Face The Issue Campaign Against Interpersonal Violence Wins Hermes Award

Released on May 12, 2021

Government's collaboration with Phoenix Group Inc., Face the Issue, is the 2021 Gold Winner for a Hermes Creative Award. 

"This campaign has been a very significant step for government in raising awareness about interpersonal violence and we were very happy to collaborate with Phoenix Group to take on such an important issue,” Justice Minister and Attorney General Gordon Wyant said.  “We are thrilled to see Phoenix’s great work be recognized and we look forward to working with them on the next phase of this campaign."

The Face the Issue campaign highlights a shared responsibility among everyone in Saskatchewan to be aware of and speak up about attitudes and behaviours that contribute to interpersonal violence.  The campaign ran on social media and major television networks in Saskatchewan from late fall 2020 to early spring 2021.  Cree and Dene versions of the ad were also promoted on social media to communities in northern Saskatchewan. 

"The Status of Women Office has been a proud partner in the development of a campaign focused on starting a conversation and bringing awareness to this important and complex topic," Minister Responsible for the Status of Women Office Laura Ross said.  "We congratulate Phoenix Group on the Hermes Creative Award win and thank them for their expertise in helping to develop the public awareness campaign."

The Hermes Creative Awards began over 25 years ago to highlight international advertising, marketing and communications programs and materials.  Each year, competition judges evaluate the creative industry's best publications, branding, and advertising.  Since the award was established, over 230,000 entries have been submitted from over 125 countries.  Phoenix's submission for the Face the Issue campaign can be found at https://enter.hermesawards.com/entry/face-the-issue-domestic-violence/.

As part of the campaign, government collaborated with the United Way and 211 Saskatchewan to update 211's web content on interpersonal violence and abuse.  The awareness campaign and the support for 211 align with recommendations made as part of the Domestic Violence Death Review.

In 2021-22, government increased funding and grants to reduce the impact of interpersonal violence by $800,000 to a total of $22.5 million.  This additional funding will support the next phase of the public awareness campaign; the creation of a 24/7 Interpersonal Violence and Abuse Provincial Call Line in partnership with 211; the development of family intervention rapid support teams to allow violence intervention workers to provide intensive outreach to individuals and families; and an expansion of the Victim Advocate Case Review initiative.

For more information on ways to support victims and available supports, visit www.facetheissue.ca.

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