Community‐based justice and violence against women: Issues of gender and race

In Canada, as in numerous other countries, the criminal justice system has been increasingly criticized. Numerous calls for reforms to the system and for community‐based alternatives have been advanced. This article explores various issues surrounding the responses to violence against women. The first section highlights the enormity of the problem of battered women. The second section briefly examines some of the issues surrounding the criminal justice system in responding to violence against women. The third and largest section will explore issues concerning violence against women and community‐based justice initiatives. This section is divided into three subsections which relate to the three key issues that will be discussed: inclusion of women; protection and safety of women; and power and control. The discussion will draw upon insights from feminists and women's advocates, particularly in relation to their critiques of mediation. I will also draw upon materials concerning violence against Aboriginal women and Aboriginal community‐based justice initiatives. The jurisdictional focus is Canada. However, information has been included from a number of sources, including material from the United States and Australia.