Voice against violence

Photo: Contributed - leg.bc.ca

The Minister of Children and Family Development met with officials from the Regional Interagency Case Assessment Team in Vernon on Friday.

ICAT supports the community and surrounding area in dealing with the highest-risk domestic violence cases. The team brings together partner groups and agencies, including police, child welfare services, health and anti-violence workers with a goal of keeping domestic violence victims and their children safer.

There are currently 28 ICAT teams in operation throughout the province, with another 32 under development and awaiting startup training.

Minister Stephanie Cadieux said ICAT teams allow partner agencies to better co-ordinate services and create a safety net for victims and their children.

"We continue to support these teams and specialized Domestic Violence Units as an important part of our ongoing drive to strengthen the systemic response to domestic violence in B.C."
 
Cadieux was accompanied by Eric Foster the MLA for Vernon-Monashee, who explained domestic violence is much more than a private, family issue.

“It is an issue that affects entire communities – and, as such, it requires a community response. That's why it's so important to have a localized team like this that can bring together various community partners to help keep women, children and families safe and supported."

Other team models, including Domestic Violence Units and police-led Highest Risk Domestic Violence Teams, exist in some of B.C.'s larger urban centres and are usually stewarded by the police detachment with a focus on child welfare, police, corrections and community victim assistance.

ICAT teams look for consensus in determining risk level. This allows for more informed decision-making about risk because information can be shared by a broader range of agency partners at the table.

The teams can also offer more resources to build seamless safety plans and initiate suspect intervention and monitoring.