The Government of Saskatchewan launched a new public awareness campaign during Violence Prevention week which wraps up today – Sunday, December 6th, the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. It was established in 1991 to mark the anniversary of the deaths of 14 women killed at l’Ecole Polytechnique de Montreal in 1989.

To honour that day, the flags at all City of Saskatoon facilities will be lowered today. The theme of the provincial government’s public awareness campaign was ‘Excuses only cover the truth. Face the issue. End the abuse.’ Justice Minister Gord Wyant says, “We must speak up if we suspect that someone is at risk and do everything we can to help them.”

As part of the campaign the government collaborated with the United Way and 2-1-1 Saskatchewan to update the 211 web content on interpersonal violence and abuse. Those suffering abuse can call 2-1-1 and speak to a real person who will ask questions about their situation and suggest programs or services that can help.

Meanwhile the RCMP Family Violence Initiative Fund has created a Division-wide, general duty business card which will have the RCMP contact information on the front and 2-1-1 Saskatchewan information on the back. The RCMP says they don’t want victims discouraged to reach out because they have to call multiple service providers to get help. The RCMP says that from January to September 2020, there have been 3,711 victims of Intimate Partner Violence reported to Saskatchewan detachments. So far, 2,529 of these files resulted in charges. Constable Joelle Nieman says they do not measure success on Intimate Partner Violence files by laying charges or making arrests. She says success is measured by ensuring victims have support measures they need and that they are safe.