NORTHEAST — 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.
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.
While the reforms are a first step for the province, some view them as not enough to properly address the issue.
“The recommendations that were made, I think they’re a start, but I think they’re a long way from fulfilling the needs that are required in the field. They’re definitely a start,” said Louise Schweitzer, the North East Outreach Support and Services’ executive director.
Not only do the recommendations include increasing resources for victims, they also recommend the creation of programs for people who have abused others.
“The prevention and awareness is, in my opinion, one of the most vital pieces that needs to happen in order to end violence, to try and get ahead of the domestic violence that’s happening, to move us from a reactionary to a preventative and action-based process,” Schweitzer said.
“We need to get more awareness out into our communities and assist our children that are exposed to violence. We know statistically that the lasting trauma that happens to the children is life-long, it’s generational.”
Between 2005 and 2014, 48 Saskatchewan residents were murdered in cases of domestic violence. The victims are almost split down the middle – 25 female and 23 male.
The ultimate goal is simple: to wipe out domestic violence and abuse in Saskatchewan.
“We all say it – our greatest ambition for all of us working in this field is to work ourselves out of a job,” Schweitzer said.
