MAY 13-20 PROCLAIMED BATTERED WOMEN'S AWARENESS WEEK

Released on May 8, 1995

Joanne Crofford, minister responsible for the Status of Women, today
announced that May 13 to 20 has been proclaimed Battered Women's
Awareness Week in Saskatchewan.

Crofford said the Provincial Association of Transition Houses of
Saskatchewan (PATHS) requested this week be set aside to raise public
awareness of the issue of violence against women.

"The Saskatchewan government is committed to working with communities
to address the serious problem of domestic violence," Crofford said.

Crofford said the implementation of the Victims of Domestic Violence
Act is an example of government and communities working together to
meet the needs of women experiencing abuse. Police officers in the
province, as well as many crisis workers and government employees, have
recently received training on the legislation which provides new legal
remedies for victims.

"Initiatives such as these training sessions are essential if we are to
raise awareness about the nature, extent, and seriousness of violence."

To raise awareness about domestic violence, PATHS and the Saskatchewan
Women's Secretariat are distributing educational information to help
educate and inform the public.

Recent statistics indicate that one in four Canadian women has
experienced physical or sexual abuse at the hands of a marital partner.

There are 13 emergency shelters for battered women in Saskatchewan,
three crisis centres in rural areas and five longer-term secure homes
for battered women.

In 1994-95, outreach services were developed in seven areas. These
services are offered to women in their homes. The communities with
outreach are Weyburn-Estevan, Yorkton, Regina, Moose Jaw, La Ronge,
Melfort-Nipawin, and Meadow Lake.

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For more information contact:

Susan Dusel
Saskatchewan Women's Secretariat
Regina
Phone: 787-7414

Janice Gingell or Fay Davis
Co-ordinators
Provincial Association of Transition Houses of Saskatchewan
Saskatoon
Phone: 652-6175

Virginia Wilkinson
Social Services
Regina