PROTECTING VICTIMS OF FAMILY VIOLENCE AND DRUG ACTIVITY

Central Alberta is not exempt from family violence and now, victims of
family violence and illegal drug activity are better protected when
two new pieces of provincial legislation became law on Nov. 1.

Family violence has devastating consequences on individuals,
communities and society as a whole. Significant changes have been made
to the Protection Against Family Violence Act to strengthen Alberta's
response to this issue and protect even more people - including
children -- who experience family violence.

The new law adds stalking to the definition of family violence, which
will mean emergency protection orders can be issued to protect those
who are experiencing this form of abuse from a family member. Alberta
is only the second jurisdiction in Canada to include this provision.

This legislation will help ensure those who have gathered the courage
to leave violent relationships are protected from further family
violence. After an individual leaves a violent relationship, they
often become a victim of stalking and are at increased risk of serious
injury, or even murder. With these changes, individuals will have
further protection available to reduce or prevent these risks.

The legislation also helps children exposed to family violence by
requiring judges and justices of the peace to consider the exposure
when determining if an emergency protection order should be granted.
In addition, an order by the Court of Queen's Bench can authorize
children to receive counseling with the consent of one parent. This
will ensure that an abusive parent cannot stand in the way of the
child getting the help they need.

The legislation also protects vulnerable people, such as seniors, who
are being abused by a family member, regardless of whether they live
together. It provides a more comprehensive explanation of family
violence and gives frontline case workers, police and judges a common
understanding of the dynamics of family violence.

Children exposed to an adult's involvement in serious drug activity,
such as manufacturing and trafficking, will also benefit from the
additional protection offered by the new Drug-endangered Children Act.
This is the first legislation in Canada to define what constitutes a
drug-endangered child and clearly identify that children exposed to
serious drug activity are victims of abuse and require protection.

The issue of children being exposed to the dangers of drug
manufacturing and trafficking is becoming more and more common. The
Drug-endangered Children Act will ensure the proper authorities are
able to respond to these situations and keep more children safe.

Under the new law, child intervention caseworkers and police will be
able to rescue and protect children based solely on the fact they are
drug-endangered. This is in response to research that has found
drug-endangered children are at high-risk for chronic respiratory
disorders, neurological damage, cancer and physical, emotional and
sexual abuse.

The new legislation is also expected to raise awareness of the plight
of drug-endangered children and result in increased reporting of this
type of child abuse. The Protection Against Family Violence Act and
the Drug-endangered Children Act received Royal Assent on March 23,
2006.

If you would like further information on this or any issue, please
contact my constituency office in Lacombe.