Piwapan Women's Centre operates one of two domestic violence shelters in Northern Saskatchewan. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

domestic violence

RCMP participation in Clare’s Law ‘a good move’ for Northern Saskatchewan

Apr 2, 2021 | 10:00 AM

With Saskatchewan RCMP agreeing to participate in Clare’s Law, Piwapan Women’s Centre executive director Karen Sanderson believes it’s an inclusion of services that could save lives.

“It’s a positive move on their part,” she said. “The North is mostly represented by the RCMP. We don’t have city police services like the South does, so RCMP involvement is representation for the North and I think that’s always a good move.”

The law came into affect in June, but the Saskatchewan RCMP wouldn’t take part due to federal privacy legislation. On Wednesday, the RCMP stated in a media release that amendments had been made to allow the RCMP, as a provincial police service in Saskatchewan, to participate.

Now, individuals have the option to go to either their local municipal police station or their local RCMP detachment, and ask for information about their intimate partner’s past violent or abusive behaviour.

“Clare’s Law is an aid for domestic violence,” Sanderson said. “It allows a spouse or partner…who has major concerns of domestic violence to inquire about the person, and to either get confirmation or peace of mind on whether or not this person is guilty of previous domestic assaults.”

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In her work assisting victims of domestic violence, Sanderson explained sometimes women don’t know if their partner was in an abusive relationship in the past. She said that information can come into play during a client’s risk assessment because it’s an unknown factor.

Ultimately, Sanderson believes the law will give victims of domestic violence reassurance on whether or not they are in a dangerous situation or not.

“I know there are statistics showing there is a rise in domestic violence because of restrictions of being in the household, the stresses of job loss or financial impact of the COVID pandemic, but I think Clare’s Law is beneficial at anytime,” she said.

When Clare’s Law took effect in Saskatchewan nearly 10 months ago, the provincial government noted all municipal police services in the province would participate with the exception of the RCMP. Working with Public Safety Canada, the RCMP made changes to regulations to allow for the police force to participate.

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno