A qualitative evaluation of one diversion program for domestic violence cases in Winnipeg
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Date
2017
Authors
Simoens, Jacob
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Abstract
This research is a qualitative evaluation of the Salvation Army's Choose 2 Change - Domestic Violence Diversion program. Choose 2 Change is a treatment program based out of Winnipeg, Manitoba and is operated by the Salvation Army Correctional and Justice Services. It is a brief intervention strategy for low-risk accused persons who have been diverted by the Crown attorney's office to attend treatment for domestic related offenses.
This research aims to answer the following questions: 1. What does the research literature identify as the key criteria for effective treatment programs for men with abusive behaviour. 2. To what extent does the Choose 2 Change program meet these criteria. 3. What do program registrants and facilitators identify as the key program components in their experiences of the group treatment process. 4. How do key informants working in the field of domestic violence view the Choose 2 Change program in particular, and diversion of domestic violence cases in general.
Observation, participant and facilitator interviews, and key informant interviews were selected as the best methods accomplish the research tasks. One full Choose 2 Change program, which consists of three seven-hour days, was observed to assess the extent to which Choose 2 Change meets key criteria for effective domestic violence programming as identified by the literature. Interviews with program participants and facilitators were conducted to further assess these criteria, as well as obtain an understanding of how they identify key program components through their experiences. Key informant interviews provided further information on the quality and operations of the Choose 2 Change program in particular and Winnipeg's diversion process as a whole.
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Keywords
Domestic violence, Qualitative research, Diversion, Restorative justice, Winnipeg, Choose 2 Change, Salvation army