Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers 113 Provincial Court The Domestic Violence Court (DVC) is a therapeutic court that addresses domestic violence and offers the Domestic Violence Court Treatment Option. The DVC Treatment Option allows those who are willing to take responsibility for their actions, who elect to plead guilty, and who will receive a sentence that does not include jail time, to complete a counselling program for domestic violence and address any substance abuse problems they may have. Individuals are not sentenced until after they have had a chance to complete the DVC Treatment Program, and if they meet the requirements of the DVC Treatment Option, individuals will receive a reduced sentence. Participation is voluntary, and individuals have the right to plead not guilty or to choose not to participate in the DVC Treatment Option. Individuals who do not participate in the DVC Treatment Option will proceed as they would through the regular court system. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE COURT Defining Domestic Violence For the purposes of the DVC, domestic violence is defined as any use of physical force, actual or threatened, in an intimate relationship. It may include a single act of violence or a number of acts forming a pattern of abuse. Abuse may include and is not limited to: physical abuse, emotional abuse, psychological abuse, criminal harassment (stalking), or threats to harm children, other family members, pets, and property. Additionally, charges related to the violation of bail, probation, conditional sentences or other court orders made in domestic violence cases will be referred to DVC. However, DVC does not deal with sexual assaults. An intimate relationship can be between opposite-sex or same-sex partners. These relationships vary in duration and legal formality and include current and former dating relationships, current and former common-law relationships, current and former married relationships, and persons who are the parents of one or more children together (regardless of their marital status or whether they have lived together at any time). Benefits of the Domestic Violence Court Treatment Option The benefits of the DVC Treatment Option include, but are not limited to, the following: • getting early treatment is a positive step towards ending the cycle of violence; • getting help now may lead to better relations with partners and other family members; • meeting the requirements of the DVC Treatment Option is something the judge will consider at the time of sentencing; there will be a lighter sentence with treatment than without treatment; LOCATIONS Domestic Violence Courts are located in three Saskatchewan cities: Regina Domestic Violence Court Every Thursday – Courtroom #7 Regina Provincial Court House, 1815 Smith Street Saskatoon Domestic Violence Court Every Tuesday – Courtroom #6 Saskatoon Provincial Court House, 220-19th Street East Battlefords Domestic Violence Treatment Options Court First and Third Thursday – Courtroom #3 North Battleford Provincial Court House, #3 Railway Avenue East
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