Co-ordinator for family violence initiatives appointed
By Jennifer Peterson
 |
Val Campbell |
Alberta Justice has seconded a coordinator for family violence initiatives to provide specialized training to Crown prosecutors and police and to work with stakeholders to further family violence initiatives in Alberta.
Val Campbell became the coordinator for family violence initiatives in April and is now leading provincial initiatives to reduce and prevent family violence.
She will work with stakeholders to explore family violence initiatives, such as proposals for a family violence centre in Edmonton and a provincial threat assessment unit that could respond to crisis situations. Campbell will also be working with Alberta Solicitor General, Alberta Children's Services and police agencies to develop and deliver training on family violence issues to prosecutors and police.
"A better coordinated system will ensure victims seeking help do not have to tell their story countless times, which can overwhelm and re-victimize them. Immigrant and aboriginal communities face even greater difficulties in reporting and accessing services," said Campbell.
"When these matters are finally brought before the criminal justice system, the unique and complex nature of family violence creates a whole new category of crime, requiring a coordinated response. This new position will help make that happen."
In recent years there have been a number of tragic deaths from family violence in Alberta. It is estimated that family violence costs more than $4 million in Canada every year from increased social, health and criminal justice costs.
Campbell hopes to increase knowledge and discussion of risk factors among those who routinely respond to victims, including criminal justice professionals, in the hope of increasing victims' understanding of domestic violence and the likelihood that future violence will be reduced.
Campbell has been practicing law for five years. She has been a member of the Threat Assessment Unit Committee and a member of the Family Violence Coordinated Community Response Committee. She has also developed and delivered training in domestic violence investigations and prosecutions to the Edmonton Police Service, RCMP members within Alberta, Victim Services, prosecutors and First Nations police services.
Campbell's position is part of Alberta Justice's commitment to respond to legal issues in a way that helps ensure quality of life and family integrity and will make a difference to many victims of domestic violence involved in the court process.
