HAY RIVER (April 28, 2015) – The Domestic Violence Treatment Option (DVTO) Court has expanded to Hay River effective April 27, 2015.

Designed as an alternative court for people who have been charged with violence against their partners, the DVTO Court allows people to accept responsibility for their behaviour and enter the specialized Planning Action Responsibly Toward Non-Violent Empowered Relationships (PARTNER) program. Ultimately, the Court and PARTNER program have the potential to help many people break the cycle of domestic violence and learn how to make productive choices as they go forward in their relationships.

“This is another step we are taking to work with people to break the cycle of domestic violence” said Minister of Justice David Ramsay. “Through the support of the judiciary and our partners we are providing this valuable program to the residents of the Hay River area. We look forward to continuing our work to eradicate domestic violence through ongoing collaborative efforts like this.”

Residents from Hay River, the Kátł’odeeche First Nation and Enterprise who are a low risk for reoffending are all eligible to be considered for the Hay River DVTO Court and PARTNER program. People who have been charged must admit responsibility for their actions and be willing to make changes in their lives through the eight-module PARTNER program. They remain under court supervision and return for sentencing by the DVTO Court Judge at the end of the program.

The Hay River and area program reflects collaborative efforts between the judiciary and the RCMP, Public Prosecution Service and criminal defence lawyers, as well as the Departments of Justice and Health and Social Services.  The DVTO Court has been operating in Yellowknife since 2011.

Media inquiries:

Sue Glowach
Senior Communications Advisor
Department of Justice
Tel: 867-920-3130
Email: Sue_glowach@gov.nt.ca