Strengthening Voices of Domestic Violence Victims

When women leave their abuser, their priority is their safety and that of their children. After coming to CAWES, where they find security and comfort, their next step is navigating an often-complex justice system, all while trying to heal from trauma. 

To provide these vulnerable families with the vital, compassionate support they need, CAWES is launching the Strengthening Voices of Domestic Violence Victims program. This operational program will include court support workers who work closely with individuals living in and out of shelter. These survivors have experienced trauma ranging from domestic violence, sexual violence and stalking/harassment, financial abuse, and online exploitation, among other forms of abuse.

Working with local, provincial, and national resources, this program will provide legal guidance and referrals, risk assessments, court interviews, advocacy, court accompaniment, and system navigation services for survivors as they navigate the justice system; ensuring victims of domestic violence are heard. By reducing fear and providing clarity of what they can expect from the justice system processes, CAWES’ court support team will strengthen the voice of victims. 

Through resources and emotional support, CAWES is ensuring more survivors are empowered to take the stand and share their stories without fear. 

This program will benefit victims of domestic violence, their loved ones, and the greater community. 

Through direct court support, referrals, risk assessments, court interviews, and advocacy, staff will empower survivors to share their stories, breaking the cycle of violence by removing individuals and their children from abusive environments. 

With proper support, victims will feel self-assured when navigating the justice system, attending court, and providing statements when necessary, ensuring justice is served, and rebuilding their confidence that they are valued by the community they live in. 

It is widely understood through experience and research that witnessing violence at a young age can result in long-term trauma – removing children from violent environments breaks the cycle of abuse, allowing them to heal and one day become contributing members to their community. 

CAWES has been working with survivors of domestic violence for three decades, providing trauma-informed support to meet the complex needs of victims. The Court Support program will be an extension of the care and comfort already provided by our current services.