business, professional and national leadership.

Attention to domestic violence involves proactive ideological, preventative and repari strategies, as well as information and services to address the gender relations between men and women. These strategies must be ongoing, consistent and developmental. Policy and practice must come together for the benefit of those most vulnerable.

We need also to encourage change in the victim mentality and victim consciousness held by many clients and to encourage mental, spiritual and socio-economic empowerment of women and men. Attention to domestic violence cannot be successful if it is not accompanied by empowerment. We need to work together and consistently, to bring this message to both men and women.