Lynn Moore happy with promised return of family violence court

A St. John's lawyer and supporter of the shuttered family violence intervention court says she's delighted that it's expected to be reopened.

It was announced during Lt.-Gov. Frank Fagan's reading of the throne speech Tuesday that the court will be reinstated and expanded with a wider provincial reach.

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Lynn Moore, who worked as a Crown prosecutor at family violence intervention court, lobbied government since the 2013 budget saw the court axed for it to be reopened.

"It was really a wrap around of supports for the victim of intimate partner violence and also for the offender," Moore told CBC's CrossTalk. "It was a recognition that in order for this time of offence to change, there has to be learning."

The court dealt with domestic violence offenders and victims by providing counseling and supervision.

Once the offender pleaded guilty and went through counseling with the John Howard Society, a reduced sentence was be granted.

Mistake rectified

​"Violence in intimate partner relationships is something that is literally killing women and this was a very concrete tool to fight this problem," Moore explained.

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"I'm delighted. I'm really happy that they've chosen to do this."

While this year's budget has yet to be announced, Moore said she's confident family violence intervention court will be included.

The finance minister will deliver the provincial budget on April 30.

"I believe they recognized they made a mistake in getting rid of it and they rectified that mistake," Moore said.

Moore suspects the court will expand to Stephenville first, as the John Howard Society and the women's centre have an offices in the town.