B.C. asking for public input on 3-year plan to fight domestic violence

SURREY, B.C. – The B.C. government is asking for ideas on how to deal with domestic violence.

The province has put a questionnaire online where people can make suggestions on issues ranging from public awareness and prevention to how the justice system responds to such cases and support for victims.

The government says the feedback will be used to develop a three-year plan to address family violence that should be ready for launch this summer.

The plan will include ideas to meet the needs of specific groups, including aboriginals, immigrants and women with disabilities.

Submissions will be accepted until Feb. 18.

As part of the consultation process, seven cabinet ministers met with representatives of 46 organizations to discuss domestic violence, but Children and Family Development Minister Stephanie Cadieux says addressing the problem also requires input from the general public.