Incidents of domestic violence and sexual abuse will be dealt with more consistently by 34 different agencies throughout Bruce and Grey Counties in the future.
The various groups have signed an updated 2011 Community Response Protocol.
Colleen Purdon, Coordinator — the Grey Bruce Violence Prevention Coordinating Committee — says when domestic or sexual violence is perpetrated on a victim, many agencies kick into action to bring those accountable to justice.
Purdon says the protocol is designed to aid agencies and service providers with practical tools and procedures so that they can work together to provide a coordinated community response to the victims of violence, in the field of safety, access to services and future prevention.
She admits the general public won’t notice much of a change but the protocol will build confidence in the various community groups serving the public.
Purdon says groups involved include the police, justice and social services, First Nations, women’s shelters, men’s programs, youth and children agencies, school boards and substance abuse services.
Saugeen Shores Police Services Inspector Ken McCullough says the protocol is needed because the problem of domestic or sexual violence is bigger than many would believe, in the region.
McCullough looks forward to being part of the coordinated solution.
The protocol was signed at a ceremony at the Plex in Saugeen Shores on Friday — coinciding with Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
