Released on October 29, 2014
Justice Minister and Attorney General Gordon Wyant introduced amendments today to The Victims of Domestic Violence Act. The changes will expand the Act’s scope and the ability of police and the justice system to protect victims of violence and abuse.“In 1994, Saskatchewan was the first province in Canada to introduce this kind of legislation,” Wyant said. “These are the first significant amendments since that time, ensuring Saskatchewan remains at the forefront when it comes to legislating protections for victims of violence.”
The amendments include:
- A name change, to The Victims of Interpersonal Violence Act;
- Extending non-contact provisions to prohibit contact at the victim’s schools and workplaces in the case of an emergency intervention order;
- Harassment and deprivation of necessities as prohibited interpersonal violence;
- Direction for a Justice of the Peace on certain matters that should or should not be taken into account when deciding whether to grant an emergency intervention order;
- Extending the scope of the Act to include care giving relationships regardless of cohabitation; and
- Modernizing the Act to include prohibitions on electronic contacts between parties.
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For more information, contact:
Jordan Jackle
Justice
Regina
Phone: 306-787-8621
Email: jordan.jackle@gov.sk.ca