REGINA – The province is touting efforts towards implementing initiatives in Saskatchewan under the National Action Plan (NAP) to End Gender-based Violence.
At an announcement in Regina Tuesday, the province pointed to almost $5.2 million invested through the Ministry of Justice and Attorney General to a number of initiatives through the NAP.
According to the province’s news release these programs include the following:
The Enhanced Early Intervention Program, led by Family Service Regina and Family Service Saskatoon, receiving $1.1 million towards a program that uses trauma-informed, person-centered, and culturally safe approaches to increase access to counselling and support for children and families exposed to domestic violence. The program works with community partners to address root causes such as trauma, substance use, housing and financial stress.
Support for survivors of human trafficking through Hope Restored Canada in amount of $1.2 milllion, delivering housing and support services for human trafficking victims.
Finally, the Natural Supports Program, led by Saskatchewan Toward Offering Partnership Solutions (STOPS) to Violence in the amount of $635,000, aiming to empower natural supports such as family, friends and neighbours to help prevent interpersonal violence and abuse by fostering safer, more connected communities.
“The National Action Plan to end gender-based violence provides funding to partnering agencies, many of whom are joining us today, and they are guiding and fostering change within our province,” said Minister of Justice and Attorney General Tim McLeod.
“They're building new tools and programs that proactively address interpersonal and gender- based violence. These agencies help empower our communities to be safe, vigilant, and reduce harm through prevention, accountability, and behavior change.”
Minister for the Status of Women Alana Ross said it was “two years ago today” that the province and federal government “launched Saskatchewan's implementation of the National Action Plan to end gender-based violence.”
The key point for Ross was the focus on efforts towards prevention. She pointed to the work of agencies like Family Services Regina and Family Services Saskatoon towards preventing violence before it happens.
“For Saskatchewan, prevention is key. Like everyone here today, we want to be in front of this problem, working to actively prevent violence, to stop this cycle. An approach with an emphasis on education, awareness, and early intervention programs.”
Ross said the federal government agreed to provide $20.3 million over four years which falls under three pillars: prevention, intervention and supports to those who have experienced violence, and accountability to hold the perpetrators responsible. It is a 50-50 matching program but Ross noted Saskatchewan is actually investing $31.5 million into prevention of violence.
“That funding goes to community-based programs like those operated by groups such as Family Services Regina and Saskatoon. The funding also goes into transition and second stage housing, to awareness campaigns, and organizations like 211 that help people find the services they need. Because when it comes to ending interpersonal violence, there is no single solution.”
Family Service Saskatoon Executive Director Janine Baumann said funding of programs such as early intervention can “begin the work of targeting those societal attitudes so that we can make some impactful changes.”
“So we want to move beyond immediate crisis to some of those long-term lasting impacts to stop that violence before it occurs.We all talk about what is our dream well it's for all of us it's to live in a society where violence doesn't happen. So this is one of the one of the ways we're able to do that.”
Executive Director Jen Renwick from Family Service Regina spoke of what the Enhanced Early Intervention Program does.
“So our goal is bold, to disrupt the cycle of violence before it starts,” said Renwick.
“We do this through risk assessments, proper resourcing, accountability for those who use harm and by offering the opportunity for real meaningful behavior change. We start from a place of understanding that people are not born violent. The experiences we have as children and youth often shape our ability to cope and sometimes have that resilience that we have as adults… So through this program we don't excuse the harm, we address it. We believe that by offering the right support at the right time we can create safety not just for individuals but for the entire family.”
Baumann said that services for those experiencing violence are “still crucial and very much, very, very important.” What they offer, she said, is to “try to invite the person in.”
“So, we talk about: imagine what a difference it would be if this wasn't the defining factor of your relationship. We often, if there are children, we'll talk about, what does look like for your children? We invite people in to imagine being a parent that doesn't use violence. There are so many other tools. So, I describe it as, there are many, many tools available and people aren't necessarily aware of them.”
Those involved were also asked about Saskatchewan perennially being at or near the top in the nation for domestic violence, and whether they feel there has been any progress made.
“I’ve been doing this work for nearly 25 years and it seems that our work is not disappearing,” Renwick said. “ But if we look back even 25 years ago when I started domestic violence or intimate partner violence was not something we spoke about so freely so when we talk about the numbers it’s also safer for people to come forward, and to report at this point. And so we’re going to see those numbers increase. What we’ve also seen develop and improve and adjust over time is the supports that are available to people. As a victim services fund organization, we’ve seen the programs expand to cover the entire province. So there is definitely funding and opportunities to support the growth in our population… the growth in those numbers and the support to really make a difference in the lives for people who maybe otherwise would never have reported in the past.”
