BY KEITH LACEY
A police program which has assisted victims of domestic violence has been renewed for another year. The Greater Sudbury Police Services Board has agreed to extend the Bail Safety Pilot Project Agreement.
The program was originated in Greater Sudbury in 2003 and was the first project of its kind at the time. There are now six community programs receiving funding from the province.
The Ministry of the Attorney General provides funding for police services to hire one full-time domestic violence co-ordinator, who works directly with a complainant, Police Chief Ian Davidson told the board.
The complainant is interviewed by the co-ordinator, is allowed to speak with the prosecuting Crown attorney, and counselled by victim/witness assistance program staff.
The purpose of these interviews is to determine the risk to the complainant, assess a bail brief for completeness, and to offer early support to the complainant, said Davidson.
The program has proven to be “highly effective,” said Davidson.
The program has seen a decrease in the number of domestic violence cases, as well as a decrease in the number of complainants who withdraw their complaints and refuse to testify at trial, said Davidson.
This program helps victims feel comfortable in navigating the criminal justice system, Davidson said.
“Being a victim of a domestic violence incidents provides a very unique set of circumstances.”
Complainants can having strong feelings of affection for the person they have had charged, and they often want to withdraw the complaint after a period, he said.
