Saskatchewan Violence Prevention Week

Released on November 29, 2021

November 28 – December 4 has been proclaimed Violence Prevention Week in Saskatchewan. The proclamation was requested by Saskatchewan Towards Offering Partnership Solutions (STOPS) to Violence.

“We are proud to work with STOPS to Violence,” Justice Minister and Attorney General Gordon Wyant said. “I applaud their work and that of all other agencies to build a safer Saskatchewan. This year’s theme, Reach Out, addresses survivors, friends, families and communities. It encourages us all to work together to stop violence in Saskatchewan.”

“Violence pulls families and communities apart,” Minister Responsible for the Status of Women Office Laura Ross said. “As individuals we need to recognize our role in understanding, preventing and addressing it. Violence Prevention Week provides us the opportunity to Reach Out and participate in addressing violence.”

“Saskatchewan Violence Prevention Week is held each year to raise awareness with a focus on building healthy relationships and strong communities,” STOPS to Violence Executive Director Tracy Knutson said. “The 2021 theme is Reach Out and I encourage everyone to take time this week to learn about healthy relationships, to rebuild connections and to support others. Recognize we all have an active role to play in building safe communities for everyone.”

Over the past year, the Province has been developing several new tools for those encountering violence and for those working to support victims, including:

• Enhancements to 211 Saskatchewan to ensure that all Saskatchewan Citizens have a place to reach out for information and support. 211 Saskatchewan is a free, confidential, 24/7 service that connects individuals to human services in the province
• Partnering with community service providers to establish FIRST, violence outreach teams that provide collaborative, timely services to families that are experiencing and using violence or display risk factors associated with violence.
• Expanding Victim Advocate Case Review project, which gives civilian, sexual assault experts access to police sexual assault files to determine challenges and identify opportunity to improve investigation outcomes.
• Passing The Residential Tenancies Amendment Act, 2021 legislation to support victims experiencing sexual violence by enabling them to terminate their lease early without paying financial penalties.
• Introducing The Privacy (Intimate images -Additional Remedies) Amendment Act, 2021, which builds on existing privacy legislation to expand the remedies in an action to stop the non-consensual distribution of intimate images.
• Information on additional services for those experiencing violence can be found at https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/justice-crime-and-the-law/victims-of-crime-and-abuse/interpersonal-violence-and-abuse-programs.

More information on events being held throughout the week is available at www.stopstoviolence.com/svpw.

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