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One Year of Domestic Violence Court in Oxford

Friday, 15 June 2018 15:08

Domestic Violence Court takes place on second Thursday of each month and they went over 176 cases yesterday alone.

OXFORD COUNTY - Oxford County has had its own Domestic Violence Court for one year now.

It includes all of the justice sector partners including probation and parole, victims and witnesses and counselling services.

Assistant Crown Attorney Nancy Komsa founded the local program.

"What we've done is devise a more therapeutic approach to domestic violence. For example; minor domestic assaults for people with little or no record would be diverted into an early intervention program very quickly in the process and the victim is made aware and she has input through every stage of the process."

If a man is found guilty or pleds guilty, he must attend the 12 week Men Accepting Responsibility for Change program. Participation is mandatory and they will receive a report card afterwards. If it's a guilty woman, they must attend the Partners Accepting Responsibility for Change program.

Komsa says the Woodstock Court House is the only small court house to offer this program; adding it's more common in bigger cities like London and Kitchener.

"What I did is just downsize what they do but even do it in a smaller area so we have it every two weeks. Because it's a smaller area we're able to offer different programs, early resolution, I meet with almost all victims of domestic violence and I meet with the accused or their lawyers on every case. It's a more hands on approach to deal with the matter. Everything is done more quickly and efficiently."

It takes place every second Thursday of each month; and it witnessed 176 cases yesterday alone.

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