BC Association of Specialized Victim Assistance and Counselling Programs

An initiative coordinated by the Ministry of Attorney General to develop BC's first Sexual Assault Policy. Our Association played an integral role on this inter-ministerial committee, advising the policy development process regarding the experiences of women survivors of sexual assault and workers in this area, and the areas where the work of police and Crown could be improved to allow them to be more responsive to the issues that affect survivors.

A number of initiatives were taken on by this Association, including the development and distribution of a series of discussion papers regarding the O'Connor case as it proceeded through the courts, to keep agency staff informed of the implications for women and others who have been victimized. These papers brought a feminist legal analysis to the case and were distributed to agencies across BC in order that service providers could inform their clients of the implications of reporting abuse.

After years of ambiguity regarding the rights of sexually assaulted survivors to have a medical forensic examination at the hospital regardless of their decision to report to police at the time, our Association brought the issue forward to the Attorney General and worked with the Ministry to develop a policy which is now in place that ensures that survivors would have this right and that these exams would be funded by the Ministry.

In Nov 2001 BCASVACP produced an overview paper outlining the changes in criminal court proceedings in BC regarding the development of the Criminal Caseflow Management Rules. Chief Judge Carol Baird Ellan has issued two amendments to the 'Rules'. One pertains to a new rule that makes it not necessary in summary convictions for an arraignment hearing if both sides have filed their arraignment reports. The other amendment sets aside automatic requirements for a preliminary hearing. 

The Association brought to the attention of the Attorney General the issue of the costs that agencies incur in fighting attempts by defense counsel to gain access to survivors' private files, along with a request that these costs be funded by government. The Association was successful in getting agreement, and financial support is now available to agencies involved in Bill C-46 cases.

The Association has provided numerous briefs to government and met with various Cabinet Ministers and senior staff in the Ministry of the Attorney General to assist them in their understanding and knowledge of the effects of their policy on the use of Alternative Measures in cases of violence against women and children.