Police AssociAtion of novA scotiA 79 FAMILY VIOLENCE INITIATIVE PERFORMANCE REPORT FOR APRIL 2004 TO MARCH 2008 Department of Justice Canada children witnessed the violence committed against them notified the police, compared with only 30 percent who said that their children did not witness the violence. As CHART 3 above shows, from 1974 to 2006, the annual rate of homicide against children and youth has fluctuated. The rate of child and youth homicides perpetrated by family members has been consistently higher than the rate committed by non-family members. The rate of family homicides of children and youth recorded in 2005 was the lowest rate recorded in the past 33 years.47In 2006, there were 60 homicides committed against children and youth under the age of 18 across Canada. The majority (six in 10) were committed by family members (36 homicides), compared with 27 percent (16 homicides) committed by non-family members, including acquaintances and friends, with the remaining 13 percent (8) of child homicides going unsolved. Of the family perpetrated homicides against children and youth, the majority were committed by parents. Over the past three decades (1977 to 2006), 90 percent of family-related homicide victims under the age of 18 were killed by a parent. Looking at trends within parent perpetrated family homicides, fathers were more likely than mothers to commit homicides against children and youth. Between 1997 and 2006, 56 percent of children killed by a family member were killed by their fathers, 33 percent by their mothers, and the remaining 10 percent by other family members including siblings, grandparents, cousins or other extended family. CONSEQUENCES There are myriad, serious consequences associated family violence. For example, a child may experience consequences that are psychological, physical, behavioural, academic, sexual, interpersonal, selfperceptual or spiritual. In addition, children exposed to violence and abuse in the home may experience increased emotional and behavioural difficulties. Change can be sudden or occur slowly over time, shaping children as they grow. Abuse can have lifetime effects on a person’s health status and other life dimensions. For example, a 2002 WHO study found that the lifetime impacts of child sexual abuse are a significant factor in cases of mental health conditions and disorders, such as depression, suicide, and panic disorders. Being abused can harm a person’s physical and mental health, their ability to work, and their relationships with their children and other loved ones. Being abused can destroy a person’s sense of self-worth and sense of being capable. Substance abuse (alcohol or drugs), if used as a coping mechanism, may further endanger an abused person’s health and well-being. Experiences of abuse are contributing factors in people moving in and out of homelessness. Elderly victims may be particularly vulnerable to financial abuse and neglect, yet the experience and consequences of elder abuse often remain hidden and untold. RESPONSES TO FAMILY VIOLENCE Family violence is a complex, challenging issue. It has been well-established across Canadian jurisdictions and internationally, that responding to family violence requires integrated, interdisciplinary response involving federal and provincial/territorial governments, diverse sectors and disciplines. It is important to recognize that some dimensions of family violence are criminal acts under the Criminal Code of Canada, some are not. Some forms of abuse are addressed by provincial or territorial child welfare legislation or through provincial and territorial legislation on family/domestic violence. For example, in Nunavut, a Family Abuse Intervention Act came into force in March 2008, which includes a range of provisions and measures to improve protection for victims and people at risk. The law is only one part of the response. A consistent and increasingly deep body of knowledge shows that appropriate health, housing and social services are essential elements in addressing family violence. Over the years, the FVI partners have been working together with their provincial and t e r r i t o r i a l counterparts and o t h e r stakeholders to prevent violence and improve services and systems so that they better meet the needs of those affected by family violence. Continuing public awareness and education, professional development and training, and research and evaluation are part of an effective response. Indeed, all orders of government as well as institutions and agencies from a variety of disciplines and sectors play a role in preventing and addressing family violence. EXPECTED INTERMEDIATE RESULT: Increased Public awareness of Family Violence issues A public opinion poll conducted in 2002 indicated that there was significant public support for efforts to prevent and respond to family violence: 75 percent of those polled considered that it should be a high priority for governments and communities. ...Family Violence Initiative continued continued...
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