Domestic Violence Court - Nanaimo

Specialized court responding to the needs of people experiencing intimate partner violence. Domestic violence related offences for adult accused persons (except for murder offences, and Criminal Code section 810 applications) can be scheduled in this court. Community service providers play a significant role in providing supports to victims and accused persons. Police submit files to a designated Crown prosecutor within two weeks of responding to a domestic violence complaint. The prosecutor contacts complainants immediately and refers them to helpful services. If children are involved the prosecutor also liaises with the Ministry of Children and Family Development. And, in high risk cases, an Inter-Agency Case Assessment Team meets to discuss a safety plan. During the two-week processing period, families are linked to therapeutic services. Once the matter comes to court, free or low-cost services are available at the court house for both accused persons and complainants including duty counsel, Native Court Worker, counselling providers, and referrals to community services.