Members of Haven Society and the Nanaimo RCMP are planning to form a specialized team for supporting victims of domestic violence and holding offenders accountable

Haven Society will introduce plans for a Domestic Violence Unit (DVU) in Nanaimo—along with key team members—at the society’s annual general meeting on September 18, 2014. The DVU is anticipated to be formally operational by early 2015.

“While all domestic violence is a concern, certain cases pose an even greater risk of serious bodily harm or death,” said Anne Taylor, Haven’s executive director. “The DVU will offer an enhanced response to these highest risk cases through collaboration and community partnerships.”

“Domestic violence investigations remain one of the highest risk areas we deal with and this opportunity to work closer with Haven Society will help us to better manage risk and increase safety for those who are victims of domestic violence,” said Mark Fisher, officer in charge of the Nanaimo RCMP.

Funding provided by the B.C. government

The British Columbia government announced in March 2014 that it would help fund Nanaimo’s DVU. The province is investing over $5 million in Civil Forfeiture Office (CFO) proceeds to take further action on Missing Women Commission of Inquiry (MWCI) recommendations and support the prevention of violence against women and youth crime prevention initiatives. Twelve grants, for a total of more than $845,000, are being provided to key organizations to address the MWCI recommendations.

“We want to help women escape violent situations and experience life free of abuse and tragedy, which is why a majority of this civil forfeiture funding is going directly to organizations to respond to the Missing Women Commission of Inquiry recommendations and support vulnerable women. By using these proceeds of crime, we are able to fund crime prevention initiatives in our goal to work towards a violence-free B.C.”  –B.C. Attorney General and Minister of Justice Suzanne Anton

Haven Society provides services to women and children, youth, and families who have experienced violence. Every year over 3,500 women and children in the mid Vancouver Island area seek support to deal with issues of physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse and violence. Haven’s upcoming annual meeting will be the first opportunity for community members to hear from the newly formed DVU team including guest speakers Mark Fisher of the Nanaimo RCMP and Sally Fendick, program coordinator for victim services.

The Haven annual general meeting will be held on Thursday, September 18, 2014, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Oliver Woods Community Centre, Salal Room (6000 Oliver Road, Nanaimo, BC). The group recommends an RSVP in advance of the event. Call 250-756-2452.

RELATED | Download the full background article (in PDF) here. | Nanaimo Daily News: Cops, Haven join forces to end the risks (September 15, 2014) |