Housing shortage threatens family abuse bill

JOHN THOMPSON

When Nunavut’s legislature reconvenes next week, one of the more contentious legislative proposals to be put before the house could be Bill 16, Nunavut’s proposed Family Abuse Prevention Act.

This draft law, which passed first and second reading this June, would give police the power to evict accused wife beaters from their homes if an abused spouse asks a justice of the peace for an emergency protection order.

The bill is before the legislature’s standing committee, Ajauqtiit, which is to report back to the house either this month, or during the next sitting in February.

But the bill raises one big question: with a territory-wide housing shortage, and few homeless shelters, where will these abusive men go?

The Qulliit Nunavut Status of Women Council is a strong supporter of Bill 16. But in their submission to the legislature’s standing committee, they make it clear that Nunavut needs more resources, such as homeless shelters, social workers and mental health workers, to make the proposed law work.

“Support such as shelters still need to be funded and supported in spite of this legislation,” states the council’s submission, which says in some of Nunavut’s communities, very little of this needed support exists.

The council expressed concern over one section of the bill, which states abused spouses should “promote the integrity of the family and community.”

It’s not clear what exactly this means, the council says, because “integrity” isn’t defined. But the council wants the law rewritten so it’s clear that the rights of an abused spouse come first, including the choice to leave an abusive spouse or the community.

The council also wants the bill amended to include provisions dealing with elder abuse, which the council says is a growing problem in Nunavut.

As well, the law should also include provisions that would offer counselling for the children of an abusive relationship, the council says.

“Children can be the hidden or silent victims of family violence and their safety and needs are to be considered as well,” the submission states.

The council says it’s pleased to see provisions for stalking, which it says is a particular problem for women leaving abusive relationships. But it suggests expanding the provision, so that it includes Internet stalking as well.

These criticisms aside, the council’s submission is largely positive, and says the council applauds the government for sending a strong message that family abuse and violence won’t be tolerated.

“With some changes, Bill 16 has the potential to be a powerful tool to enable families and communities to make a difference. We urge you to make these changes now, before the proposed legislation becomes law.”