In 2023, the Saskatchewan RCMP reported higher rates of intimate partner and family violence within its jurisdiction, exceeding both provincial and national levels.(343631281 | Family © Ekaterina79 | Dreamstime.com)

By Kenneth Cheung

SUPPORT AND PREVENTION

‘They are not alone’: Sask. RCMP address rising domestic violence with prevention and support programs

Nov 19, 2024 | 2:09 PM

Saskatchewan RCMP jurisdictions have seen a 13 per cent increase in intimate partner and family violence over the past five years. Sergeant Kim Stewart hopes to raise awareness about available resources for victims and prevention.

“It happens to everyone over every socio-economic status,” said Stewart, who is the RCMP’s Domestic Violence Coordinator.

In 2023, the statistics revealed that the intimate partner violence rate was 813 incidents per 100,000 population, while the rate of family violence was slightly higher at 890 incidents per 100,000.

Intimate partner violence includes physical or sexual assault, harassment, and threats by a current or former partner. In contrast, family violence refers to abuse from various family members, such as parents, siblings, and children.

Stewart stated that the RCMP is unable to point out a specific cause of violence, as it can affect anyone. However, she believes it is crucial for them to acknowledge the ongoing issues and implement measures to address the alarming reality of domestic violence.

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“As they [Domestic violence cases] come in, they are a high priority. We’ve got members who will respond to them and they’ll do everything that’s required of them,” she added.

To reduce the likelihood of violence, the RCMP offers the public a proactive safety planning program. Stewart explained this initiative helps individuals strengthen their intimate relationships and address potential issues before they escalate.

“We could talk to them about different things that they could do to get themselves ready in case they decide to leave a relationship. We also recommend people look into Clare’s Law.”

Clare’s Law, officially known as the Interpersonal Violence Disclosure Protocol Act, enables police to share information related to risks with current or former intimate partners. Stewart explained it allows people to have ‘the right to ask’ and ‘the right to know’ before deepening their commitment to a potential partner.

“The right to ask comes forward as the person wanting to know, and there’s also another way, which is called the right to know, and that’s where police officers are seeing something and know something from a person, and they think that their new partner maybe needs to know,” she noted.

In the province, 14 applicants were granted access to the service in 2023, and nine received the requested disclosure.

Looking ahead, Stewart noted that alongside the efforts from the RCMP, it’s crucial for those who know someone experiencing domestic violence to be there for them. She believes being there for them and helping them access necessary resources can significantly impact the trauma they endure.

“Figure out what the next steps are, and let the person know that they’re not alone,” Stewart stated.

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Kenneth.Cheung@pattisonmedia.com