Special court system helps victims of domestic violence
Domestic violence is a crime that is prevalent in any city, and Moncton is no exception. However, the Codiac RCMP have a fairly new special unit implemented to help victims, prosecute offenders, and prevent domestic crime offenses in future generations.
A domestic violence court system has been piloted in Moncton and is the only one of its kind east of Ontario. Partnered with numerous services throughout Moncton, Ginette Petitpas Taylor, coordinator of Victim Services, says that the new court system, along with the RCMP Victim Services unit, has seen great results.
The Victim Services unit is a specialized unit to assist with domestic crime and sexual abuse cases.
“Domestic violence cases are very complex,” says Ginette.
“That is why we have our new special unit to provide an enhanced investigation. This allows cases to be investigated more thoroughly, and gives the clients the attention and time that they may not have gotten through a regular investigation.”
The unit provides domestic violence victims with crisis response, intervention, provides preparation for court and will accompany them if support is needed.
It is partnered with numerous services in the Moncton area and therefore provides appropriate referrals to community agencies for short, and long-term help.
“Last year we had over 225 cases go through the special unit and we have seen a good response to the new initiatives,” explains Ginette. She adds that the court system and the special unit has been so successful because all parties involved are very committed and have a passion for helping all concerned.
“The domestic violence court allows cases to be process more quickly, which leaves less time for re-offense before the court date,” she says. The victim services unit at the RCMP is on-call 24/7.
“Offenses don’t just take place between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., and we recognize that people need assistance and support during all hours,” Ginette says. “It is with the help of our many volunteers that we are able to provide this service.”
The service has 20 volunteers that undergo an extensive 80 hour training program to prepare them to properly assist victims. Ginette smiles as she thinks of all the volunteers.
“Without their assistance we would not have this program,” she points out.
”I would not be able to provide 24 hour assistance on my own. We are very thankful for the community involvement.”
“We want to prevent victims from being victims, treat the offenders, and treat children involved so the pattern does not repeat through generations,” Ginette explains.
She also says that Moncton was likely chosen as the pilot city for the domestic violence court and the special unit because we have so many helpful resources.
“We are so fortunate in the Moncton area, we have so many services,” she says. “Often times people are not aware of how to access them, so we guide them in the right direction.”
“Everyday is a challenge, but I am one of those lucky people that still gets up after 16 years and still, really does love her job,” Ginette adds. “To see people make change in their life, and to be able to provide the assistance they need during a hard time in their life is so rewarding. I am so fortunate to get to work with people along their journeys.”
Victims can call the 24-hour phone line (857-2400) to get immediate assistance, or if they have questions and are not sure where to go or what to do, the unit is available to provide guidance.
The special unit is also called in when officers recognize a domestic violence case, and enhanced investigation begins as the victim receives specified help.
If you are interested in volunteering with the victim services unit you can contact Ginette at 857-2452.
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