PROFESSIONAL ABRIDGMENT Of
Barbara Mills

Domestic Violence Advocate, Consultant & Lecturer

Over 20 years experience as an independent victim’s advocate, consultant, lecturer and symposium facilitator.
Recognized expert in the field of family violence and victim protection.
Speaking engagements address intimate partner violence and relationship terrorism by revealing the impact the various forms of abuse has on women and children.
Dedicated to ”breaking the silence of family violence by speaking out against it”.
Philosophy that by exposing domestic violence it dispels the myths and fallacies that surround it.
Actively involved by lobbying for change(s) in social programs, community responses and the judiciary structure
Educating and training front line service providers by providing a more insightful understanding of the victims and their plight.
Supporting victims and advocating change by published articles.

LOBBYING EFFORTS:

• Independently lobbied for the DVERS (Domestic Violence Emergency Response System). The program launched in Toronto (April 2, 1999) – From launching to Nov. 2006 the program has assisted 433 women of whom 4 were placed in the relocation / protection program.
• Lobbied successfully for reinstatement of Court Process Servers in the Family Court Structure.
• Advocated effectively for language specific to Domestic Violence to be negotiated into the CUPE Local 79 Collective Agreement representing over 10,000 City of Toronto workers.
• Introduced the first in Canada Domestic Violence By-law into the non-profit housing sector prior to construction.
• Lobbied government including the Premier of Ontario for improved laws for the protection of victims of violence.

FOUNDED:

• Sisters in Solidarity (1999) A not for profit and non-funded self-help group that has assisted over 450 women through various venues from housing needs to witness protection programs.

TRAINED:

• In excess of 2,000 Toronto Social Services staff to date on the dynamics and complexities of family violence.
• Approximately 900 Toronto Police at C.O. Bick Police College
• Over 1,000 Probation and Parole Officers at Bell Cairns Training Centre

CURRENT APPOINTMENT:

• Advisor on the Toronto College Park Domestic Courts Panel as an independent advocate.

PREVIOUS APPOINTMENT:

• U.of T. – Caring Dads Project as an independent advocate.

CONSULTATIONS:

Varying from and not specific to: Police, judiciary, legal counsel, counselors, media, clergy, probation and parole officers and victims.

LECTURING EXPERIENCE: In part and not specific to:

• Toronto Police Services (C.O. Bick College) monthly/bi-monthly basis (1999-2003)
• Ministry of Public Safety and Security (Training Program) 1999 – 2007)
• Fort Wayne IND. Police Service
• The Seed Alternative School
• Ryerson University
• Western University (Kings Campus)
• Humber College
• St. Augustine’s Seminary
• KHP (Kids Help Phone)
• Barrie Women and Children Shelter (Fund Raising Event)
• Sarnia Victim Services
• Ontario Women’s Directorate
• Central Neighbourhood House (Shelter workers)
• METRAC (Metro Toronto Action Committee Against Violence of Women and Children)
• Court Support Services and Counselling
• CUPE Ontario
• CUPE National

EXPERT STATUS:

• Criminal Courts
• Family Courts
• Criminal Injuries Board

MEDIA CONSULTATIONS:

• CITY T.V.
• CFTO – W5
• C.B.C.
• C.B.C. – RADIO ONE
• C.F.R.B. (Michael Coren Show)
• Toronto Star

AWARDS:

• 2005- CITY OF TORONTO – Above and Beyond Achievement Award
• 2003 – Y.W.C.A. Peace Medallion
• 2003- S.L.N.A. Community Award
• 2000- Canada Day Achievement Award

NOMINEE:

• 2005- 2006- Women of Distinction Award
• 2007- 2008- Women of Distinction Award

RECIPIENT OF:

• TORONTO: City Council Letter of Commendation
• Various: Letters of Recognition and Appreciation

PROFESSIONAL ABRIDGMENT Of Barbara Mills