PrintNew family violence protection rules welcome
The provincial government has moved to strengthen support for the victims of domestic violence while at the same time making life more difficult for offenders.
Amendments to the Protection Against Family Violence Act, which have recently come into effect, have added offence and penalty provisions to existing legislation.
For example, a person who violates a protection order issued by the court can now face some of the toughest penalties in Canada.
With Alberta having some of the highest levels of domestic violence in the nation, these changes are needed and welcome.
The changes should send a clear message that domestic violence, and the court orders designed to stop it, must be taken very seriously, says Human Services Minister Dave Hancock.
“Family violence has devastating consequences for children, men and women across the province,” said Hancock. “If an Albertan is experiencing abuse, or knows someone who they think may be in a family violence situation, there are resources available to help.
“I encourage everyone to reach out so no one has to live in fear of violence.”
The post-holiday season can be one of the worst times for family violence with pressure of Christmas bills and other stresses sometimes giving rise to violence in the home.
Hopefully these important changes to Alberta’s domestic violence legislation will make a difference in the lives of families in 2012.
The president of the Alberta Association of Chiefs of Police, Rick Hanson, says he thinks it will.
“This new legislation gives police another tool to help protect victims of family violence,” said Hanson. “Domestic violence is not restricted to any one community, nor does it always happen behind closed doors.
“Domestic-related criminal offences occur in every community in our province. We know that communities are only made safer by working together. Safety is a shared responsibility and everyone has a role to play.”
Victims of domestic violence or people who may know of someone who is being victimized is encouraged to call 911 or any RCMP detachment.
As well, the province has set up a family violence information line (310-1818) where residents can get information and contacts for support services. That toll-free help line runs 24 hours a day and is available in more than 100 languages.
Although Alberta’s new domestic violence provisions aren’t expected to put an end to family violence, they are a good step and for that the provincial government should be applauded.
Hopefully 2012 will see the start of a much needed decline in family violence levels in Alberta – such a turnaround would certainly be welcome in West Central Alberta communities.
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