PHONE PAGES HELP PREVENT VIOLENCE

Released on May 7, 2001

Government and community are working together to prevent violence through a

public awareness initiative announced by Premier Lorne Calvert in Moose Jaw

today.



SaskTel and the Provincial Association of Transition Houses (PATHS) have

worked together to bring the Abuse Help Lines page into almost every

household in the province through SaskTel directories. The Abuse Help

Lines page provides information on abuse and local information on where to

access help.



"The Saskatchewan government is pleased to work in partnership with the

Provincial Association of Transition Houses of Saskatchewan to foster

family relationships that are free of violence and abuse," Calvert said.

"Our research indicates violence within the family is an important issue to

the public - we want them to know what abuse is and where to get help."



The Saskatchewan Women's Secretariat is building on this successful

agreement by providing PATHS with funding of $48,000 to make the public

aware of the page.



"This material is easily accessible and is a resource to help victims leave

abusive situations," Provincial Association of Transition Houses of

Saskatchewan co-ordinator Virginia Fisher said. "It 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. The funding provided by the Women's Secretariat will

help us promote the page throughout Saskatchewan. Our goal is to tell

everyone in the whole province they have information on abuse within arm's

reach, at home, at work, everywhere."



"Family violence and keeping communities safe is an important issue for our

government and one that needs to be addressed in partnership with

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

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

Saskatchewan."



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

abuse, as selected by SaskTel employees.



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For more information, contact:



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