Increased use of hard drugs like fentanyl is complicating intimate partner violence, say those running Regina’s women’s shelters.
It was a bit of an eye-opener when it comes to the modern-day challenges of their work.
The conversation was about the last time anyone at the local YWCA had seen a woman seeking shelter at their facility because they were fleeing a spouse or intimate partner who was exclusively dealing with alcoholism.
The staffer couldn’t quite recall, but guessed it was a case eight years ago or so — likely one of their older clientele, Coomber-Bendtsen said.
The story isn’t about wives fleeing drunk and abusive husbands anymore. And one might think that would be good news — less women in the Regina area seeking shelter.
Alas, the numbers reveal a different reality.
That’s because the rate of intimate partner violence in Saskatchewan is actually increasing rather than decreasing.
According to a recent Saskatchewan RCMP data report, this provincial jurisdiction “experienced higher rates of police reported intimate partner and family violence in 2023.” And that rate continues to far exceed the national average.
“Saskatchewan RCMP statistics show rates of intimate partner violence were 813 per 100,000 population, while family violence rates were 890 per 100,000 population in 2023,” the RCMP said in the statement. “This compares to 2022 provincial rates of 710 and 741 per 100,000 population, for intimate partner and family violence.”
Earlier this year, the Saskatchewan RCMP also announced intimate partner and family violence incidents have increased by 13 per cent during the past five years, with regional increases of 19 per cent (Central District), 14 per cent (North District) and seven per cent (South District) during that time period.
So if there are, at least anecdotally, less incidents of alcohol-related domestic violence, why are there still more and more cases of domestic violence? Well, there’s actually several reasons, but those running the women’s shelter point to one major explanation:
“Fentanyl. The prevalence of fentanyl,” Coomber-Bendtsen speculated. “It has a more defined effect on brain function and capacity.”
The CEO for YWCA Regina acknowledged her observations are both anecdotal and speculative, but she said there’s no mistaking the increased prevalence of hard drug use in domestic violence encountered by her facility.
Women running other shelters concur, although they also agree with Coomber-Bendsten that issues quickly become rather complex.
“Certainly, there are so many nuances and complexities.”
Baron also agreed with Coomber-Bendsten that the COVID-19 pandemic added to household mental health problems and stresses that similarly contribute to addictions and domestic violence.
One factor seems to naturally flow into the next.
“I don’t know if I’m the expert, but we are seeing more hard substance (involved in domestic abuse situations),” said Baron, adding that “alcohol is not necessarily cheap” and the availability of hard drugs is increasingly a factor.
Whatever the reason, it seems to be all the more reason to help out through the Christmas Cheer Fund.
If you or someone you know is experiencing violence from a partner, parent, family member, or anyone, please report it to your nearest police service or RCMP detachment or call 310-RCMP.
The Cheer Fund would like to thank the following for their generous donations:
Sandra Stretten $100
Garner Mitchell $500
Myrna Field $100
Terry and Shirley Meier $200
Anonymous (in memory of Kim Kreis) $100
Helen and John McLaughlin $100
Steve and Laurie Hawrishok $200
Mark and Diane Spangenberg $400
Dianne and Bruce Mader $100
Lori Allard $200
Mary McNab $100
Dorothy Hughes $25
Maureen Devine (in memory of Allan Devine) $50
Harvey H. and Sylvia Fox Household $100
Margaret Skeel and David Donald $100
Longene and Sally Karchewski $200
Morris Family (in memory of Walt Morris) $100
Lindsay and Trent Ferguson $50
Susan and Dave Brown $25
Ron and Sheila Coutts $100
Mrs. Hendrika Walter (in memory of Sigfried Walter) $50
Blaine and Lorraine Ferrara (in memory of J.C. Tremblay) $200
Marge Badham $200
Anonymous $250
GRAND TOTAL: $16,893
Due to the ongoing Canada Post strike and its impact on mail-in donations, we kindly request that, if you are able, you consider making your donation online. It’s quick, easy, and secure.
We deeply appreciate your continued support and thank you for helping us make a difference!