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Item Parental alienation: Intimate partner violence by proxy(University of New Brunswick, 2023-12) Ashe, Carly; Gill, CarmenThis thesis examines interviews with nine women to explore how women experience and are impacted by parental alienation as a tactic of coercive control. Thematic analysis using NVIVO-14 software was used to identify recuring themes related to the three research questions that guide this study: how mother-child relationships are impacts by parental alienation; what resources mothers use in help-seeking; and do they experience barriers and obstacles to meaningful support in their help-seeking. Through understanding victims’ experiential perceptions of parental alienation, the key purpose of this study was aimed at better understanding how mothers victimized by parental alienation can be better supported in the future by legal professionals. Greater recognition of the pattern of coercive control, in which parental alienation occurs, was found to be needed by intervening professionals, along with further consideration towards preventative measures and more trauma-informed approaches.Item The social construction of masculinity and intimate partner violence: Understanding men’s perspectives(University of New Brunswick, 2023-11) Meng, Alison Marie; Holtmann, CatherineThis thesis investigates the impact of social constructions of masculinity on men's use of intimate partner violence (IPV), addressing two questions: (1) How do social constructions of masculinity and gender influence men’s use of IPV? and (2) Based on their exposure to patterns of gender interaction, how do men learn and internalize processes that inhibit or encourage using IPV? Using Connell's (Connell & Messerschmidt, 2005), theory of hegemonic masculinity, this study analyzes the Canadian White Ribbon Campaign's "Boys Don't Cry" video through content analysis and employs it as a visual method for qualitative interviews with 16 men aged 19 to 25. Findings reveal some men make conscious choices not to use violence despite social pressures and learn through sensitizing experiences and gendered interactions with men and women that using violence leads to negative consequences. This study allowed for participants to gain more awareness about their conceptualizations of masculinity and IPV.Item Gendered practices in specialized domestic violence courts: A study of facilitators' perspectives on intimate partner violence treatment programs in Canada(University of New Brunswick, 2021-12) Aspinall, Mary; Gill, CarmenThe severity and societal issue of intimate partner violence (IPV) has been recognized through the increased use of pro-arrest and mandatory charge policies, development of specialized domestic violence courts (DVCs), and utilization of community-based IPV treatment programs to provide interventions to offenders. However, as a result, women continue to be arrested due to incident-specific approaches from law enforcement personnel that fail to account for the context of the situation or consider gender-specific issues that contribute to the use of violence. This symmetrical approach to responding to IPV persists at the judicial level with women also referred to IPV treatment programs that were originally designed for use with male perpetrators. Research has been conducted on the appropriate content required for female IPV offenders; however, there are not yet any national comparisons of male and female IPV treatment programs associated with specialized DVCs to assess if they consider the results of gender-specific research or uphold the neutral approach of the criminal justice system. Based in intersectionality and feminist perspectives of IPV that suggest women’s violence is uniquely different to that of men, this study assesses the utility and content of IPV treatment programs across Canada. A mixed methodological approach consisting of 22 online surveys and 10 telephone interviews was undertaken with IPV treatment program facilitators to compile information on the format and content of their programs as well as their personal opinions on overall effectiveness. Results identify that IPV treatment programs in Canada maintain an objective, gender-neutral approach synonymous with the criminal justice system. However, facilitators also recognize the pervasiveness of gendered differences in the perpetration of IPV, resulting in a necessity to reconsider current practices in the response to IPV.Item Conception collaborative d’un modèle de tribunal de la violence familiale provincial/Cour du Banc du Roi coordonné et fondé sur la recherche(Muriel McQueen Fergusson Centre for Family Violence Research, 2022-07-01) Neilson, Linda C.; Boucher, Joanne; Robichaud, Brigitte; Dugas-Horsman, AnneLe projet Conception collaborative d’un modèle de tribunal de la violence familiale provincial/Cour du Banc de la Reine coordonné et fondé sur la recherche, qui est le fruit d’une collaboration universitaire, juridique et gouvernementale (Nouveau-Brunswick), vise à documenter, évaluer et améliorer le partage d’information sur les risques et les dangers (pour les adultes et les enfants) ainsi qu’à améliorer le partage et la cohérence des ententes et des ordonnances dans l’ensemble des systèmes judiciaires, relativement aux affaires liées à la violence familiale. L’objectif était de concevoir un modèle de tribunal coordonné afin de garantir une procédure régulière tout en gérant des échanges d’informations sûrs et fondés sur la recherche et sur des preuves relativement aux affaires de violence familiale pour la protection des partenaires intimes, le droit de la famille et la protection de l’enfance, tant au pénal qu’au civil; il s’agissait également de mener un projet pilote pour le modèle de tribunal coordonné. Les résultats attendus étaient les suivants : amélioration de la sécurité des adultes et des enfants, réduction du dédoublement des informations et des preuves et meilleure coordination des ordonnances et des accords des tribunaux. En raison de la Covid-19 et des confinements qui ont eu lieu pendant le projet, particulièrement à Moncton, nous n’avons pas réalisé tous nos objectifs. Nous avons pu recueillir et évaluer les données de dossiers provenant de différents tribunaux ainsi que relier ces données aux personnes accusées de crimes en matière de violence familiale. Nous avons également pu recueillir et documenter les données de groupes de discussion. Nous avons présenté nos données à la magistrature, au comité consultatif du projet, aux directeurs des services de protection de l’enfance ainsi qu’aux professionnels et fournisseurs de services concernés de la région de Moncton. Nous serons en mesure de proposer le modèle ainsi que de déterminer les obstacles nécessitant une intervention pour pouvoir mettre en œuvre le modèle. Nous proposerons également des solutions potentielles.Item Projet de recherche sur la violence faite aux femmes et la réaction du système juridique de l'Î.-P.-É.(2004)En 1999, 21 femmes de l’Île, qui avaient été victimes de violence dans leur relation intime, ont accepté de participer à un projet de recherche consacré à leur histoire et à l’amélioration de la compréhension de l’impact de la réaction du système de justice sur les femmes qui quittent une relation de violence. Depuis, les entrevues menées auprès de ces femmes ont été transcrites et analysées et l’information recueillie a donné lieu à la publication du présent rapport. Par ailleurs, nous avons également fait une revue de la littérature existante sur la violence faite aux femmes en insistant plus particulièrement sur les recherches et études effectuées à l’Île-du-Prince-Édouard. Le fruit de cette revue de la littérature est également présenté dans le présent rapport.Item Moncton provincial court-domestic violence pilot project: a comparative study(2010) Gill, Carmen; Ruff, LanetteThis report presents the results of a study of domestic violence cases processed through the Moncton Provincial Court-Domestic Violence Pilot Project model based on a comparison with the Fredericton Provincial Court, over an 18-month period. The report provides an analysis of demographics of accused and victims, incidents, charges, and sentences in domestic violence cases, documenting who is entering into the court systems in Moncton and Fredericton and how cases are processed under specialization versus regular court. Through the presentation of findings, the comparison provides information on the unique differences of the Moncton court. This report highlights strengths and weaknesses in the early operation of the Moncton court, identifies potential gaps in the court model, and provides an understanding of some of the intended effects and potential unintended effects of specialization.Item Dating violence prevention in New Brunswick(2007) Cameron, C. Ann; Byers, E. Sandra; Miller, S. Andrea; McKay, Stacey L.; St. Pierre, Melissa; Glenn, ShannonThe goal of the Provincial Strategy Team for Dating Violence Prevention was to make recommendations for a sustainable comprehensive provincial strategy for youth dating violence prevention in the Province of New Brunswick. These recommendations were to be based on an empirical evaluation of dating violence prevention programs conducted with high school students in New Brunswick during the autumn of 2005 by five community-based organizations: Le Centre de Prévention de la Violence Familiale de Kent (CPVFK), Coalition Against Abuse in Relationships/Coalition Contre l’Abus dans les Relations (CAAR), Fredericton Sexual Assault Crisis Centre (FSACC), and Making Waves/Vague par vague, Inc. (MW/Vpv). The evaluation was designed to be at arms’ length from, yet informed by, the programs, systematic, scientifically rigorous, longitudinal, and to assess diverse areas.Item Behind the screen: assessing needs for the prevention and elimination of cyberviolence against young women in New Brunswick(2015)In recent years, communication technologies have had a profound impact on the ways in which individuals and groups interact with one another. In Canada, high-profile cases of cyberviolence are forcing communities to engage more deeply with issues of online violence and bullying, including the ways in which these forms of aggression are directed at young women. Cyberviolence can be broadly defined as harm caused by one individual or group to another using cyber-technologies including the internet, mobile phones, applications, and social media. Cyberviolence can include bullying, harassment, non-consensual sharing of intimate images, luring, or images of child sexual abuse. The issue of cyberviolence can be framed in many ways - as an issue related to mental health, public health and safety, or as an issue related to violence against women. This report examines cyberviolence against young women in the context of New Brunswick.Item herStory of woman abuse and the PEI justice system(2004)In 1999, 21 Island women who had experienced violence in an intimate relationship agreed to participate in a research project focused on hearing their stories and gaining a better understanding of the impact of justice system responses on women leaving abusive relationships. Since then, their interviews have been transcribed and analyzed and have resulted in this report. As well, a literature review was conducted which focused on woman abuse with a particular focus on Prince Edward Island research and studies. This is included in this report as well.Item Looking after children in Canada(2000) Kufeldt, Kathleen; Simard, Marie; Vachon, Jacques; Baker, Joanmary; Andrews, Traci-LyeeThe “Looking After Children in Canada” project was conducted in collaboration with Child Welfare agencies in Canada’s six most eastern provinces. It is broader in scope than the traditional research endeavour. Its overall goal is to enhance the quality of care for children who are brought to the attention of child welfare services and, in this project, the first step in reaching that goal was to test in Canada the promising new approach to assessment and outcomes that “Looking After Children” offers. Subsumed under that particular objective were a number of tasks that included not only the developing, pretesting and implementation of a Canadian adaptation of the materials, but also the need to promote collaboration and cooperation amongst participants, and eventually to build consensus with respect to standards of care for children in Canada who are subject to Child Welfare intervention. Thus it was a blend of components. These were primarily the development of strategic plans to meet the goal and objectives, the design of the research aspects, attention to organizational change concepts, the actual implementation, and not least the need to be sensitive to the autonomy of the various jurisdictions involved. In short it was a blend of research, practice demonstration, and understanding of structural concerns. It required leadership from the research team in sharing a vision and providing support and guidance in the attainment of that vision of enhancing the quality of care for children needing child welfare intervention.Item Spousal abuse, children and the legal system final report for Canadian Bar Association, Law for the Futures Fund(2001) Neilson, Linda CDespite years of professional, academic, public education and discussion about family abuse and its dangers for women and children, little seems to have changed for the better in the legal system, in practice. Indeed the weight of the evidence suggests that the dangers for children are increasing with increasing politicisation of rights claims associated with parenting. While, theoretically, reported cases suggest increasing awareness among at least some judges of partner abuse and the implications for children, closer examination reveals that such understandings are not always mirrored in legal praxis. We found limited, albeit some, evidence of gender bias or discrimination in child custody and access cases and much evidence that responsible parenting during access visits is more an exception than a rule in partner abuse cases. Custodial parents are reporting that their children are being harmed by contact orders and agreements; they ask for a mechanism to protect their children, and the children of others, from further harm. In connection with partner abuse generally, we found some evidence of false or exaggerated claim in isolated cases but little evidence to support the notion that exaggerated or false claims of partner abuse are common in child custody and access cases. Interview data - about patterns and details of partner abuse in former relationships - were consistent in their entirety with allegations and statements about partner abuse found in court files. And reported cases, court files and lawyers all disclosed lower rates of claims of partner abuse by separating and divorcing couples than researchers report for the same population. In terms of legal assessments of abuse, reported cases, court files, lawyers and clients all indicate conceptualisations of abuse that focus on action and intention with incomplete analysis of social context. Although assessments of social context do not preclude the experiences of abused men, failure to assess context (history of the dynamics of the relationship, including the patterns and severity of prior abusive behaviors and the psychological and physical consequences to the recipient) will commonly produce false interpretations and assessments - in favor of abusive partners. This issue is particularly important in light of another finding: that survivors of long-term abuse commonly report incidents of their own violence at the point they decide to separate from abusive partners. All data sources indicate limited understandings, within the legal system, of the dynamics and implications, especially for children, of partner abuse. While, theoretically, experts are able to advise lawyers and judges about these matters, the involvement of experts in partner abuse cases is rare and indeed financial information in court files indicates that most families involved in such cases do not have the resources necessary to hire experts.Item Action for change: empowering women victims of intimate partner violence to build healthier and safer lives(2013) Han, Reni; Abdou-McFarland, NajatIntervening in situations of intimate partner violence (IPV) is one of the most difficult aspects of social work practice and social workers often encounter victims/survivors during their years of practice. Recognizing this, the New Brunswick Association of Social Workers (NBASW) in partnership with the Muriel McQueen Fergusson Centre on Family Violence Research (MMFC) at the University of New Brunswick; the Government of New Brunswick’s Department of Social Development; and the Government of New Brunswick’s Women’s Issues Branch of the Executive Council Office developed “Understanding the Impact of Intimate Partner Violence – Helping Social Workers to Better Intervene”, a train-the-trainer program for social workers in New Brunswick. This program was designed to "assist those who are in a position to deliver training to social workers about the impact of and effective responses to intimate partner violence; in other words, to build the capacity of social workers to effectively intervene in situations of intimate partner violence" (Understanding the Impact of Intimate Partner Violence - Helping Social Workers to Better Intervene: A Train-the-Trainer Manual for Delivering Training on Intimate Partner Violence to Social Workers, p.3). An Advisory Committee comprised of social workers from diverse workplaces was created to guide the overall development of the content and to ensure that generally, the information contained in the manual would be useful to social workers in all fields of practice. A Working Committee comprised of social workers from different fields of practice was formed to provide specific input on the content of “Understanding the Impact of Intimate Partner Violence – Helping Social Workers to Better Intervene”. MMFC initially delivered the train-the-trainer workshop to four social workers. These four individuals subsequently piloted the educational program with a cohort of 18 social workers practicing in diverse fields who provided feedback on how the educational program could be adjusted and improved. Adjustments were made to the curriculum based on their feedback. MMFC then worked with the Department of Social Development to identify and recruit the first set of social workers to be trained through the program. Thirty-three social workers were trained in English and French in early 2010. Seventy-eight percent of these participants worked with the Department of Social Development and the remaining 22% were from First Nations communities, community agencies or other government departments. Subsequently, five of these individuals implemented workshops for their peers and other professionals.Item Étude des liens entre les armes à feu, la violence familiale et la violence envers les animaux dans les collectivités rurales(2007) Doherty, Deborah; Hornosty, JennieMalgré la masse croissante de documents sur la violence familiale, peu d’études traitent explicitement de la violence familiale dans un contexte rural. Aucune n’a examiné à fond le contexte social et culturel des armes à feu dans les foyers ruraux et les conséquences possibles des armes à feu sur les femmes aux prises avec la violence. Nous savons pourtant grâce à notre recherche antérieure que la disponibilité des armes à feu dans les foyers ruraux est perçue comme une menace par les femmes victimes de violence (voir Doherty, Hornosty et McCallum, 1997; Hornosty et Doherty, 2004; Doherty et Hornosty, 2004; Hornosty et Doherty, 2003). Nous savons aussi que souvent les menaces visent également les animaux familiers et les animaux de ferme. La présente étude, financée par le Centre des armes à feu Canada, se penche sur la violence familiale, les armes à feu et la violence envers les animaux familiers dans un contexte rural où les armes à feu sont perçues de façon positive. La recherche a été effectuée par Mme Doherty et Mme Hornosty, dans le cadre d’une équipe de recherche sur la violence familiale en milieu agricole et rural, à l’Université du Nouveau-Brunswick. Les partenaires de la recherche comprenaient toutes les maisons de transition du Nouveau-Brunswick et de l’Île-du-Prince-Édouard, les services aux victimes de l’Île-du-Prince-Édouard, les contrôleurs des armes à feu dans les deux provinces, les services aux victimes de la police de la ville de Fredericton et du Service de police régional Codiac de la GRC au Nouveau-Brunswick et la Division « J » de la GRC. L’étude avait pour but principal d’examiner, d’un vaste point de vue régional, les divers aspects ou formes que prend l’utilisation des armes à feu comme instruments de contrôle, d’intimidation et d’abus dans les situations de violence familiale afin d’étendre la base de renseignements et de mieux comprendre les facteurs de risque qui entraînent ou aggravent la victimisation des femmes et des enfants liée aux armes à feu dans les foyers ruraux. La recherche documente les expériences de femmes victimes de violence dans des collectivités rurales et elle examine les perceptions des fournisseurs de services et des travailleurs à l’intervention d’urgence au sujet de l’abus des armes à feu gardés au domicile et de son influence sur les stratégies en matière de planification de la sécurité et d’intervention. Elle éclaire également les perceptions, les normes et les valeurs rurales de la relation entre les armes à feu, la violence familiale et la violence envers les animaux. La recherche a été effectuée au Nouveau-Brunswick et à l’Île-du-Prince-Édouard au cours d’une période de 18 mois, de 2005 à 2007. Nous avons fait appel à la fois à des enquêtes (données quantitatives) et à des entrevues semi-structurées et des groupes de réflexion (données qualitatives). Les outils de recherche étaient disponibles dans les deux langues officielles. Nous avons passé en revue la documentation sur la mauvaise utilisation des armes à feu, la violence familiale et la violence envers les animaux comme toile de fond de la recherche. De plus, une analyse du contenu des articles de journaux sur des questions précises concernant la violence familiale nous a aidés à comprendre les perceptions du public, en particulier en rapport avec les armes à feu. Finalement, une analyse des affaires judiciaires au Canada atlantique au cours des dernières années en rapport avec la violence familiale nous a permis de mieux comprendre comment l’appareil judiciaire réagit à la violence familiale, en particulier dans les cas de victimisation reliée aux armes à feu et de violence envers des animaux familiers.Item Atteindre son potentiel: un atelier pour les femmes qui ont survécu à la violence conjugale - le cahier de la participante(2013) Arsenault, Rina; Paquet, Martine; Thibeault, Tara; Mason, JennyLe cahier de la participante a été développée pour les femmes victimes de violence conjugale. Veuillez noter que l’information peut aussi être utilisée auprès des hommes victimes de violence conjugale.Item A coordinated community response to domestic and intimate partner violence experienced by immigrant and newcomer women in new Brunswick - needs assessment report(2016) Holtmann, Catherine; Torri, Maria Costanza; Rickards, Tracey; Matta, CrestinaThis 36 month project aims to improve service responses for immigrant and newcomer women who are victims of domestic and intimate partner violence (D/IPV) in New Brunswick. Through partnerships, a coordinated community response will be developed between provincial government departments, domestic violence support-service providers, immigrant serving organizations and community partners, incorporating the lens of immigrant and newcomer women’s experiences throughout the project. The learnings from this project will be integrated into future provincial strategies to address D/IPV experienced by immigrant and newcomer women.Item Prévention de la violence dans les fréquentations au Nouveau-Brunswick(2007) Cameron, C. Ann; Byers, E. Sandra; Miller, S. Andrea; McKay, Stacey L.; St. Pierre, Melissa; Glenn, ShannonLe but de l'équipe d'orientation stratégique provinciale pour la prévention de la violence dans les fréquentations était de faire des recommandations en vue d'une stratégie provinciale globale durable pour la prévention de la violence dans les fréquentations chez les jeunes au Nouveau-Brunswick. Les recommandations devaient s'appuyer sur une évaluation empirique des programmes visant la prévention de la violence dans les fréquentations effectuée auprès d'élèves du niveau secondaire du Nouveau-Brunswick au cours de l'automne 2005 et réalisée par cinq organismes communautaires : le Centre de prévention de la violence familiale de Kent (CPVFK), la Coalition contre l'abus dans les relations (C.C.A.R.), le Centre pour les victimes d'agression sexuelle de Fredericton (C.V.A.S.F.) et Making Waves/Vague par vague, Inc. (MW/VPV). L'évaluation a été conçue pour être indépendante des programmes tout en y puisant des renseignements. Elle a aussi été conçue pour être systématique, rigoureuse sur le plan scientifique, longitudinale et pour évaluer différents secteurs.Item Atteindre son potentiel: un atelier pour les femmes qui ont survécu à la violence conjugale - le guide du facilitateur(2013) Arsenault, Rina; Paquet, Martine; Thibeault, Tara; Mason, JennyCe manuel a pour but d’aider les femmes victimes de violence conjugale à bâtir une vie plus saine et plus sûre pour elles-mêmes et leurs enfants. Pour atteindre ce but, nous avons établi trois objectifs : 1) habiliter les femmes à mener une vie plus saine et sécuritaire ; 2) encourager les femmes à participer à l’élimination de la violence conjugale; et 3) donner aux femmes un plus grand sentiment de sécurité. Le manuel contient des renseignements et des questions qui peuvent vous être utiles de diverses façons, dont les suivantes : 1) pour offrir un atelier aux femmes survivantes de violence conjugale dans votre communauté ; et 2) pour vous renseigner, et pour renseigner vos collègues, sur les situations de violence conjugale.Item Collaborative Design of a Research Informed, Coordinated Provincial / Queen’s Bench Family Violence Court Model(Muriel McQueen Fergusson Centre for Family Violence Research, 2022) Neilson, Linda, C.; Boucher, Joanne; Robichaud, Brigitte; Dugas-Horsman, AnneThe Collaborative Design of a Research-Informed, Coordinated Provincial / Queen’s Bench Family Violence Court Model project was a collaborative academic, judicial and New Brunswick government project designed to document, assess and improve the sharing of information about risk and danger (adult and child) and to improve the sharing and consistency of agreements and orders across legal systems in family violence cases. The ultimate goal was to design and pilot a coordinated court model to ensure due process while managing safe, research and evidence-informed information exchanges in family violence cases across the criminal, civil-intimate-partner protection, family-law and child-protection legal systems. The anticipated outcomes were enhancement of adult and child safety, reduction of duplication of information and evidence, and improved coordination of court orders and agreements. As a result of Covid - 19 and repetitive public health lockdowns throughout the whole of the project, particularly in Moncton, we were able to meet some but not all of our objectives. We were able to collect and assess court file data from multiple court systems and connect the court data from multiple systems to those accused of domestic violence crimes. We were also able to collect and document focus group data. We presented our data to the judiciary, the project’s advisory committee, directors of child protection services, and to pertinent professionals and service providers in the Moncton region. We will be able to propose the model and identify obstacles requiring a response in order to implement the model. We will also propose potential solutions.Item Domestic homicide in New Brunswick, 1999–2008(2012) Gill, CarmenAfter the announcement by the provincial government in 2009 of the creation of a domestic violence death review committee (DVDRC) and the announcement by Public Safety Minister and Solicitor General in February 2010 of work starting by DVDRC members, the Muriel McQueen Fergusson Centre for Family Violence Research (MMFC) was approached to conduct a study of domestic homicide in New Brunswick. The research was conducted between June and December 2010. Few studies have been conducted on domestic homicide in the province of New Brunswick and none have examined all deaths related to domestic violence. This study is an attempt to present a comprehensive analysis of domestic violence deaths over a 10-year period (1999–2008), in the province of New Brunswick. The objective of this examination of domestic violence fatalities is to better understand what leads to death in domestic violence situations in order to prevent future deaths. Three main questions led the study: 1) What can we learn from domestic homicide cases in New Brunswick?, 2) What are the risk factors of domestic homicide?, and 3) What steps can be taken to prevent domestic homicide from happening? A comprehensive analysis of domestic violence deaths over a 10-year period (1999–2008) will identify deaths directly or indirectly caused by domestic violence, will track the prevalence of evidence-based risk factors for domestic homicide, and will help to understand the unique etiology of domestic homicides. Given that it is only recently that researchers have taken a retrospective examination of domestic homicide to learn about and prevent domestic violence this report includes a description of the process of creating the sample; the methodology for the review of all cases and its limitations; a statistical analysis; and recommendations for consideration to the Committee/Chief Coroner.