Greater Sudbury Northern Life Reporter Bill Bradley
The problem of violence against women seems to be worsening, say two women’s services managers.
Ginette Demers, manager of Violence Against Women Services at the YMCA Genevra House, and Francine Boudreau, program director of the Sudbury Counseling Centre, were speaking to the priorities committee of city council last week at St. Francis School.
“Statistics gathered by the Greater Sudbury Police Service since 2003 indicate an increase in the number of incidents being reported, as well as an increase in the charges being laid,” said Demers.
In 2006, close to 1,800 cases of domestic violence were reported to police.
But Sgt. Sara Cunningham, co-ordinator of the domestic violence unit of Greater Sudbury Police Services said, in fact, the numbers are not rising dramatically.
“In 2007 we had 2,000 incidents, but you have to realize that not every situation is violent,” said Cunningham.
“It may be that women are more aware and are contacting police. It is not a silence issue anymore. Police may be more aware and trained themselves,” she said.
Repeat offenses are also not up, said Cunningham.
Sexual assaults actually decreased by 20 per cent, from 95 in Sept. 2007 to 76 in the year end to Sept. 2008, according to Greater Sudbury Police statistics.
That does not mean domestic violence is not a prominent problem, said Cunningham.
“Our hope is that, with education and community awareness, the situation will actually improve,” she said.
The Sudbury Coalition to End Violence Against Women and the M’nidoo Minssing Coalition Against Domestic Violence recently launched Our Community Our Precious Lives, a 16 page supplement, which ran in Northern Life last month. More than 40,000 issues were published.
It outlined a lot of community resources dealing with domestic violence.
Local police do partner with community organizations like these, said Cunningham.
The domestic violence unit of the police was set up in 2001.
“We have five dedicated domestic violence specialists. These are full time constables that respond,” said Cunningham.
All police officers are trained in domestic violence.
“They get an initial course from the Ontario Police College. They get trained on understanding the cycle of violence, plus on going training provided by myself.”
That training may involve information from our community partners such as Genevra House, said Cunningham.
Officers in the unit are trained to gather evidence, but also are involved in post arrest intervention, and in counselling for the female victims, said Cunningham.
“Often, their self-esteem is low. They never expected to be assaulted.”
There is a dedicated domestic violence court with two divisional crown attorneys. and a dedicated bail safety officer, she said.
“If a person is held for bail, the officer does safety planning with the victim,” said Cunningham.
A disturbing trend is that young women are desensitized to domestic violence. They can be more prone to tolerating controlling behaviour and emotional abuse by boyfriends and partners, said Cunningham.
“I am not sure where this is coming from. It could from the culture of some music videos and other means. We have to continue to educate young women about domestic violence.”
While police do not yet go into the schools to educate young women, this is an issue that needs to be addressed in the new year through involving guidance counsellors, she said.
Demers agreed.
“We have to increase the visibility of domestic violence in the schools,” she said at the priorities meeting.
Another looming problem may be the faltering economy, said Cunningham.
“It all depends on how people react to stress. It depends on their personality.”
Jessica McPhee, transitional worker at Genevra House, a women’s shelter, also thinks the faltering economy may be a factor soon.
“We expect that there could be strikes next year. When family finances get rough then it can get rough at home,” said McPhee.
Though Genevra House has 32 beds and cribs and cots for women and children, there needs to be more in the community, said McPhee.
“The housing situation is bad. This is a barrier for women who are living in abusive relationships. We need more housing for women.”
Domestic violence is a comprehensive problem not only involving sexual abuse. “It can involve stalking, phone and criminal harassment and emotional abuse interfering with the woman or girl’s friends and family,” said Cunningham.
For more information, the domestic violence unit is rolling out a website at www.greatersudburypolice.com in December.
“It gives the information on what will happen when you call us. We take a zero tolerance approach. If we suspect you have grounds, we, the police, will lay a charge.”
Cunningham adds, “If we can impact on someone’s life or end a woman’s violent situation and help her to a safe place, then we are making a difference.”
