ABUSE HELP LINES PAGE LAUNCHED

Released on August 24, 2001

Premier Lorne Calvert celebrated the launch of the final component to an

exciting new initiative in Yorkton today during a stop of his Dialogue with

Saskatchewan bus tour.



In a joint effort between government and community to prevent violence by

increasing public awareness, the Abuse Help Lines page was just published

in the Yorkton, Melville & District Telephone Book.



"Violence within the family is an important public issue because so many

social problems stem from violence in the home," Premier Calvert said.

"The Saskatchewan government is pleased to be working in partnership with

the Provincial Association of Transition Houses of Saskatchewan (PATHS) in

making the public aware of what constitutes abuse and where people can get

help."



SaskTel and PATHS have worked together to bring the Abuse Help Lines page

into almost every household in the province through SaskTel directories.

The project fits in with SaskTel's social cause of prevention of child

abuse, as selected by SaskTel employees. The Abuse Help Lines page

provides information on abuse and local information on where to access

help. With the release of this phone book, the whole province will now

have access to information on abuse within arm's reach - whether at home or

at work.



"This information package is easily accessible and is a proven resource to

help people leave abusive situations," Provincial Association of Transition

Houses of Saskatchewan Co-ordinator Virginia Fisher said. "The quick

access also makes it easier for those in positions of support - direct

service agencies, friends and family members, and professionals such as

doctors, lawyers, social workers and police officers. Front-line workers

in Saskatchewan will never run out of 'abuse pamphlets' again."



"Family violence and keeping communities safe are important issues for our

government and ones that need to be addressed in partnership with

communities, families, individuals and groups such as PATHS," Calvert

said. "This page will be a valuable resource to women and families in

Saskatchewan."



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For more information, call:



Neena Saxena Tim Kydd Virginia Fisher

Women's Secretariat SaskTel PATHS

Regina Regina Saskatoon

Phone: (306) 787-7012 Phone: (306) 777-5638 Phone: (306) 978-6654