Objectives

The anticipated result of the Family Violence Prevention Program is a reduction in family violence and a more secure family environment for children on-reserve, by providing abuse prevention and protection services for Indian children and their families resident on reserve.

Background

The DIAND First Nation Family Violence Prevention Program is one component of Social Policy & Programs, which include Child & Family Services, Social Assistance, Adult Care, the National Child Benefit program and other social services that address individual and family well-being. As part of the 1991-1995 Family Violence Initiative, DIAND was provided funds to provide shelter services and family violence prevention projects for First Nations people living on-reserve. When Cabinet authority for funding the original initiative expired in 1995, DIAND continued to fund the Family Violence Prevention Program as a priority.

Project Haven Shelters, community based preventive projects, and off-reserve shelters all receive funding for providing services on-reserve or to First Nations people ordinarily resident on-reserve.

In 1998-1999, 30 Project Haven shelters assisted 4,194 First Nations people on-reserve. A further 1034 individuals were assisted in provincial/territorial off-reserve emergency shelters. During the same period, DIAND funded family violence prevention projects in most First Nation communities. Included were public awareness and education campaigns, conferences, workshops, stress and anger management seminars, support groups, and community needs assessments for First Nation communities.

Eligibility

INAC provides operational funding to shelters on-reserve and reimburses costs for off-reserve shelter services used by First Nations people ordinarily resident on-reserve. Community based projects must be aimed at reducing the incidents of violence on reserve.

Project funding for prevention, treatment and research is distributed regionally on a per capita basis. Funds are managed at a regional/community level. In some regions, family violence prevention activities are funded on a project basis, while in other regions First Nations are provided with funding on a per capita basis.

Key initiatives

On June 17 1997, DIAND and Canada Housing & Mortgage Corporation announced plans for the construction of ten new family violence emergency shelters on reserves. Nine new shelters became operational within 1998/1999 and the last was completed in 2000.

In May 1999, DIAND provided funding for the Best Practices Conference for First Nations Shelter Managers. This conference attracted all the managers operating shelters on-reserve. It is expected the conference will provide recommendations to DIAND for the creation of a National Aboriginal Circle against Family Violence.

Contact Info:

For further information on the First Nation Family Violence Program in your community, contact the DIAND regional office nearest you: (hotlink)

Other Links:

CMHC (hotlink)
Health Canada Clearing House Site (hotlink)

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