Manitoba judges education bill could help domestic violence survivors, advocate says – Winnipeg [Video]

Advocates say a new bill before the Manitoba legislature could have a big impact on the relationship survivors of domestic violence have with the court system.

The bill, which may not pass before the Nov. 7 end of the legislature session, would require continuing education for new provincial court judges on topics like intimate partner violence, sexual assault, systemic racism and other topics.

Coral Kendel, executive director at Survivor’s Hope Crisis Centre, told Global Winnipeg any type of further education on the subject is key to making meaningful change.

“Any time we see further education happening, especially in different large systems, it’s incredibly encouraging to see how this can continually impact survivors to receive better care at all levels, and especially to reduce the significant recurrence of harm that can occur when they are interacting with systems,” Kendel said.

“Especially if individuals who are meant to be supporting survivors and working at their best interests are not …