June 16, 2010

PROGRESSIVE CONSERVATIVES SUPPORT COMMITTEE TO REVIEW DOMESTIC VIOLENCE DEATHS

PROGRESSIVE CONSERVATIVES SUPPORT COMMITTEE TO REVIEW DOMESTIC VIOLENCE DEATHS

Domestic violence committee long overdue: Driedger

After twice refusing to pass innovative Progressive Conservative legislation that would have established an expert committee to review domestic violence deaths, Manitoba’s NDP government today co-opted the idea.

“I’m pleased to see that the NDP government has finally established a domestic violence death review committee. It’s unfortunate it took so long,” said Driedger, noting that a similar committee has existed in Ontario since 2003.

A Private Members Bill, introduced twice by Progressive Conservative Status of Women Critic Myrna Driedger, would have required domestic violence deaths in Manitoba to be reviewed every year by a multidisciplinary committee.  

Driedger credited domestic violence experts and particularly the RESOLVE family violence research centre at the University of Manitoba for first recommending the establishment of a committee. 

“Back in 2008, experts pointed out that any clues we can derive from incidents of abuse can help to develop more effective prevention and intervention strategies,” said Driedger.  “I’m glad the NDP government has finally stopped dragging its feet on this important issue.”

A 2005 Statistics Canada report found that Manitoba had the highest rate of spousal homicide in the country.  More recently, the NDP government cut the specialized domestic violence unit at Headingley Correctional Centre. 

“While the committee is a strong step in the right direction, there remains much work to be done,” Driedger said.