News Releases

News Release - Manitoba

November 13, 2020

Province Announces New Supports for Victims of Intimate Partner Violence in the Justice System



New and enhanced initiatives will ensure victims and families at risk of or currently experiencing intimate partner violence get the support they need earlier and prior to criminal and family courts, Justice Minister Cliff Cullen announced today.

“Victims seeking justice often face additional challenges as they attempt to navigate the courts system, which we know can be an overwhelming experience,” said Cullen. “I’m pleased to announce these new supports, which will help to ease the burden for those experiencing the trauma of intimate partner violence.”

The Domestic Violence Support Service has been expanded to provide enhanced support to victims whose current or former partners are involved in restorative justice proceedings. The two restorative justice workers who provide victim-focused, one-on-one support are now assigned to all intimate partner violence diversion files in Winnipeg, and the minister noted this is an important shift in an attempt to break the cycle of violence.

Restorative justice seeks to repair harm, address the circumstances that contributed to the crime and support and empower victims and perpetrators of violence to self-determine their healing goals.

In addition to one-on-one support in Winnipeg, group programming will also be available, including a new online workshop on healthy relationships launching this month. This workshop will support victims whose matters are proceeding through restorative justice and covers topics such as the impacts of trauma, how to stay safe and self-care.

Noting that there are many kinds of intimate partner violence, the minister also provided an update on the Family Resolution Service, which launched earlier this year to provide trauma-informed supports to families going through separation and divorce.

The new service includes family guides/domestic violence specialists, who provide enhanced services such as support, navigation and referrals, to families experiencing intimate partner violence. These specialists work with mediators who can proactively intervene early in a family’s breakdown to support healthier behaviours. They also provide ongoing safety planning to victims. The program is integrated with Manitoba Justice’s victim services branch so victims can receive coordinated services across both court systems and beyond the conclusion of their legal matters.

“We understand that COVID-19 brings higher tensions for families and we’re so pleased that our government is able to provide services that can help ensure safety and wellness for survivors,” said Cathy Cox, minister responsible for the status of women. “Providing online options is pivotal to be able to serve all Manitobans and ensure they are safe, wherever they are.”

Cullen also announced that the protection order designate training program, which enables staff in organizations across Manitoba to help victims of domestic violence apply to the courts for protection orders, will be available online later this month.  This will improve access to the training program and designation across the province. Protection orders offer an additional tool in the wrap-around response needed to address intimate partner violence.

“We know that intimate partner violence is a growing issue, and it is one that our government takes very seriously,” said Cullen. “That is why we are continuing to take concrete action to get help to those in need. These and other initiatives will continue to increase supports and help keep Manitobans safe.”

Since the implementation of the Family Law Modernization Act, the launch of Get Guidance in January 2020 and the launch of the new Family Resolution Service in June 2020, the province has responded to over 10,000 requests for support from Manitobans navigating family law matters. This includes Manitoba families benefitting from the new single-window intake, triage and referral, early resolution support from family guides with expertise in intimate partner violence, mediation and family law/court operations and expanded child support and maintenance enforcement services. In addition, over 16,000 users have used the Family Law Manitoba website, a centralized source for information in Manitoba.

The minister noted these supports are beginning to fill an important gap. Many Family Resolution Service clients have found a safe place to disclose intimate partner violence for the first time, and are then being connected to early, targeted services and support, as well as victim services, community service providers or the criminal justice system.

November is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and the province is reminding Manitobans affected by family and intimate partner violence of available resources. The province provides funding to support a confidential 24/7 toll-free crisis line staffed by shelters across the province. Manitobans can call 1-877-977-0007, text 204-792-5302 or 204-805-6682, or visit www.gov.mb.ca/familyviolence. In an emergency, dial 911 or call the local police service.

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