B.C. Liberals face domestic violence questions amid growing family homicides

VICTORIA – B.C.’s attorney general says her government is working hard to reduce domestic violence through court reforms and support for police domestic violence units, but the provincial children’s representative says the problem is growing to crisis proportions.

Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond says the government’s plans to reform the court system and support police domestic violence units appear half-hearted in the wake of at least four family-related murders recently where children were at the scene.

Turpel-Lafond says it appears B.C. has a growing problem with domestic violence homicides and providing safety for women.

Anti-violence women’s groups said earlier this month their role in supporting the safety of women dealing with violence is being ignored.

Attorney General Suzanne Anton says the government spends $70 million annually in prevention and intervention services.

Anton says there are already committed domestic violence courtrooms in Kelowna, Kamloops and Duncan and they’re looking at expanding the service, plus government provides 160 victims services programs across the province.