B.C. inquest calls for domestic violence teams

A B.C. coroner's inquest jury has made 14 recommendations after hearing evidence in a Victoria-area murder-suicide that resulted in the deaths of five people.

The jury has called for the provincial government to create regional domestic violence units, to provide universally available advocacy services for victims and abusers, and to fund campaigns to increase awareness of domestic violence in the province.

The jury recommended that the Education Ministry introduce a family relationships and domestic violence component to school curricula — from kindergarten to Grade 12.

The jury also called for bail reforms to ensure potential abusers are screened by the court system.

B.C. Solicitor General Kash Heed said he was  "looking favourably" on the jury's suggestion of domestic violence units, but stopped short of making any funding promises.

"I want [authorities] to work in a more comprehensive fashion, and that doesn't necessarily equate to more dollars," he told reporters in Vancouver.

The inquest was examining the case of Peter Lee, who in September 2007 killed his estranged wife, Sunny Park, their six-year-old son and Park's parents, before committing suicide at the family home in Oak Bay east of Victoria.

The five-member panel heard from 35 witnesses, ranging from Lee's sister to the man in charge of policy for the province's criminal justice branch.

The inquest began 19 months ago but was put on hold while lawyers argued about which witnesses would appear.

The coroner wanted to hear testimony from Crown lawyers about why they let Lee out on bail after he was charged with attempted murder of his wife. 

The courts ruled that Crown prosecutors did not have to appear at the inquest and reveal the reasons for their decision not to oppose his bail request.

Lee's wife had told authorities while he was still in custody that she believed her husband would kill the family if released.