Children Affected by Domestic Violence:The Manitoba Perspective

“I was a children’s worker at the woman’s shelter. Years later I returned as the director. Now, I see the children I used to work with coming into shelter with their own children.“

Who is MAWS?In the mid 1980s, women’s shelters in the

province of Manitoba began to work together Membership includes nine provincially funded

women’s shelters and several affiliate members working on the area of family violence.

We provide: support to member shelters; increased negotiating abilities with funders; shared information and resources; increased public awareness, training of staff and improved services for clients.

History Children’s ProgramA National Program came out of the

World Summit for Children in 1990A new federal funding source was

created for children at risk, those affected by domestic violence were recognized as an “at risk” population

Community Action Program for Children (CAPC)

History Children’s ProgramMAWS applied for funding for all the

shelters MAWS is a unique program in the

countryFunding began in 1995MAWS has received over 2.7 million

dollars to date There are about 450 CAPC projects

across Canada

Expansion and Enhancement of Children’s ProgramsDollars are received from the Federal

Government Public Health Agency of CanadaMembers of MAWS receive equal share of

dollars through signed agreements with MAWSAll shelters follow a provincial workplan with

five main objectives and different activities under those objectives

Shelters have independence to operate the types of programs that suit their region and population

Objectives of CAPCTo improve the healthy development of

children 0-6 exposed to violence by providing basic needs and safety.

To increase parenting skills of parents/caregivers of children 0-6 exposed to violence.

To increase knowledge of and access to resources/services in the community for parents/caregivers of children 0-6 exposed to violence.

Objectives of CAPC

To increase life skills of parents/caregivers of children 0-6 exposed to violence.

To increase community development approach within local communities and with in MAWS

ActivitiesCounsellingSupport groupsPlay groupsParentingReferralsSpecial eventsPublic Awareness Presentations

Provincial Numbers 2006/2007 742 counselling sessions were provided to

275 children470 support groups were provided to 200

children. 5721 play groups were provided to 3211

children and 45 moms410 parenting sessions were provided to

130 women.

Outcomes“It helped me know what is healthy and unhealthy in parenting and relationships”

92% of Mom’s learned a lot about safety planning

85% of Mom’s learned a lot about healthy relationships

91% of Moms reported they played more with their child

Outcomes95% they learned new ways to play

with their child 100% reported having fun with

their child80% of caregivers reported they

learned a lot about where to get more information outside the shelter

The Provincial CommunityCAPC in Manitoba has 14 projects Strong MB coalition that works on issues

togetherAssists MB families connecting with other

resourcesProvides training for front line staff and

Directors/Managers

Demographics 2006/2007

66% self identify as Aboriginal (15% Nationally)

15% born outside of Canada (22% Nationally)

43% between 20-29 years of age45% between 30-39 years of age

Demographics 2006/2007

70% family income is less that $15 000/year (30% Nationally)

Average of 3.7 children per woman46% of Moms had not completed high school

(27 % Nationally)66% had two or three risk factors, 6% had

four or more

Quote from Mom“I know a lot of my parenting skills have

changed for the better and I have to thank you ladies for that....cause I have learned alot from being in here. Thank you so much for everything”

Margaret (mom)Seth (3 ½)Issiah (2)Alexsiah (6 months)