A provincial report is shedding light on how to end domestic violence in Saskatchewan.
The dossier, issued by the Domestic Violence Death Review Panel, includes a series of recommendations for Saskatchewan government groups to help curb domestic violence.
In total, 19 recommendations are made in the report, including developing several programs and services to protect victims of domestic violence. That includes protocols for how courts, frontline services and public sector workers deal with violence, including developing first responder groups in all Saskatchewan communities with specific training in domestic violence.
According to the report, 48 Saskatchewan residents were murdered in cases of domestic violence between 2005 and 2014. The victims’ genders are almost split down the middle – 25 female and 23 male.
“Domestic violence is prevalent in our rural area, and for many reasons such as isolation, lack of resources and lack of transportation, domestic violence can be even more devastating in rural areas,” said Emily Britz, programs manager for Partners Family Services.
Also included in the recommendations are establishing a central call line for advice and support and creating a social media strategy to raise awareness of domestic violence. Increased resources for victims are also recommended, as well as creating programs for people who have abused others.
Britz said Partners was in the process of reviewing the report, but said the group sometimes has to take a hands-on role in protecting people in need.
“Sometimes our assistance involves providing information, support, referrals, resources, working with the person to come up with a detailed safety plan or actually transporting individuals or families to a safe place.”
