119 Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers What are the benefits of participating in the Domestic Violence Treatment Option? Clients who successfully complete the Treatment Option show evidence of the following: • Ending the cycle of violence and preventing children from witnessing abuse and violence in their home and from normalizing abusive and violent behaviors; • Learning to recognize and develop ways that support better behaviour thereby forming healthier relationships with partners, children and others; • Accessing professional help to deal with other issues, such as substance abuse and mental health concerns; • Having the support of a treatment team and group members to assist with their process; and • Receiving a lighter sentence. What differences exist between the domestic violence courts? Common features of the courts are: • Designated court representatives that include Judiciary, Legal Aid duty counsel, Crown prosecutors, Aboriginal courtworkers, victim services workers, probation officers, mental health and domestic violence treatment providers, addiction services counselors, Provincial Court administration staff, child protection workers, police officers, domestic violence court coordinator; • Increased support for victims, their services and safety; • Opportunity for accused to move more quickly into a domestic violence prevention program through the Domestic Violence Treatment Option; and • Delayed sentencing that may result in a lighter sentence when the accused completes the Domestic Violence Treatment Option. Models for domestic violence courts vary depending on the resources and specific needs of the community. Although there are distinctions, the assessment processes for eligibility and suitability are similar in all three. Accused wanting to participate in the Treatment Option must first be determined eligible by the Crown and/or the domestic violence court team members. Then, if the accused requests consideration for the Treatment Option, an additional assessment is conducted by Probation Services to establish suitability for the Option. Once both eligible and suitable for the Treatment Option, your client will be given a referral to the domestic violence treatment program. Who is eligible to participate in the Treatment Option? The Domestic Violence Treatment Option is a key component of all domestic violence courts in Saskatchewan. Participation is voluntary and available to adult persons charged with domestic-related offences who are found eligible by the Crown prosecutor and/or the court partners. Criteria considered when determining eligibility include: • Severity of the offence; • Previous convictions, particularly prior domestic-related convictions and those of a violent nature; • Past compliance or non-compliance with court orders; and • Past compliance or non-compliance with Probation Services; Those who are eligible for the Treatment Option must pose no risk to public safety and must qualify to be discharged or to receive a community-based disposition as a reduced sentence upon completion of treatment. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE COURT DEFENCE COUNSEL FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS sasklawcourts.ca
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