Released on October 27, 2014
Justice Minister and Attorney General Gordon Wyant is proud to proclaim October 27 to 31 as the first Violence Prevention Week in Saskatchewan.This week provides an opportunity to focus on public awareness and prevention among government, community partners and individuals on improving the response to violence and reducing the harm it causes.
“Violence prevention and reduction is everyone’s responsibility,” Wyant said. “Through awareness we can work to minimize the threat of or use of violence against all citizens in this province. I commend the University of Regina for requesting the proclamation and support their activities this week to bring awareness to this important issue.”
This week is also a time to recognize important work underway to better respond to the needs of victims in the province, including:
- Amendments will soon be introduced to The Victims of Domestic Violence Act to expand the ability of police and the justice system to protect victims of violence and abuse.
- Regina’s Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) will conduct a two-part pilot project to expand reporting options available to victims of sexual violence. The project is a collaborative effort involving the Ministry of Justice, the Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region, the Regina Police Service, RCMP “F” Division, the Regina Sexual Assault Centre, and other victim service providers.
- Availability of the CellArm Program to all areas of Saskatchewan. This program enhances the short-term safety of high-risk family violence and criminal harassment victims by providing a consistent, reliable process for immediate access to emergency services during times of extreme risk. The government is collaborating with police organizations from across the province in its implementation.
- The government also recently enhanced the Victims Compensation Program to increase the amount of money available to reimburse victims of violence for actual expenses. Those changes apply to new offences occurring on or after October 1, 2014. It is the largest enhancement of the program since its inception in 1992.
For more information, contact:
Jordan Jackle
Justice
Regina
Phone: 306-787-8621
Email: jordan.jackle@gov.sk.ca