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REPORT TO COUNCIL
FROM:
Bruce Taylor, AMCT, CMM
City Clerk
DATE: June 7, 2002
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REPORT NUMBER: CL 20-02
SUBJECT:
Domestic Violence Prevention
Coroner's Jury Recommendations on Gillian Hadley Case
RECOMMENDATION:
1.
That Clerk's Report CL 20-02 attaching a letter dated May 14, 2002 iÌ'om the Chair of the
Durham Regional Police Services Board regarding Domestic Violence Prevention and
advising of the recommendations of the Coroner's Jury on the Gillian Hadley case be
received.
2.
That the Council of the City of Pickering hereby endorses the following resolution passed
by the Durham Regional Police Services Board in which the Hadley Inquest
recommendations are supported:
WHEREAS the Durham Regional Police Services Board is committed
to excellence in public safety and police governance in the Regional
Municipality of Durham;
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AND WHEREAS a Coroner's Inquest was recently concluded
regarding the death of Durham Region resident and domestic violence
victim Gillian Hadley;
AND WHEREAS the Coroner's Jury made a number of
recommendations, notably those related to the Justice system and the
coordination of efforts including (1) the establishment of an
implementation committee, and (2) "that the Government of Ontario
coordinate and streamline the delivery of victim services/advocacy
within the justice system in order to avoid confusion regarding the
roles and responsibilities of those involved, and to avoid the
duplication of services";
AND WHEREAS the Government of Ontario recently established the
Ministry of Public Safety and Security;
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THEREFORE be it resolved that the Durham Regional Police
Services Board strongly supports the Hadley Inquest
recommendations as they relate to the Justice system (2 through 22
both inclusive and 37), inter-agency coordination (1 and 49 through
52, both inclusive), and research, analysis and reporting (53 through
58, both inclusive), and urges the Government of Ontario to
demonstrate leadership in addressing Domestic Violence by
coordinating, and there necessary funding, the full implementation of
said recommendation within one (1) year;
AND FURTHER that the Durham Regional Police Services Board
requests that the Government of Ontario provide publicly, within 6
months, a status report regarding all 58 recommendations of the
Hadley Inquest.
Report to Council CL 20-02
Date: June 7, 2002
Subject: Domestic Violence Prevention
Page 2
3.
That copies ofthis resolution be forwarded to:
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The Right Honourable Ernie Eves, Premier of Ontario.
The Honourable Brenda Elliot, Minister of Community, Family and Children's Services
The Honourable David Young, Attorney General
The Honourable Bob Runciman, Minister of Public Safety and Security
The Honourable Janet Ecker, MPP
The Regional Municipality of Durham
The Durham Regional Police Services Board
ORIGIN:
Letter ftom the Chair of the Durham Regional Police Services Board dated May 14, 2002
AUTHORITY:
Domestic Violence Protection Act, 2000
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
Not applicable
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The Chair of the Durham Regional Police Services Board is requesting Pickering Council to
endorse a resolution passed by the Board supporting the recommendations of the Coroner's Jury
on the Gillian Hadley case.
BACKGROUND:
Please find attached to this Report a letter dated May 14, 2002 ftom the Chair of the Durham
Regional Police Services Board enclosing a copy of the recommendations of the Coroner's Jury
on the Gillian Hadley case and requesting that Council endorse a resolution of the Board
supporting the recommendations of the Coroner's Jury.
ATTACHMENTS:
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1.
Letter ftom Chair of Durham Regional Police Services Board
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Report to Council CL 20-02
Date: June 7, 2002
Subject: Domestic Violence Prevention
Page 3
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/BrucéTaylor, City Clerk
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Attachments
Recommended for the consideration of Pickering
City Council
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ATTACHMEN'"¡ tt-i..,-
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DURHAM RBGIOlfAL POUCB SBRVICBS BOARD
R. Boychyn, Chair .. K. Ashe, Vice-Chair ..
G. Mossman, Member" R. Nicol, Member .. D. Moffatt, Member
May 14,2002
Mr. Wayne Arthurs
Mayor
City of Pickering Municipal Office
1 The Esplanade
Pickering ON 11 V 6K7
Dear Mayor Arthurs:
A Coroner's Inquest recently concluded regarding the domestic murder in Durham Region of Gillian
Hadley. Ms. Hadley was killed in June, 2000 by her estranged husband Ralph Hadley, despite a court-
order prohibiting him from contacting her. After 52 days of hearings, the jury made 58
recommendations spanning a broad range of issues, including: (1) justice functions (police, crown
attorneys, bail, courts and family law), (2) social services (housing, income support, community-based
services for each of women, children and men, education, and workplace safety), (3) coordination of
services, and (4) research, analysis and reporting. What makes these recommendations particularly.
relevant to the issue of domestic violence is that expert advice was solicited from both service providers
and service customers throughout the Inquest. This high level of stake-holder input has not always been
the case, notably during development of the proposed Domestic Violence Act, 2000 (Bill 117).
In recognizing that domestic violence is a significant, unresolved social issue, the Durham Regional
Police Services Board has adopted the enclosed resolution. We are forwarding this resolution to your
attention, and solicit your support in (1) pursuing endorsement of this resolution by Regional Council,
and (2) forwarding this resolution to other municipal councils across Ontario. Ultimately, we are
seeking partners in lobbying the Provincial Government to demonstrate leadership in addressing
Domestic Violence.
Realizing that the recommendations are broad based, and recognizing that many of those
recommendations exceed the mandate and in-house expertise ofthe Police Services Board, we humbly
defer judgement of the recommendations regarding social issues to more capable agencies. This is not
intended to diminish the importance of social-services recommendations, rather simply to acknowledge
that the realm of social services is outside of our mandate and area of police staff expertise.
This resolution is also being forwarded to the Premier, all provincial cabinet members, Durham Region
MPPs, Police Services Boards throughout Ontario and the Association of Police Services Boards.
In closing, I thank you for your interest in this significant issue, and look forward to receiving your
response regarding your intentions.
77 Centre Strøet North, Oshawa, ON L 1 G 487
Phone: 905-721-4295 or 905-579-1520, Ext, 4307 * Fax: 905-721-4249
ATTACHMENT # !
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,DUR.RAM RBOIOItAL 'POLICB SERVICES BOARD
R Boychyn, Chair" K. Ashe, Vice-Ghair "
G. Mossman, Member" R. Nicol, Member" D. Moffatt, Member
REQUEST FOR GOVERNMENT OF ONTARIO LEADERSHIP
REGARDING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PREVENTION
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WHEREAS the Durham Regional Police Services Board is committed to excellence in
public safety and police governance in the Regional Municipality of Durham;
AND WHEREAS a Coroner's Inquest was recently concluded regarding the death of
Durham Region resident and domestic violence victim Gillian Hadley; .
AND WHEREAS the Coroner's Jury made a number of recommendations, notably those
related to the Justice system and the coordination of efforts including (1) the
establishment of an implementation committee, and (2) "that the Government of Ontario
coordinate and streamline the delivery of victim services/advocacy within the justice
system in order to avoid confusion regarding the roles and responsibílities of those
involved, and to avoid the duplication of services"; .
AND WHEREAS the Government of Ontario recently established the Ministry of Public
Safety and Security;
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THEREFORE be it resolved that the Durham Regional Police Services Board strongly
supports the Hadley Inquest recommendations as they relate to the Justice system (2
through 22 both inclusive and 37), inter-agency coordination (1 and 49 through 52, both
inclusive), and research, analysis and reporting (53 through 58, both inclusive), and urges
the Government of Ontario to demonStrate leadership in addressing Domestic Violence
by coordinating, and where necessary funding, the full implementation of said
recommendations within one (1) year;
AND FURTHER that the Durham Regional Police Services Board requests that the
Government of Ontario provide publicly, within 6 months, a status report regarding all 58
recommendations of the Hadley Inquest.
77 Centre Street North, Oshawa, ON L 1 G 467
Phone: 905-721-4295 or 905-579-1520, Ext. 4307 .. Fax: 905-721-4249
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ATTACHMENT#--L- TO REPORT #!::.~70- cJ7..-.
(i Ministry of Office of
The Solicitor The Chief
General Coroner
Ministère du Bureau du
Sollicltaur coroner
Ontario général en chef
Verdict of Coroner's Jury
Verdict du jury ducoroner
We the
undersigned Frances L. Rubens
Nous soussigné
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Donald Bartlett
,
of Toronto
de
of Toronto
de
. of Toronto
de
of Toronto
de
of Toronto
de
John A. Gingrich
Laura Watts
Lorna Marie Ruder
the jury selVing on the inquest Into the death of I dOmentassermentés, formant Ie jury dans l'enQuête sure Ie décès de:
Surname I Nom de famlle
Hadle:
GIven names' Prenom
Gillian
aged 35
ãgé(e) de
held at theCqroner's InquestCourts 15 Grosvenor Street Toronto, Ontario
qui a été menåe â
From the
du
22nd. Oct. 2001.
to the
ala
Bth. February
2002
By
Par
Dr.
Bonita Porter
Coroner for Ontario
coroner pour ('Ontario
having been duly sworn. have Inquired into and determined the following:' avons enquêté at avena détermlné ce qui suit
1. Name of deceased
- Nom du (de la) défunt(e)
2. Date and time of death
Date et heure du decès
3. Place of Death
Lieu de dacès
4. Cause of death
Cause du décès
5. By what means
Circonstances entourant Ie décès
Gillian Mary Hadley
2(}th. June 2000 at or after 9~O6am.
865 Hillcrest Road, Pickering, Ontario
Gunshot to the head
Homicide
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;# I TO '>E'P" OR l' . c. L 2. ò. O"l.-
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.~ Ministry of Office of
The Solicitor The Chief
General Coroner
Mínlstère du Bureau du
Sollìciteur . coroner
Ontario gènéral en chef
Verdict of Coroner's Jury
Verdict du jury ducoroner
We the
undersigned Frances L. Rubens
Nous soussigné
Donald Bartlett
of Toronto
de
of Toronto
de
of Toronto
de
of Toronto
de
of Toronto
de
-
John A. Gringrich
Laura Watts
Lorna Marie Ruder
the jury serving on the inquest into the death of I dûmentassermentés, formant Ie jury dans I'enquête sure Ie décès de:
Surname I Nom de famile
Hadle
Given names I Prénom
Ralph
aged 34
àgé(e) de
held al the CQroner's Inquest Courts, 15 Grosvenor Street, Toronto, Ontario
qui a été menée â
From the
du
22nd. Oct. 2001
to the
ala
gth. February
2002
By
Par
Dr.
Bonita Porter
Coroner for Ontario
coroner pour l'Ontario
having been duly sworn, have inquired into and detenninedthe following:! evens enquêté at evons détermfné ce qui suit:
1. Name of deceased
- Nom du (de la) défunt{e)
2. Date and time of death
Date et heure du décès
3. Place of Death
Lieu de décès
4. Cause of death
Cause du décès
5. By what means
Circonsænces entourant Ie décès
Ralph Alexander Hadley
20th, June 2000 at or after 9.06am.
865 Hillcrest Road, Pickering, Ontario
Gunshot ,to the head
Suicide
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ArTACHMENT#J...~_TO REPORT # c;l:""";? ()~ CJ7.--
Inauest into the Deaths of Gillian Hadley and Ralph Hadley
C()urtSittin~ Dates
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October 2001:
22nd., 23rd., 25Ih., 26111.,29111., 301h. and,)lSI,
November:
¡st., 51h" 6th., 7Ih., 8Ih., qlh., 14Ih., 19Ih., 21st., 22nd., 23rd., 26th., 27th" 28th., 29th, and 301h.
December:
3rd., 4Ih., 5Ih., 10th., lIth., 12Ih., 13\h., 14Ih., 18th., 191h" 20th. and 21st.
January 2002:
glh., 14Ih., ISlh., 161h., 1 ih., 24th" 25Ih., 28th., 29Ih., 30th. and 31 st.
February:
1 SI., 4th., 51h" 6Ih., tho and 81h,
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INQUEST
TOUCHING THE DEATHS OF
Gillian Mary Hadley
and
Ralph Alexander Hadley
.' JURY VERDICT AND RECOMMENDATIONS'
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IU~PC)RT # ._f,L 2 CJ ~ 01..-
Qpening Statement
We the jury offer our sincere condolences to the families and friends of
Gillian and Ralph Hadley and our admiration to those neighbors who
came to help. Despite the tragicehd to the situation, we thank you.
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The deaths of Gillian and Ralph will have a particularly distressing effect
on their children and the additional publicity generated by this inquest
will add to their grief. We are confident that the implementation of our
recommendations will more than compensate for this distress by
preventing similar tragedies in the future.
Domestic violence is a crime that is different from. other crimes in two
ways:
. The lìkelihood of repeat violence is common and at most times
predictable,
. The victim is known in advance.
With this knowledge society has an opportunity to use its expertise,
resources and updated technologies to prevent this type of crime with the
ultimate goal of a safer environment and the saving of lives.
This jury hopes that our recommendations will help achieve these goals.
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These recommendations are in no particular order of importance; however, we direct them to the fallowing:
2 3 4, 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 f'l 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28,29 30 31
Ministry of the Solicitor General X X X X X
Ministry of Attorney General X X X X X ~~XX X X X X
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing n__-X;-XX X
Ministry of Community and Social Services X
, Chief Caron or's Office
Government of Ontario X X X ~X-----X -X
Ontario Women's Directorate .
Crown Attorneys X X X X "X
Government of Canada X n nn_- X X X X
The John Howard Society X
Ministry of Correctional Services
Ontario Association of Interval and X
Transition Houses (OAITH)
Ontario Association of
Childrens Aid Societies (OACAS)
Police X X -XXX ~~X X X X
Ministry of Education
Municipal Sector X X
Housing Access Centre X X X X X X X X X
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Ministry of the Solicitor General
Ministry of Attorney General
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
Ministry of Community and Social Services
Chief Coronor's Office
Government of Ontario
Ontario Womens Directorate
Crown Attomeys
Government of Canada
The John Howard Society
Ministry of Correctional Services
Ontario Association of IntelVal and
Transition Houses (OAITH)
Ontarió Association of
Childrens Aid Societies (OACAS)
Police
Ministry of Education
Minicipal Sector
Housing Access Centre
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IMPLEMENTATION
1. We recommend that an implementation committee be established 'by the
Government of Ontario, consisting of government and non-government
representatives, to oversee the implementation of the recommendations In the
inquest into the deaths of Gillian Hadley and Ralph Hadley, the InquesUhto
the deaths of Arlene May and Randy lies, and the recommendations arising
?ut of the report by the Joint Committee on Domestic Violence to the Attorney
General of Ontario entitled "Working Toward a Seamless Community and
Justice Response to Domestic Violence: a Five Year Plan in Ontario".
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. We also recommend that half of this Implementation Committee be
chosen from community-based women's and children's advocates and
survivors of violence, as well as other community-based representatives
with expertise on issues of domestic violence, who are representatives of
diverse communities in Ontario; and that OAITH, the JohnHoward Society
and representatives of the subsidized housing sector be included in this
group. . .
. And further, that the work of the Implementation Committee be funded and'
not time limìted, and that it continue until the Committee is satisfied that all
recommendations have been implemented across the province..
JUSTICE
Police
2. We recommend that the Ministry of the Solicitor General conduct audits of
police services to monitor compliance with the Model Police Response to
Domestic Violence.' .
3. We recommend that the Ministry of the Solicitor General enhance the .
curriculum for recruit training at the Ontario Police College in order to produce
a qualified domestic violence Investigator at graduation in every case. No
fewer than forty (40) hours should be spent on domestic violence investigative
training.
4. We recommend that the Ministry of the Solicitor General emphasize the
importance of and encourage police services to use thé Dòmestic Violence
Supplementary Report Form when investigating domestic violence incidents.
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5. We recommend that the police services examine the use of contlnùously
repeating audible signals on their in-car computer terminals.
Rationale: The police officer responding to the 911 call on June 20, 2000 had
difficulty hearing radio messages because of an audible signal emanating
from the vehicle's computer terminal.
6. We recommend that police services change the classification of complaints
status on domestic violence call assignments as recorded pn the CAD
'System in order that police response is .without delay". .
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7. We recommend that investigating officers who respond to domestic violence
complaints conduct their investigations without requiring the complainant to
obtain statements from others or to gather evidence as a means of
completing the investigation.
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REPORT # C~. 20 - c;~.
Crown Attorneys
8. We recommend that the Criminal Law Division form a training faculty of
experts. including VictimNVitness Assistance Program. to advise and train
Crown Attomeys on issues related to domestic violence and bail hearings,
and that these training initiatives include monitoring and evaluation.
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Bail
9. We recommend that the Ministry of the Solicitor General direct al/ police.
selVices by written policy that release directly from a police selViee with
underta~jngs and condilions on charges stemming from an incident of
domestic violence is not an acceptable practice.
. 10. We recommend that the Criminal Code be amended to require a reverse onus
bail hearing in every domestic violence arrest situation.
11. We recommend that police services establishavictim bail notification system
that will inform victims as to the date and time oYthe accused's bail hearing.
12. We recommend that the Ministry of the Attorney General work with the
Ministry of the Solicitor General to develop a specialized domestic violence
bail program. Components would include a designated specially-trained
Crown Attorney and police officer in each court jurisdiction to:
. Be contacts for other Crown Attorneys and police officers
. Provide guidance, and
. Provide other strategic advice on bail hearings.
13. We recommend that properly staffed and accessible courtfaci/ities be open to
enable bail hearings on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, and that there be a
domestic violence Crown attorney available to the court on those days.
14. We recommend that if complainants can show the court reasons why their
safety is or would be in jeopardy. bail should be withheld.
15. We recommend that any accused who breaches bail cònditions be held in
custody until trial.. .
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16. We recommend that the Ministry of the Attorney General conduct a review of .
the surety system with a view to making improvements that would provide for
the safety of women and children in domestic violence cases and create
consequences for sureties who fail to comply with supervision responsibilities.
17. We recommend that the Ministry of the Attorney General develop a brochure,
to be distributed in court, outlining the roJe and responsibilities of a surety.
Courts
18. We recommend that the Ministry of the Attorney General review the criminal
justice process for prosecution of domestic violence~cases, in both the special
domestic violence courts and regular criminal courts, to develop ways in
which to shorten the time delays between ban hearings and trials, thus.
reducing the risk to victims of intimate partner abuse. .
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Family Law
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19.We recommend that the Ministry of the Attorney General develop an
expedited court procedure for the screening and processing of family law
court cases where either child abuse or exposureJo violence by children has
been identified, and that the development of any such procedure must include
consultation and ongoing involvement of both abused women's advocates
and children's advocates, as well as family law legal experts.
20. We recommend that the Children's Law Reform Act "best interests of the
child" test be amended to direct courts to consider the impact of domestic
violence on children when custody and access are being detennined.
21. We recommend that the Ministry of the Attorney General create processes for
coordination between the criminal and family law systems which would
provide for the reconciling of criminal and civil orders in cases of domestic
violence, and specifically to ensure that no-contact protection orders. criminal.
or civil, take precedence over family law orders until such time as safety
mechanisms can be put in place to protect women and children threatened by
violence. .
JUSTICE - OTHER
22. We recommend that the Government of Ontario coordinate and streamline
the delivery of victim services/advocacy within the justice system in order to
avoid confusion regarding the roles and responsibilities of those involved. and
to avoid duplication of services.
SOCIAL SERVICES
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Housing
Rationale for recommendations 23 - 30: The prevention of a reoccurrence of
domestic violence generally involves keeping the accused Bwáy from the
complainant. While it is unfair that the complainant shou.ld have to move in order
to achieve this separation, this is often the only practical way. It is important that
there be suitable safe temporary accommodation immediately availab{eas well
as long term assistance in the form of subsidized housing. The present longwait
for housing is unacceptable.
23. We recommend that the Government of Ontario and the Government of
Canada immediately provide new funding for developing additional permanent
subsidized housing units and .second stage" subsidized housing unitsc(i.e.
medium-term housing with supportive counseling and advocacy services)
sufficient to meet the current and forecast needs for subsidized housing in
each community of Ontario.
24. We recommend that the Government of Ontario and thè Government of
Canada ensure that an adequate number of the subsidized housing units be
equipped to accommodate applicants. and/or their children, with disabilities.
25. We recommend that the Government of Ontario and the Government of
Canada consult with municipalities of Ontario to devise changes in laws or
policies that could facilitate the development of additIonal subsidized housing
units - e.g. taxation deductions. funding incentives, etc. .
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26. We recommend that the Government of Ontario (Ministry of Municipal Affairs
and Housing) consult immediately with representatives of subsidized housing
applicants/occupants, subsidized housing providers. coordinated housing
access centres, community service counseling agencies and other
professionals with appropriate knowledge of domestic violence issues, to
determine whether the "90 days from separation" eligibility requirement for the
Special Priority Housing Category ("abuse priority category") should.be
amended or abolished. Such consultations should give regard to, among
other things, the most current data on the time period of the risk of violence
fallowing the date of separation froni an abuser, as well as the existhlgand
forecast supply of subsidized housing units. This issue should, be reviewed
periodically to ensure that at all times it accurately reflects the current data
and circumstances. .
27. We recommend that the Government of Ontario (Ministry of Municipal Affairs
and Housing) require Service Managers to ensure that all housing providers
and coordinated housing access centres maintain a transparent complaint
process for subsidized housing applicants, and provide to all applicants at the
time of initial contact a written copy of the complaint process, similar to the
letter describing the right of appeal that Is currently provided to applicants by
Housing Access Centre (Durham Region).
28. We recommend that the Government of Ontario (Ministry of MuniCipal Affairs
and Housing) conduct, or ensure that the SelVice Managers under the Social
Housing Reform Act and regulations (also known as Bill 128) conduciperiodic
and/or random operational audits of providers of subsidized housing and
coordinated access centres in Ontario with a view to ensuring that they are
administering the abuse priority criteria in accordance with the legal
requirements. '. .
29. We recommend that the Government of Ontario (Ministry of Municipal affairs
and Housing) create a committee or forum for representatives of subsidized
housing applìcanVoccupants, Service Managers; housing providers and
coordinated housing access centres to discuss issues relating to the provision
of subsidized housing across Ontario. The Government of Ontario should use.
the Information obtained through such discussions for the purpose of
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category for subsidized housing.
Income Support
31. We recommend that the Government of Ontario (Ministry of Community and
Social Services) review the social assistance rates under the Ontario. Works
Act and create a mechanism to provide for the adjustment of said rates to
reflect the actual needs of recipients as they maybe affected by the social'
and economic environment for the particular !; eographic location where they ,
reside. .
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32. We recommend that the Government of Ontario (Ministry of Community and
Social Services) increase the Ontario Works Acthousing allowance for
women and children fleeing abusive relationships in order to enable them to
enter the market rental housing sector in communities where there is a
demonstrated insufficiency of available social housing units to accommodate
their needs within a reasonable period of time.
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33.We recommend that the Government of Ontario amend Ontario WorksAct
guidelines to include allocation of funds to womenand children escaping
abuse to ensure coverage of moving costs beyond current Jevelsof allowed
. "start-up" funding, including costs for those who must move outside their local
community.
34. We recommend that the Government of Ontario (Ministry of Community and
Social Services) amend the Ontario Works Act, regulations and policy
directives in order to provide that for women. andc~ildren fleeing abusive
relationships who are applicants or recipients of sociaL assistance there is an
automatic deferral of all mandatory Ontario Warns participation requirements
for six months.
35. We recommend that the Govemment of Ontario (Ministry of Community and
Social Services) require that all delivery agents of Ontario Works Act social
assistance establish a local response for the e){pedited intake of applicants
who are fleeing situations of domestic violence. .
36. We recommend that all income support screening units be required louse a
standard questionnaire or format when taking calls in order to ascertain
whether the caller is experiencing domestic violence and requires expedited
access to financial resources. ".
Community Based Services For Women
37. We recommend that there be a program of government funded independent
trained advocates for abused women, both inside and outside of the criminal
justice system.
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38. We recommend that the Government of Ontario, through its various ministries
but in particular the Ministry of Community and Social Services, ensure that
all community-based women's anti-violence services, "including shelters, are
appropriately funded. "" ..
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Community Based Services For Children
39. We recommend that the Government of Ontario, through either the Ministry of
Community and Social Services or the Ministry of Education, provide specific
funding through community and women's services and school boards, for safe
travel to and from school for all children exposed to violence.
Rationale: So that no woman feels unable to {eave an abusive situation and
seek shelter because of concerns about disruption of her children's schooling.
40. We recommend that the Qntario Association of Interval and Transition
Houses (OAITH) and Ontario Association ofChildren'1? Aid Societies
(OACAS), in collaboration with the Ministry of Community and Social Services
develop a specific response within child protection services across the
province to child welfare reports and cases in which child exposure to
domestic violence has been identified; and further:
. That the Ministry of Community and Social Services ensure that
appropriate and adequate funding Is allocated to both the violence against
. women sector and the child welfare sector for training, implementation and
ongoing operation of the specific response in cases of domestic violence.
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Community Based Services For Men
41. We recommend that all jurisdictions have available a program similar tathat
of DADS of Durham to assist parelitsto cope with the stress of family
breakups. .
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Rationale: Programs like DADS recognize the fact that men continue to be
responsible for parenting children notwithstanding marite.lbreakdown. These
programs provide additional services and supports specific to the needs of the
male partner. .
42. We recommend thatallCommunityhased counseling programs (e.g. anger
managementprograms) include screening procedures during the intake
process to ensure that participants enroll in programs appropriate to their
needs. The screening process should ensure that an individual in need of
abuser/batterer programs andlorpsychiatrlc or medicalhelþ is referred to
appropriate programs and services. There should also be funding to ensure
that sufficient specialized programs exist in each community so that proper
referrals can be made. .
43. We recommend that the post-conviction limitations imposed by the
, Govemmentof Ontario regarding admission to many programs for abusers
must be changed to allow for voluntary, community referred as well as court
mandated admissions for abusers.
Rationale: Individuals in need of this kind of counseling should not have to be
convicted firstbefore they can gethelp. .
44. We recommend that specialized programs aimed at providillg counseling to
abusers include risk assessment procedures to determine,if possible, the
degree of risk that the abuser poses to the abused partner.
45. We recommend that all battererscounseling programs be extended to permit
a minimUm counseling period of 52 weeks.
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Education, Traininr.¡ and Prevention Programs
46. We recommend that the Ontario Women's Directorate continue to work with
community organizations and experts in the fieldef domestic violence to
identify and promote public education messages and initiatives that would
best improve public understanding of issues relating to women's safety,
47. We recommend that the Gov~rnment of Ontario, in collaboration with frontline
women'sand.chiJdren's advocatesin.thefield of women's shelters; fund the
development ora public education campaign with the goal of making both the
public and abused women aware of the children's programs and supports
within women's shelters across Ontario to allay the fears of women who delay
or decline using women's emergency shelters. .
Workplace Safety
48. We recommend that all employment related legislation. including the
Employment Standards Act, the Human Rights Code, the Occupational
Health and Safety Act, and the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act be
reviewed and amended to ensure that:
. violence is defined to include harassment, stalking and threats of violence;
. women experiencing violence in an Intimate or personal relationship may
take a leave of absence sufficient to address the violence in the
relationship and establish themselves and their children in a safe place
without fear of losing their employment or fear of experiencing some other
. employment related reprisal.
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Coordination of Services and Shared Information
49. We recommend that the Government of Ontario examine the issue of client
confidentiality and personal privacy issues with respect to the sharing of
information and coordination of services anddetennine If the Freedom of
Infonnation Act and Protection òf Privacy Act/Municlpal Freedom of
Infonnation and Protection of Privacy Act require legislative amendments to
permit such disclosure to take place where aclient.is a victim of domestic
violence. .
50. We recommend that local domestic violence coordinating committees be
established in every jurisdiction In the Province of Ontario with a view to
coordinating services not just for those matters that enter the justice system
but to coordinate services for all victims of domesticviolence, including the
indirect victims of domestic violence such as children.
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51. We recommend that the Govemment of Ontario create a provincial
coordinating committee comprised of Government and non-Government
representatives to assisUncoordlnating province-wide services to all victims
of domestic violence, as welLas to setstandardsandMst practices.
52. We reCl)mmend that the Government of Ontario organize and coordinate
provincial and regional.inter-sectoral conferences or symposia on domestic
violence within the nexLsixmonths. .
Research. Analysis and Reportinç¡
53. We recommend that the Government of Ontarioinvestigate and consider the
use .ofelectronic monitoring technology that involves a global positioning
system for not only parole but also in the instance ofba/l for thosß who are
charged with domestic violence offenses.
54. We recommend that the office of the Chief Coroner establish a Domestic
Violence Death Review Committee comprised of specialists and experts to
assisUhe Coroner's Office,in the investigation ofSuspicious deaths which
occur within an intimate relationship.
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55. We recommend that the Ministry of the Attorney Geoeral commission and
undelWrite research to study the effects of the initiatives associated with the
domestic violence specialized courts to ascertain whether.they assist in
. reducing domestic violence. The results of the studies and analysis should be
made available to the public.
56. We recommend that the Ministry of Community and Sociàl Services and the
Ministry of the Attorney General develop and support approved ongoing
research analyzing the effectiveness of domestic violence risk assessment
tools and treatment
57. We recommend that the Government of Ontario and Government of Canada
develop a database ofthqse individuals who have not necessarily been
convicted but have had arrests. and charges laid with respect to domestic
violence.
Rationale:This would facilitate cooperation and sharing of information
between jurisdictions.
58. We recommend that the Chief Coroner's Office provide a progress reporto.ne
year following the release of this jury's recommendations.
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