This is Sexual Assault Awareness Week. The province says it is strengthening the network of services by committing funding to develop a sexual assault examination training program for nurses and care providers in rural, remote, and northern areas. It will also support the future expansion of coverage at Regina hospital emergency rooms where nurses with sexual assault examination training will be available around the clock.

Sexual violence reduction for Saskatchewan justice system professionals is also being developed along with a province-wide awareness campaign to challenge and change attitudes about sexual violence.

The government is also distributing $1.6 million this year to agencies delivering direct support to victims of sexual violence. That’s an increase of nearly 35 per cent from three years ago.