Sask. report calls for more services, education on intimate partner violence

Article content

REGINA — A report is calling for more education about intimate partner violence in Saskatchewan, including making information about healthy relationships a mandatory part of the school curriculum.

The Domestic Violence Death Review is the second report of its kind from the Saskatchewan government since 2016. It reviewed 31 homicides — including an in-depth analysis of 11 cases — that occurred between 2015 and 2020.

Article content

“Saskatchewan recognizes the need to take action to address the issue of interpersonal violence and domestic violence deaths in our province,” Justice Minister and Attorney General Tim McLeod said.

“The recommendations in this report will inform future government responses to domestic and interpersonal violence, and can serve as a roadmap for all of us as a province to make our province safer for everyone.”

The report, conducted by a multi-ministry committee and three multidisciplinary case review teams, says many victims reached out for support before their deaths but faced barriers in receiving adequate help.

It also says the rate was higher — more than double — in rural areas than in urban ones, and Indigenous people were overrepresented, making up 57 per cent of adult victims.

The report found an overwhelming majority — 83 per cent — of domestic homicide victims were female, and 82 per cent of perpetrators were male. Most victims, the report noted, were killed by their current intimate partners.

“The loss of lives to domestic violence is a tragic and deeply painful outcome in which women are disproportionately victimized,” Minister Responsible for the Status of Women Alana Ross said.

Article content

Article content

“We honour those lost by learning from their deaths and continuing our efforts to prevent all forms of interpersonal violence and abuse.”

The report recommends teaching kids about healthy relationships in school and seeking longer sentences for repeat offenders.

It also calls for specialized courts and infrastructure in rural and remote locations, as well as better cellular and internet services in those areas.

The province in a statement said it “is committed to responding to the recommendations and opportunities for action in the 2024 Domestic Violence Death Review.”

The province conducted its first Domestic Violence Death Review in 2016 and released its final report in 2018. That review was used to develop multiple initiatives, including Clare’s Law, funding for second-stage housing, expanded interpersonal violence supports, and funding for transitional housing.

Intimate partner violence includes physical or sexual assault, harassment, uttering threats and other types of violence by a current or former spouse or partner. Family violence includes acts committed by a spouse, parent, stepparent, sibling, child or other family member.

Article content

Saskatchewan has regularly had the highest numbers per capita of intimate partner violence and family violence among the country’s provinces.

According to Statistics Canada data from 2023, Saskatchewan’s rate of intimate partner violence was 710 per 100,000 (well above Manitoba’s 588 victims per 100,000). Saskatchewan’s rate that year of family violence was 741 per 100,000 (also ahead of Manitoba’s 588 per 100,000).

RCMP statistics from 2023 varied only slightly from Statistics Canada, but Saskatchewan’s place atop the provinces didn’t change. According to Saskatchewan RCMP late last year, rates of intimate partner violence in the province were 813 per 100,000 people, and family violence rates were 890 per 100,000 people.

According to Saskatchewan RCMP late last year, calls for police service to intimate partner and family violence incidents have increased by 13 per cent over the past five years. That includes a 19 per cent rise in the central district and a 14 per cent increase in the north district.

The Saskatoon Star Phoenix has created an Afternoon Headlines newsletter that can be delivered daily to your inbox so you are up to date with the most vital news of the day. Click here to subscribe.

With some online platforms blocking access to the journalism upon which you depend, our website is your destination for up-to-the-minute news, so make sure to bookmark thestarphoenix.com and sign up for our newsletters so we can keep you informed. Click here to subscribe.

Article content