MAY 12-19 PROCLAIMED BATTERED WOMEN'S AWARENESS WEEK

Released on May 9, 1996

Joanne Crofford, minister responsible for the Status of Women, and
Social Services Minister Lorne Calvert, today announced that May 12-19
has been proclaimed Battered Women's Awareness Week in Saskatchewan.

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 continue bringing all
departments and the community together to address domestic violence,"
Crofford said.

One in four women in Saskatchewan has experienced violence at the hands
of a current or former spouse.

"As members of this community, we need to work together to focus our
efforts on increasing awareness of family violence issues, assisting
victims and supporting the development of healthier families," Calvert
said.

The Victim's of Domestic Violence Act, which provides additional legal
options for victims at a time of crisis, is being implemented across
the province.

There are 13 emergency shelters for battered women in Saskatchewan,
three crisis centres and two safe homes in rural areas, as well as five
longer-term secure homes for battered women. There are sexual assault
counsellors in nine locations across the province.

Outreach services have recently been established at seven locations in
rural and northern areas. These services are offered to women in their
homes.

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For more information, contact:

Susan Dusel Virginia Wilkinson
Saskatchewan Women's Secretariat Social Services
Regina Regina
Phone: (306) 787-7414 Phone: (306) 787-0916