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In an effort to provide a more seamless response to family violence, a number of Kitchener/Waterloo community services have assigned staff to be based at 400 Queen Street South in Kitchener. Women contacting that location can access service from all or some of these organizations. This system has been in effect for approximately 3 years and clearly demonstrated the benefits that can come from a co-location model of service. Representatives of the Family Violence Project will be sharing with us how the project got started, the challenges they faced along the way, and how it is working out now, 3 years later. Their excellent PowerPoint presentation will assist in conceptualizing how a similar model, modified to suit the specific needs of our Region, could work in Durham.

One of DRIVEN's overall goals is the promotion of networking and community partnerships. This month 3 of our colleagues will be presenting their programs; who they are, what they provide, and how we can work together as members of Durham s continuum of services to women and children dealing with violence in their lives.

DRIVEN embraces Durham Region s growing diverse community and understands the need to address diversity in service provision. To strengthen the alliance of services to clients of intimate-relationship violence, our esteemed colleagues will address issues that face diverse groups and their connection to the community.

As one of DRIVEN's goals to promote a community standard that is intolerant of intimate-relationship violence, we are pleased to introduce the Neighbours, Friends & Families campaign to our community. An expert panel member of the campaign, Detective Tracey Marshall will focus on raising community awareness, the signs and how to support those at risk.

To kick-start a safe 2008, we begin with Crime Prevention as the focus for January. DRIVEN promotes a Durham region standard that s intolerant of not only intimate-relationship violence, but violence of all types. We recognize that violence and abuse are crimes. We look forward to seeing everyone come out and hear about some strategies to help people be safe from the crime of violence and abuse..

To provide a comprehensive range of services, DRIVEN introduces February's theme as Services to Men. These agencies offer programs that focus to encourage positive involvement of men in relationships and promote their responsibility toward their children, families and communities. Services to men are an essential element to rebuilding lives and strengthening communities.

Our March event focuses on the complex and challenging issues of mental health and addiction. These issues are sometimes overlapping, and presenting agencies will provide an overview of the programs they offer. Community programs can minimize the impact of violence and maximize the wellbeing for clients dealing with these issues.

We are delighted to have leaders in Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) present at our April meeting. This is a pro-active crime prevention strategy utilized by planners, architects, police services, security professionals and everyday users of space. It is an approach to crime prevention that takes into account the relationship between the physical environment and the users of that environment. CPTED provides a common sense way to improve the safety of your living environment.

It is with great pleasure that DRIVEN introduce the Diversity Training Workshop presented by the Women's Multicultural Resource and Counselling Centre of Durham. A dynamic workshop that address the following:
Aspects of Oppression: power, prejudice, intersecting oppressions, mainstream and marginalization and privilege;
Barriers to Social Change: socialization, resistance and fear, communication and empathy; and,
Barriers to Organizational Change: accountability, structure, sustainability, training and development, dialogue and discussion, goal setting and on-going assessment.

After the Violence: Working with the family and criminal courts.

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