Sexual assault services in the province are getting an increase in funding of 22 per cent from the province this year to expand and upgrade services.
“Sexual assault services have been supported for many years … in the last number of years there’s a very high rate of sexual assaults in the province and we know that more needs to be done to help people live through these experiences and prevent it,” said Linda Selin, director of the interpersonal violence and abuse program in the community services division of the Ministry of Justice.
“This is a substantial funding increase and shows this government takes the issue of sexual assault in Saskatchewan seriously,” Regina Douglas Park MLA, Russ Marchuk, said on behalf of Justice Minster and Attorney General Gordon Wyant in a news release. “We must do all we can for victims of sexual assault in this province. I am proud we can help these programs continue their good work.”
The increase has come about since agencies have identified budget pressures related to higher demands and changing needs. For example, many agencies are trying to cater to men now as well.
The money will be split between agencies in the Battlefords, Lloydminster, Regina, Saskatoon, Yorkton and Prince Albert.
Selin added that organizations are doing the best they can with the funding that they have, but that “there’s always more need than there is ability to provide it.” They have to keep up on trends and find support and information that people need.
“Everybody can improve all the time,” she said. “They’re doing the best they can with the funding that they have.”
If someone is sexually assaulted, there are a variety of options available to them. They can go to the police and make a report, and/or contact agencies that provide direct support services. This includes anything from helping them through the court process to taking them to the hospital to finding whatever resources the person needs.
