Battlefords RCMP receive new interview room at Sexual Assault Centre

Amber Stewart, BSAC executive director, had the notion after noticing the RCMP detachment’s interview room wasn’t exactly inviting and would naturally be a deterrent for some to venture to, with many having no one to watch their children. As a result, she had a conversation with Operations Officer Sgt. Jason Teniuk about a possible solution, utilizing some recently received funding.

“Because our office is located in a house, it could seem like you’re simply going inside for coffee,” Stewart said. “I thought maybe if we could cover costs for a new space, we could do something a little bit different to support the community.”

“I phoned Jason and he was 100 per cent in, immediately. I’ve never had a project move more quickly, it’s a true partnership between us and the RCMP.”

This comes as BSAC has seen an increase in clients. From January to September 2020, there were 3,711 victims of Intimate Partner Violence reported to the Saskatchewan RCMP (encompassing the RCMP jurisdiction in the entire province). So far, 2,529 of these files resulted in charges.

Stewart said she’s hopeful the new space will encourage more people to make a police report after they’ve been assaulted.

“We’ve had times where clients come here and they’ve been assaulted, but they don’t want to go to the RCMP,” she said. “They’re scared, embarrassed, experiencing all sorts of emotions. To have the RCMP come here, and victims knowing they have the support here, will hopefully help people feel safe in sharing their story.”

She’s also hopeful other small communities will see how the space at BSAC works and how it came together easily.

“Maybe this is something we can start building on in Saskatchewan.”

Both Battlefords RCMP and BSAC hope the refitted room will encourage more victims of sexual assault to come forward and speak to police. (Josh Ryan/battlefordsNOW)

Mutually beneficial move

Sgt. Teniuk said this will be an incredible improvement for RCMP officers for working with victims. The room, in addition to being more inviting, is organized to their specifications.

“They’ve plugged in all the electronics, so we can have our video recording equipment in there for talking to victims,” Teniuk said. “We don’t want there to be barriers to victims of crime coming forward. BSAC has really kept the victim in mind with all aspects of this endeavour.”

Teniuk said the new space is encouraging and should help break down some barriers that exist between police and members in the community, who may not be comfortable speaking to them.

“Our hope is that this space will eliminate some of the discomfort if they’re in a place where they already feel comfortable,” he said.

And he’s also excited about the impact the news will have on the rest of the community.

“This example of partnership and collaboration is at the core of community safety – we all have a common goal and that’s to help people.”

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josh.ryan@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JoshRyanSports

by Josh Ryan

Battlefords RCMP receive new interview room at Sexual Assault Centre

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