B. C. children’s deaths prompt violence action plan

VICTORIA — The horrible murders of three children by their deranged father has prompted the British Columbia government to introduce the workings of its domestic violence action plan.

Children and Family Development Minister Stephanie Cadieux said Wednesday the government’s plan includes training 20,000 people in recognizing and responding to domestic violence.

She said the government’s action plan is a result of an investigation by B. C.’ s independent children’s representative Mary Ellen Turpel- Lafond into the April 2008 murders of the three children in Merritt, B. C. by their mentally ill father, Allan Schoenborn.

Turpel- Lafond’s report found the three vulnerable children, Kaitlynne, 10; Max, 8; and Cordon, 5, could have been saved if British Columbia’s social safety net was working properly.

Premier Christy Clark stood in the legislature last March and formally apologized to the children’s devastated mother, Darcie Clarke, saying the province can and must do better. Cadieux said she believes the government’s domestic violence action plan offers improved protections for victims of family violence.

“We’re certainly committed to improving the system that we have,” she said. “It’s unimaginable that any family should have to go through this, and we’re committed to making sure that we act quickly and effectively in making sure that the system does act seamlessly.”

The government announced last March the creation of its Domestic Violence Unit to demonstrate accountability and leadership in the area of domestic violence.