Family Violence Initiative

COMPENDIUM OF PROMISING PRACTICES TO REDUCE VIOLENCE AND INCREASE SAFETY OF ABORIGINAL WOMEN IN CANADA – COMPENDIUM ANNEX: DETAILED PRACTICE DESCRIPTIONS

History:: Paqtnkek First Nation Women's Group to End Family Violence was founded in 2010. It has grown in size as more community members have become involved with the facility.

Goals & Objectives:: To design and implement community domestic violence intervention programs; to educate the public about the Mi'kmaq service providers; to educate the public on issues of child apprehension and rights and responsibilities of families, and provide supports for families in crisis; and to improve relationships with the RCMP.
Traditional/Indigenous ways:: Elders participate in the program on a regular basis and help to provide a traditional cultural component to all of the programming. Smudging is available for those who wish to do a cleansing ceremony. The program is working to increase access to healing. Customary sweat lodges and traditional doctoring are available in this community from a local medicine man and spiritual leader.
Components of program:: The program teaches clients family skills, what options there are in the court system, and supports families through the reconciliation process. It also offers anger management programs for men and women and access to legal aid lawyers - when necessary - to speak with families and provide public legal education seminars. The program works to educate the community about the role of the RCMP with regard to domestic violence situations and encourages community policing as well.
Services/How they work:: Services are offered on site at the facility.
Funding:: Funding is provided by the Department of Health Canada; and Band funds.

Involvement of Target Groups:: Focus groups and community consultation are the format for action planning. Everyone has a voice at the table.
Partners:: RCMP; Mi'kmaw Family Healing Centres; Naomi Society; Antigonish Women's Resource Centre; Aboriginal Domestic Violence Liaison RCMP; and the Mi'kmaw Legal Support Network.
Other relationships:: N/A

Measures of Success:: Success is measured by the number of people attending public sessions; decreases in the number of children taken into care; and increases in the participation and support of the band council and its staff.
Achievements:: The raising of public awareness. The development of internal resources in a very small community has been very successful. Improvement of cultural capacity in non-Aboriginal programs has been a success.
Challenges:: Fear of child apprehension if violence is reported. Providing confidentiality in a small community is a challenge.

Replication Advice:: The program is considered replicable. Be consistent and host regular meetings no matter what. This helps instil confidence and encourages commitment. Offer food and door prizes for participation. When possible provide child care or transportation services.
Resources:: Adequate funding, properly trained staff and facility space for the programming would be necessary to ensure the program's success.