Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’ve been approached by a constituent in my community with an idea which I am completely in favour of, and that is to extend the Domestic
Violence Treatment Option court program to Hay River. This is another innovation that is so far only available in Yellowknife but could also be done elsewhere.
A person who is charged with violence against their spouse can take responsibility for their actions and enrol in a treatment program. To be accepted, the offender must plead guilty, the Crown and defence lawyers must agree that diversion from Territorial Court is appropriate, which means low-risk cases. The offender attends a pre-court meeting with the treatment team, the lawyers and bail supervisors. If all goes well, the offender begins an eight-week treatment program. It is designed to address the emotional and psychological causes of domestic violence. Additional counselling is available to work on related programs such as drug or alcohol addictions. The offender and the treatment team must report progress back to the court. The offender’s progress is fully reviewed by a judge before sentencing.
This program has great potential. It is all about rehabilitation, changing destructive behaviour, and rebuilding families and communities. I would like to see the Domestic Violence Treatment Option court expanded to Hay River, which would also benefit the nearby communities. In order to be successful wherever such a court is set up, it must have the resources necessary to assist the offender with rehabilitation. It must be effective. It cannot become a way for chronic abusers to reduce their sentences without changing their behaviour.
I do have faith in people and in the innovative work being done by our Justice department and courts, and would like to see Hay River benefit from the expansion of this program to the South Slave.
Later today I will have questions for the Minister of Justice on this topic. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.