“We are deeply concerned about the lack of community consultation and insufficient funding set aside for this issue.”
The party that wins the upcoming provincial election has a chance to address in a major way an issue Saskatchewan continues to struggle with, says the executive director of Sexual Assault Services of Saskatchewan (SASS).
The organization said Tuesday that it’s urging officials and those seeking office to prioritize sexual violence prevention. Saskatchewan reports the second-highest rate of sexual violence among Canadian provinces, at 104 incidents per 100,000. The overall national rate is 58 per 100,000 people.
In Saskatchewan, the rate of sexual violence is 39 per cent higher than Alberta and 48 per cent higher than British Columbia, SASS noted.
“We have a real opportunity to change the trajectory of sexual violence in Saskatchewan,” SASS executive director Kerrie Isaac said.
“It will take a concerted effort and investment, but the cost of doing nothing is far greater.”
The numbers, year after year, show an “urgent need” for dedicated policy, support, and prevention strategies, SASS insists.
According to Statistics Canada data released last year, Saskatchewan had 730 victims per 100,000 people for family violence and 732 victims per 100,000 people for intimate partner violence in 2022.
Nationwide, physical assault was the most common form of intimate partner violence, followed by sexual assault, verbal threats and criminal harassment.
“Sexual violence is a distinct form of gender-based violence that requires targeted and coordinated response province-wide,” Isaac said.
The National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence “offers real hope and the opportunity for meaningful change,” SASS said, noting that in July 2023 the provincial and federal governments each agreed to contribute $20.3 million over four years to address gender-based violence.
However, less than $5 million has been allocated to directly address sexual violence in the province, Isaac said on Tuesday.
“We are deeply concerned about the lack of community consultation and insufficient funding set aside for this issue.”
SASS said immediate action is needed in multiple areas.
The organization stressed the importance of education on healthy relationships and recognizing sexual abuse.
“This decision puts students at risk, particularly those in unsafe situations, who may not be able to identify sexual abuse or know how to seek help — especially when the abuse is occurring in their own homes,” SASS said on Tuesday.
“Every student, no matter where they live, deserves access to the vital information and support they need to stay safe.”
Experts have also noted that long-term specialized counselling is essential, but many regions in the province lack access.
Access to specialized medical care for survivors in rural and remote communities also needs to improve.
“Sexual violence is a significant drain on our economy,” Isaac said.
“It is a known risk factor for other costly social issues such as addictions, mental illness, homelessness, and family violence. Ignoring the long-term costs of sexual violence is bad business for our province.”
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