Domestic violence court in Sydney receives one year extension

The provincial government has provided $400,000 tocontinue a domesticviolence court pilot project in Sydney for a year.

Sydney-Whitney PierLiberal MLA Derek Mombourquette delivered the news at agathering atthe Sydney Justice Centre.

"We've seen a lot of success with the program," said Mombourquette.

"The government sees this as a very strong pilot project for the community and we wanted to continue the evaluation of it, hence the announcement to continue the funding into next year."

Strong participation

Participation in the domestic violence court program is voluntary.

The accused must plead guilty, then after an assessment process, they can be assigned a range of options including educational and therapeutic programs.

When theprogram first launched, 53 per cent of eligible people opted to participate.

'A success in so many ways'

The executive director of Transition House, a shelter for abused women and their children says the project has proved its value.

"I think that it's something that has been a success in so many ways and I think it has added value to our community" said Helen Morrison.

She says the program helps abusersrehabilitate, while itsvalidatesthe victims who are most often women to hear the men talkabout their actions.

"That they're taking responsibility is huge," said Morrison."They [the victims]actually get to say, 'Wow,you admit it. You admitted to what you did.'"

More than 300 cases have proceeded through the program in the past four years.

"For those who are truly taking responsibility and are truly working the programs," she said, "this is spectacular for that family because it could very well save that family."