Kelowna gets new domestic violence unit

KELOWNA – Victims of domestic abuse have a new resource in Kelowna.

The creation of a new Domestic Violence Unit, a first for the Okanagan, was announced by Attorney General and Minister of Justice Suzanne Anton.

“The team will provide an urgent, coordinated response to protect families in this community who are at risk or are already victims of domestic violence and who need help now,” she said. “We know these teams can, and do, save lives and they’re vital in our efforts to stop domestic violence in Kelowna and across our province.”

The team will consist of RCMP domestic violence officers, a community-based victim service worker and a Ministry of Children and Family Development child protection worker. The unit will work together to ensure incoming cases get connected to the appropriate resources and victims health needs are looked after.

The provincial government announced in March it would help fund the unit as part of a $1 million grant from civil forfeiture. 

Units have also been set up in Surrey, Nanaimo, Vancouver, New Westminster, Abbotsford and Victoria.

“The team in Kelowna will help move the province one step closer to our commitment to make B.C. a safer place for women, children and anyone who have been affected by domestic violence,” Minister of Children and Family Development Stephanie Cadieux said.

Victims of domestic violence should contact their local RCMP detachment or VictimLink B.C.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Adam Proskiw at aproskiw@infotelnews.ca or call 250-718-0428. To contact the editor, email mjones@infotelnews.ca or call 250-718-2724.