Government Launches Powerful Public Awareness Campaign During Violence Prevention Week

Released on November 27, 2020

The Government of Saskatchewan is introducing a new public awareness campaign to address interpersonal violence and abuse.  The campaign is the result of a partnership between the ministries of Justice and Attorney General and Corrections, Policing and Public Safety, along with the Status of Women Office.

The theme of the campaign, Excuses only cover the truth. Face the Issue. End the Abuse. highlights a shared responsibility to shift attitudes and norms that perpetuate interpersonal violence.  The campaign features a video that will launch on Saskatchewan’s major television stations and on social media platforms beginning Monday, November 30.

This campaign launch will coincide with Violence Prevention Week, which is held annually to raise awareness and to address all forms of violence across Saskatchewan.

“It’s vital for our communities to understand the behaviours that contribute to interpersonal violence,” Justice Minister and Attorney General Gordon Wyant said.  “We must speak up if we suspect that someone is at risk and do everything we can to help them.”

“When someone needs help, one of the most critical things any of us can do is to reach out to them and let them know that they aren’t alone,” Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Minister Christine Tell said.  “These aren’t comfortable conversations, but they are necessary conversations that we need to have with each other to address the high rates of interpersonal violence we’re seeing as a province.”

“This campaign features the faces of strong and diverse women, who are slowly covered up by the excuses people around them use to avoid taking action when they see signs of interpersonal violence and abuse,” Minister Responsible for the Status of Women Office Laura Ross said.  “These faces represent mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts, nieces, friends – someone we can all relate to – that is why starting the conversation about the impact on Saskatchewan families and communities is critically important.”

As part of the campaign, the Government collaborated with the United Way and 211 Saskatchewan to update the 211 web content on interpersonal violence and abuse.  This content will be further updated over the coming months as part of the government’s investment of $400,000 in 211’s web and call line supports for interpersonal violence and abuse.  The awareness campaign and the support for the 211 call line align with recommendations made as part of the Domestic Violence Death Review.

“Interpersonal violence and its effects can not be ignored within our communities, impacting individuals, families and overall community safety,” United Way Regina CEO Robyn Edwards-Bentz said.  “By calling 211, people are connected with a real person who will ask questions about their situation and then suggest programs or services that can help. United Way is committed to providing people with opportunities to access the help they need when they need it the most.”

As part of Violence Prevention Week, Saskatchewan Towards Offering Partnerships to Solutions (STOPS) to Violence has created tool kits that can be used as a guide for organizations and individuals to participate in Violence Prevention Week. More information can be found at www.stopstoviolence.com.

“We value the important steps forward that the Government of Saskatchewan is taking to reduce interpersonal violence in our province,” STOPS to Violence Executive Director Tracy Knutson said.  “It takes all of us to make a positive difference in our families, homes and communities.”

In 2020-21, the ministries of Justice and Attorney General and Corrections, Policing and Public Safety provided $21.5 million in funding and grants for a range of prevention and intervention services for victims, children and offenders to reduce the impact of interpersonal violence.

For more information on ways to support victims and available supports, visit https://abuse.sk.211.ca/?_ga=2.184841002.205550039.1605728569-1572688417.1603817435.

-30-