N.B. to open domestic violence court

New Brunswick is opening a domestic violence court in Moncton, a pilot project that will be the first of its kind in the Atlantic provinces.

The newinitiative was announced Thursday by Wayne Steeves, the provincial minister of public safety, who said it would bring together the people who work with victims of family violence.

"The police, victim services and probation will work with the judge and the Crown prosecutor and community partners to provide effective treatment programs that address the complexity of domestic violence cases," he said.

The idea for the specialized court came out of a provincial initiative that explored ways to stop violence against women.

'More timely and responsive'

"Our specialized domestic court model will allow the system to be more timely and responsive," said Joan McAlpine-Stiles, provincial minister for the status of women. "[It will allow] better links between family and criminal courts, monitor court-ordered offender interventions and sentencing conditions and provide a risk assessment tool."

Dedicated courts have been tried in Western Canada, and they work well, according to Const. Eugene Belleveau. He handled many domestic violence situations when he was a police officer in Alberta, and he welcomes plans for a similar system now that he is back in New Brunswick.

"The immediate goal when you go to those [domestic violence] situations is the safety of the victims and the children," he told CBC News. "That is the priority. And that's what worked well in a city like Calgary where we had dedicated officers working only on domestic violence."

Ontario has operated domestic violence courts since 1996. It has opened them at 30 court sites with more coming in future years.

Judge Anne Dugas-Horseman will preside when the new court opens in January.