1. Cross Sectoral Collaboration The interrelationship between trauma exposure, inequality, social disadvantage, health problems, mental health difficulties, and homelessness requires a high level of coordination and collaboration among all services – government and community – to ensure women’s safety and their success in creating violence free lives. More details, promising practices and resources… 2. Systematic Risk Assessment, Safety Planning and Screening Risk assessment is essential in safeguarding the safety of women and children fleeing domestic violence: it helps determine risk of re-assault or femicide and guides collaborative risk management. More details, promising practices and resources… 3. Intersectional Policies and Service Provision (for Indigenous, Immigrant, and Refugee Women, their Families and Communities) Domestic violence impacts women from all socio-economic, cultural and other backgrounds. However, some circumstances surrounding the experience of domestic violence and service access differ for women with diverse backgrounds. More details, promising practices and resources… 4. Accessible and Responsive Legal and Justice Systems (including Legal Services and Information, Court Systems, Enforcement, and Perpetrator Accountability) Women fleeing domestic violence must manage multiple and interrelated legal issues in criminal, family and child protection systems. This section speaks to several branches of the system. More details, promising practices and resources… 5. Wrap-Around, Supportive Responses for Women Experiencing violence is known to have long term consequences for the health and well-being of women and girls and to significantly impact on their ability to fully participate in society. More details, promising practices and resources… 6. Protection and Support for Children Exposed to Domestic Violence Children’s safety and well-being are integrally linked with the safety of the mother. Children can be exposed to their mother’s abuse in many ways, including when they see their mother assaulted and demeaned, hear loud conflict and violence or see the aftermath. More details, promising practices and resources… 7. Focus on Prevention and Awareness The prevalence of domestic violence remains high in Alberta. Addressing the root causes of issues that perpetuate domestic violence requires changing social norms, which are influenced by social, political and economic factors. More details, promising practices and resources…
