Province Confirms Commitment to Review Domestic Violence Deaths

Released on October 26, 2015

As part of proclaiming the second annual Violence Prevention Week, Justice Minister and Attorney General Gordon Wyant confirmed the province will develop a process to review deaths resulting from domestic violence.

“Domestic violence deaths are a significant problem in Saskatchewan that simply must be addressed,” Wyant said.  “Part of that is understanding why they happen.  We will be working with our community partners to create a review process that will protect Saskatchewan families from these tragic and largely preventable deaths.”

 The Ministry of Justice has considered the review processes that exist in other provinces.  The structure and scope of the Saskatchewan domestic violence death review model will be decided following discussions with the Chief Coroner’s office, community-based organizations, police, other government ministries and First Nations groups.

“I am pleased to see that the Government of Saskatchewan is adopting this process that has led to recommendations for policy change in other provinces,” Provincial Association of Transition Houses and Services of Saskatchewan Provincial Co-ordinator Jo-Anne Dusel, said.  “PATHS is committed to working with government and other community partners to explore promising practices, such as this one, in the fight to end violence against women.”

A Saskatchewan domestic violence death review process is just one part of a broad, long-term strategy to curb violence in this province.  Building on last year’s success, proclaiming October 26 to 30, 2015, as Violence Prevention Week once again provides an opportunity for government to encourage organizations and individuals to take responsibility for preventing violence in our communities.

“Our government is committed to finding realistic and effective solutions to assist those subjected to domestic violence,” Social Services Minister and Minister responsible for the Status of Women Donna Harpauer said.  “While much has been accomplished, more work needs to be done.  Violence Prevention Week is an opportunity to speak out against gender violence and to build upon existing work occurring between all levels of government and with community partnerships.”

The Government of Saskatchewan also a recently launched the #WhoWillYouHelpSK public awareness campaign aimed to address sexual violence and abuse.

For more information, visit www.saskatchewan.ca/whowillyouhelpsk.

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For more information, contact:

Jordan Jackle
Justice
Regina
Phone: 306-787-8621
Email: jordan.jackle@gov.sk.ca

Leya Moore
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-3610
Email: leya.moore@gov.sk.ca