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Notes from the Editor

On July 24, 2000, Statistics Canada's annual report on family violence was released. In it, they provided the findings of their 1999 General Social Survey, of which a part was devoted to assessing the incidence of partner violence. The survey polled a very large national sample of both male and female respondents, who were questioned on the occurrence of psychological abuse and physical violence within their adult partnerships. For your reference, the report may be downloaded from the Statistics Canada website at http://www.statcan.ca .

We're happy to present a number of fine commentaries on many issues related to partner abuse in this issue, among them articles on domestic violence and older women, stalking in ex-intimate relationships, and factors to be considered in determining child custody and access in cases of family violence. I hope you will find them both enlightening and provocative.

It's not every day that one gets the chance to meet colleagues from locations as distant as Papua New Guinea! In June, representatives from the Institute met onsite with the coordinator of a new family violence program from Goroka, Papua New Guinea with whom we've established a working sistership! Naomi's visit was great fun and it was most edifying to hear her speak of her experience in establishing anti-violence programs in a tribal community and her personal experiences which drew her to this work. Naomi has graciously co-authored an article which details her challenging experience in "Living in Two Worlds..." (page 26).

We at the Institute wish to extend a hearty congratulations to BCIFV Board Members Judith Kerr and Jill Hightower, who were recognized for their efforts in violence prevention in the recent 2nd Annual Building a Safer Future Awards. Judith, who is very active not only across the province in the field, but also in her community on the Queen Charlotte Islands, was the recipient of the "Rural Community Award". Jill's long record of service earned her a nomination for the "Landmark Award".

The next issue of the BCIFV newsletter will address child maltreatment in its many forms, including physical, psychological and sexual abuse and neglect. We invite you to contribute to this upcoming publication with this overall theme in mind. In this installment, we also hope to report on the results of the first national survey on child abuse and neglect, whose findings are anticipated to be released this September. Please contact the Editor if you'd like to be featured in our fall issue.