The Government of Saskatchewan has taken a significant step in its commitment to combat interpersonal violence and abuse by announcing a substantial funding initiative.
Premier Scott Moe revealed that the government will be providing $42.6 million over three years, amounting to $14.2 million annually, to 34 community-based service organizations and 54 programs dedicated to supporting individuals and families impacted by this critical issue.
“This funding commitment will help our community-based organizations continue to deliver supports and services to victims of interpersonal violence and abuse, ensuring that victims don’t have to face challenges alone,” stated Premier Scott Moe.
Justice Minister and Attorney General Bronwyn Eyre emphasized the tangible impact of this funding, noting that over 1,000 adults and 1,100 children were provided with safe accommodation and resources to rebuild their lives last year.
Additionally, more than 900 individuals received counselling, advocacy services, and support for housing, employment, and education.
The funded programs encompass a range of services, including Sexual Violence Services, Residential Transition Homes, Enhanced Residential Services, Family Violence Intervention Programs, Family Intervention Rapid Support Teams (FIRST), and Victim Advocate Case Reviews (VACR).
This year, the Government of Saskatchewan has allocated $31.7 million to interpersonal violence programs and services. This includes $14.2 million annually for community-based partners, $4.6 million from the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, annualized funding for second-stage shelters, and additional support for Victims Services and other essential resources.
Since 2014-15, the government has steadily increased its investment in domestic violence shelters and enhanced residential services to over $9 million annually. These investments are further supplemented by funding for Victims Services and Second Stage Housing.
“Investing in support services and shelters for people who experience interpersonal violence is a vital step in the prevention of continued high rates of interpersonal abuse in our province,” remarked YWCA Regina CEO Melissa Coomber-Bendtsen. “YWCA Regina is pleased to be an ongoing partner with the Government of Saskatchewan on these initiatives.”
In tandem with this funding announcement, the Saskatchewan government has launched the third phase of its ‘Face the Issue’ social media campaign targeting 18- —to 24-year-olds. This campaign forms part of a comprehensive strategy to provide prevention and intervention support to combat interpersonal violence and abuse.
