FAMILY VIOLENCE AWARENESS 16th ANNUAL CRIME PREVENTION GUIDE 2025
Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers 1 FROM THE PRESIDENT As President of the Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers (SFPO), I am proud to introduce the 17th Annual Crime Prevention Guide, with this year’s focus on Family Violence Awareness. The SFPO proudly represents over 1,500 police officers across the province of Saskatchewan. Every day, our members respond to calls for service involving family violence. Our officers receive exceptional training to investigate, support, and help reduce incidents of family violence - but we know that policing is just one piece of the solution. This year, we are once again proud to partner with Fenety Marketing to deliver this important publication. The 2024 Crime Prevention Guide includes numerous resources designed to help the public recognize, understand, and address issues related to child and family abuse. We believe strongly that creating safer communities requires not only the efforts of police, but the support and engagement of the entire community. This publication is available free of charge online at www.saskpolice.com. Previous editions are also accessible as valuable community resources. You can stay connected with the important work of our members by following us on social media: • LinkedIn: @saskfedpo • X (formerly Twitter): @SaskFedPO • Facebook: @SaskFedPO Thanks to the generous support of individuals, businesses, and corporations throughout Saskatchewan, we are able to continue educating citizens on the critical issue of family violence. In recognition of this collective effort, a donation has been made on behalf of Fenety Marketing and the SFPO to the Provincial Association of Transition Houses and Services of Saskatchewan (PATHS), in support of the incredible work they do every day. Thank you for your continued commitment to building safe and supportive communities across Saskatchewan. Sincerely, Casey Ward President Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers
Family Violence Awareness 2 Board of Directors President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Casey Ward Vice President - North . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chris Rhodes Vice President - South . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Taylor Elder Director – Regina Police Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Colin Glas Director – Saskatoon Police Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Harry Leroux Director – Moose Jaw Police Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jason Watt Director – Prince Albert Police Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Darcy Bear Director – Estevan Police Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kevin Reed Director – Weyburn Police Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Kerr Director – Saskatoon Senior Officer Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Nolan Berg Director – Regina Senior Officer Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Laurel Marshall Executive Officer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Darren Wilcox 306.539.0960 - www.saskpolice.com Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers - twitter.com/saskfed PO Box 26116, Regina, SK S4R 8R7 The Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers represents over 1,300 police personnel from six municipalities in Saskatchewan: Regina, Saskatoon, Prince Albert, Moose Jaw, Weyburn and Estevan. The SFPO is comprised of 8 police associations from each of those cities including senior officer associations in Regina and Saskatoon.
Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers 3 FROM THE PUBLISHER "Making A Difference, One Call at a Time" I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank each and every advertiser and sponsor of our Annual Telephone Appeal, allowing this unique publication to be distributed throughout the community, to schools, libraries and public facilities and also available online at www.saskpolice.com, making it easily accessible to everyone. The Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers publishes an Annual Crime Prevention Guide to educate the public on important community concerns. Our 17th Annual Crime Prevention Guide is a “Family Violence Awareness Handbook” designed to help educate and promote the public’s role in identifying and reporting potential Child and Spousal Abuse. A serious concern for many citizens of Saskatchewan. This publication is made possible as a result of financial support from residents and business representatives throughout the Province. With their generous support for the activities of the Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers, the SFPO is also able to give back to their communities through donations to various local charities and programs, including a donation this year for the Provincial Association of Transition Houses and Services of Saskatchewan (PATHS). We welcome your comments or suggestions regarding these publications and always look forward to speaking with you each year during our Annual Telephone Appeal. Respectfully, Mark T. Fenety President Fenety Marketing Services
Family Violence Awareness 4 Yorkton Tribal Council is a not-for-profit organization that provides essential services to 6 Member Nations (Cote, Keeseekoose, The Key, Zagime Anishinabek, Kahkewistahaw & OceanMan First Nations) in the Treaty 4 territory. • Political Office, Administration & Finance • Health & Social Development • Justice Services • Education • Labour Force Development • Housing & Technical Services • Safe Haven Women’s Shelter • Economic Development
5 17th Annual Community Guide TABLE OF CONTENTS Message from the SFPO President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Board of Directors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Publisher’s Page. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 SFPO Supports Saskatchewan Provincial Association of Transition Houses . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Prince Albert Police Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Regina Police Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Saskatoon Police Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers FAMILY VIOLENCE AWARENESS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Gov’t of SK Launches New Awareness Campaign on Abusive Relationships . . . . . . . . . . . 25 The Facts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 What is domestic and intimate partner violence? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Domestic and Intimate Partner Violence Against Immigrant Women . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 How Do I Recognize Domestic Violence? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Ending Gender-based Violence Against Indigenous Peoples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Older Adults and Bullying. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Domestic Violence Against Men . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Here are some ways that you can help someone who is being abused. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 You can help prevent and respond to abuse in your community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 What is the Signal for Help? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Frequently Asked Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Violence and Abuse Prevention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Types of Child Abuse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Witnessing Intimate Partner Violence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Signs of Child Abuse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Family violence: How big is the problem in Canada? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 The health and social impacts of family violence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 Approaches to prevent and respond to family violence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 What puts families at risk of violence and what helps protect them? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 How men and boys can help stop family violence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 How everyone can help prevent and respond to family violence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93 Police team dedicated to reducing IPV now working in Saskatoon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95 Sexual Violence Prevention Month . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 Family Violence Laws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103 SK RCMP jurisdiction has higher rates of police-reported IPV in 2023 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111 Domestic Violence Court . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113 Domestic Violence Court Defence Counsel Frequently Asked Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . 119 Child Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121 Important Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125 Get Help with Family Violence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127 Family Violence Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129 Stalking and the Crime of Criminal Harassment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131 Youth Dating Violence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135 Healthy Relationships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147 Get help with family violence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151 If your child is abducted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155 What about the children if you decide to leave? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157 ‘They are not alone’: Sask. RCMP address rising domestic violence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159 Where to find help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163 211 Saskatchewan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176 ADVERTISERS’ INDEX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Family Violence Awareness 6 Prairie Crane offers a wide range of crane and hoisting services for mining, industrial, commercial, and residential businesses operating throughout Western Canada. 38 Capital Circle Saskatoon SK S7R 0H4 P: 306-651-1272 F: 306-651-6013 prairiecrane.com 2101 10th Avenue W. Prince Albert SK S6V 5S2 (306) 764-2311 • vhytc.ca Proud to support the Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers
Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers 7 Image by freepik.com Proceeds from our 17th Annual Crime Prevention Guide project have allowed the Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers tomake a $5,000 donation to donation to the @paths_sk (Saskatchewan Provincial Association of Transition Houses) to support their critical work addressing interpersonal and gender-based violence in Saskatchewan. President Casey Ward presenting a cheque on behalf of the SFPO and Fenety Marketing to the Saskatchewan Provincial Association of Transition Houses.
Family Violence Awareness 8 Jason Gilchuk A.Sc.T Principal PO Box 724 White City SK S4L 5B1 C: 306.535.9197 O: 306.584.3323 F: 306.584.9079 E: [email protected] fhqtc.com Tfswjoh!Sfhjob!boe!Bsfb!gps!pwfs!56!Zfbst Suite 2500 333 7th Avenue SW Calgary AB T2P 4K9 (587) 393-9000
9 Scholarships Drew Biette Cornerstone Christian School Katherine Rogers- Central Collegiate Kingston Potosme-Usher - A.E. Peacock Collegiate * Hannah Hipfner - Riverview Collegiate Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers Kiera Zimmerman Vanier Collegiate
10 Family Violence Awareness Dr. Greg Konotopetz Dr. Minju Kim 3291 Quance Street Regina, SK S4V 3B7 (306) 584-2833 www.signaturesmiles.ca Working together to protect our communities. Box 4466 Regina, SK S4P 3W7 (306) 522-4228 thatstorageplace.ca RWDSU RETAIL WHOLESALE DEPARTMENT STORE UNION Regina 1233 Winnipeg Street S4R 1K1 Phone: 306-569-9311 E-mail: [email protected] Toll Free: 1-877-747-9378 UNION MEMBERSHIP PAYS HIGH DIVIDENDS FOR A BETTER FUTURE - JOIN R.W.D.S.U. Fairness in the workplace Saskatoon 2154 Airport Drive S7L 6M6 Phone: 306-384-9885 E-mail: [email protected] Toll Free: 1-877-717-9378 Such Things as: • Higher Wages • Fair Treatment • Job Security • Democratic Decision Making • Proper Scheduling • Better Health and Safety Procedures • Sick Leave • Proper Grievance Procedures • Family Dental Plan • Experienced Staff Working for You • Improved Vacation • Good Pension
In 1991, a family member of a former member was tragically killed at the age of 16 by a drunk driver. Shortly thereafter, the Prince Albert Police Association created a scholarship for a grade 12 student at the high school she attended where applicants would write a 500 word essay on how they personally felt about drinking & driving, what they felt needed to be changed regarding laws or protecting others from having this happen as well as what they are personally doing now & will do in the future to help prevent drunk driving tragedies. The Association has noticed over the years that the decision to choose just one recipient has been getting increasingly more difficult as the essays being turned in are absolutely incredible. These young applicants are not only providing their personal views on the subject, but have also researched statistics, facts, laws, etc., regarding how drinking & driving impacts not only those directly affected by a drunk driving incident but their community as a whole. They are getting involved with programs like MADD, committing to being a DD for their friends & family, etc. Past recipients have advised this essay has really opened their eyes to how the court system and sentences need to change and some have even gone on to jobs in connecting fields such as working for the Saskatchewan Government Insurance. After witnessing the positive effect of this scholarship, in 2023, the Prince Albert Police Association voted to create an additional scholarship to one of the other high schools in the city. When ideas were being discussed on potential topics, one recurring theme was presented and it was decided this next scholarship would centre around the topic of Mental Health. We felt the purpose of this scholarship was to honour everyone suffering with Mental Health & to bring awareness and attempt to find solutions for those dealing with Mental Health in students and/or law enforcement officers today. We again asked for personal views, asked for applicants to discuss resources or lack thereof & to discuss possible solutions within the school system, Prince Albert City Police & with friends, peers and other members of the community. The responses have been overwhelming. This year, we received 17 essays, all of which not only detailed the many struggles within the broad spectrum of Mental Health but the hopes & aspirations to finding and bringing in better resources, peer support groups and Mental Health awareness. The 2025 winner is Ava Kuling. We presented her with her scholarship at the graduation ceremony on June 23rd. Jacalyn Soini (PA Police Association Civilian Director), Ava Kuling (2025 recipient of the KerriAnne Bergen Memorial Scholarship) Mat Brown (PA Police Association Vice President) PRINCEALBERT POLICEASSOCIATION 11 Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers
Family Violence Awareness 12 6740 65th Avenue Red Deer SK T4P 1A5 1-877-322-3437 104 Burrows Avenue West Melfort, SK S0E 1A0 Ph: 306-752-4950 Fax: 306-752-4937
REGINA POLICEASSOCIATION In the last year, The Regina Police Association participated in numerous events and sponsorships. Those events not only benefitted our members, but the citizens of the community they serve. Policing in Regina, like the other locals in the province, has been very challenging. Despite the mounting pressures on the policing community, our sworn and civilian members were still active in the community, giving back and building relationships. This May, the RPA supported the KidSport Corporate Challenge Amazing Race to ensure all kids in our community get the opportunity to participate in sports. Many of our members volunteer in minor sports as coaches, managers, and assistants. The KidSport Corporate Challenge was an excellent way for the RPA to help provide everyone in the community with opportunities to participate and have fun. The Jon Cormier RCMP Hockey Tournament was hosted in Regina in January, 2025. This tournament began after the sudden passing of our colleague and friend, Cpl. Jon Cormier of the RCMP, in 2019. This hockey tournament was comprised of 8 teams, all police members from across the province, in support of the RCMP Benevolent Fund. The tournament was a great success with the Regina team coming out on top. Also in May, Directors of the Regina Police Association Board participated in McHappy Day, Canada’s largest fundraiser of the year. This fundraiser supports the Ronald McDonald House, and other local children charities, helping families with sick or injured children. During the event, our Directors engaged with McDonalds’ patrons, serving food and refreshments throughout the day. It was a wonderful way to see community through a different lens while helping to raise money for a well-deserved charity. The Regina Police Association has worked hard to build a solid partnership with our employer to address the mental health and resiliency of our members. For example, we were excited to be a part of the 1st annual Canadian Institute for Public Research and Treatment’s (CIPSRT) Conference this May, hosted in Regina. The Regina Police Association has been a major contributor to the success of CIPSRT, and sending 35 sworn and civilian members to the conference, was a great way to show our continued commitment to the health of all our members. Over the two day conference, there were discussions on improving and implementing employee mental health and wellbeing, strategies for peer support, and violence against public safety personnel - just to name a few. The conference keynote speaker was retired Regina Police Service Chief (and previous RPA President) Evan Bray. Retired Chief Bray spoke about a “practice what we preach” philosophy in policing - focusing on community and employee wellness. This inaugural conference for CIPSRT provided pivotal information for all first responders in Canada. The RPA Benevolent Fund continues to draw support from our members and community partners, and greatly assists any RPA member who is in a position of need. This past year, the RPA hosted a Cornhole tournament to supplement the fund. The tournament was a huge success with several members showing off some serious skills. The support for RPA Benevolent Fund within our membership has been overwhelming and we continue to seek out new ways to make the fund better. Yours sincerely, Colin Glas President Regina Police Association (306) 569-2991 13 Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers
Family Violence Awareness 14 www.millsapfuels.ca Proudly serving the following communities and surrounding areas: Carrot River – Debden – Elrose – Eston – Humboldt – Kenaston – Kerrobert – Kindersley – La Ronge – Melfort – Plenty – Prince Albert – Rosetown – Saskatoon – Tisdale – Waldheim • Cardlock Services • Bulk Fuel • Lubricants • Co-operators • Dollarama • Eclipse • •Global Golf Plus • Marks • Nutters • • Peavey Mart • Pet Valu • SaskTel • Sobeys • • SportChek • Studio C Fitness • The Brick • • Tim Horton’s •Warehouse One • • LB Liquor • VS Boutique • Like us on Facebook! Monday to Saturday 9AM - 6PM Sundays & Stats 12PM - 5PM
REGINA POLICEASSOCIATION Saskatchewan Federation President Casey Ward and Sgt Shane Hoedel of RPS at the RPA Benevolent Cornhole Tournament Sgt. Chris Wanke Director on the Regina Police Association at McHappy Days Sgt. Dave Krieger Director and Sgt. Manny Otitoju Director Regina Police Association at McHappy Days Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers 15
16 Family Violence Awareness Office 306.359.5446 Toll Free 1.877.655.7656 Fax 306.559.2889 2510 13th Avenue Regina, SK S4P 0W2 Our areas of practice are as follows: TUBEROSUMTECHNOLOGIES INC. BOX 35 BRODERICK, SK S0H 0L0 PH: 306-867-1212 EMAIL: [email protected] Web: www.tuberosumtechnologies.com Proudly building Saskatchewan for over 50 years! LIUNA Labourers’ Local 180 2206 E Emmett Hall Rd. Regina, SK S4N 3M3 (306) 525-2336 www.local180.ca Family Law Criminal Law Real Estate Law Aboriginal Law Civil Law Employment Law Notarial Services Wills & Estates
Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers 17 REGINA POLICEASSOCIATION RPA Benevolent Perogies and Sausage Fundraiser Sgt. Manny Otitoju - Director RPA Ms. Chelsea Rainbird - Civilian Executive Director RPA Sgt. Neil Beitel - Director RPA Ms. Kim Brakefield Civilian Executive Director Regina Police Association and Ms. Daphne Muhlbeier – Benefits Administrator Regina Police Association at the RPA Benevolent Perogies and Sausage Fundraiser Sgt. Colin Glas - President RPA Ms. Amy Stroeder - Director RPA Sgt. Troy Davis - Director RPA
18 Family Violence Awareness SERVICE / INSTALLATION REPAIRS REGINA, SK 588 Local ATU Local 588, which consists of Transit Operators, Maintenance and Clerical Staff, is proud to support the Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers Annual Crime Prevention Guide.
SASKATOON POLICEASSOCIATION Mental Wellness in an Ever-Demanding Police Career Every day, Saskatoon’s police officers face the kind of trauma most people never encounter in a lifetime. From responding to violent crimes to witnessing tragic accidents, the emotional toll is immense — and often invisible. Yet, despite the growing awareness of mental health some officers continue to suffer in silence. That’s why the Saskatoon Police Association (SPA), in partnership with the Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers (SFPO) continues to advocate for programs and resources that keeps a police officer’s mental wellness as a fundamental piece of public safety. Policing is a profession built on resilience, but even the strongest among us have limits. Officers are disproportionately affected by Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and burnout when compared to other professionals. These conditions don’t just affect the individual but reach families, colleagues, and the community. One of the most significant barriers to mental wellness in policing is stigma—both internal and external. Officers often fear that admitting to mental health struggles will be seen as a sign of weakness or incompetence. This fear is deeply rooted in a culture that has long valued stoicism and emotional control. Some officers worry that seeking help could: • Jeopardize their career progression • Reassignment or reduced duties/responsibilities • Viewed as a liability Despite these challenges, there are resources available that can make a real difference. In Saskatoon, the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) provides confidential counseling and crisis support to officers and their families. It’s a critical tool, especially for those navigating the emotional fallout of traumatic incidents. The Saskatchewan’s Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) plays a vital role in supporting officers dealing with psychological injuries. Under provincial legislation, police officers are eligible to file claims for work-related mental health conditions, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), without needing to prove the condition was caused by a specific incident—thanks to presumptive coverage for first responders. This means that when an officer is diagnosed with PTSD by a qualified professional, Sask WCB presumes it is work-related unless proven otherwise. This significantly reduces the burden on officers and allows them to access treatment and rehabilitation services more quickly. The SPA and SFPO continue to work closely with WCB to ensure that officers receive fair, timely, and trauma-informed support throughout the claims process. Another powerful resource is PSPNET, a federally funded online therapy platform developed specifically for public safety personnel. PSPNET offers free, evidence-based programs that address PTSD, anxiety, and depression—accessible anytime, anywhere, and completely confidential. The SPA and SFPO are united in advocating for a comprehensive mental wellness strategy that includes: • Mandatory annual mental health check-ins that are confidential • 24/7 access to trauma-informed professionals who understand the realities of policing • Peer-led support networks • Family-inclusive education and counseling to support the broader wellness system • Long-term funding to ensure sustainability These aren’t luxuries but should be seen as necessities. Officers cannot be expected to protect the public if they are not first protected themselves. Culture change doesn’t happen overnight, but it starts with honest conversations. The SPA is working to normalize mental health discussions among members, encouraging officers to speak up and support one another. The SPA along with the SFPO challenges leadership at all levels to model vulnerability and openness. When officers see their peers and leaders prioritizing mental wellness, it sends a powerful message: you are not alone, and it’s okay to ask for help. Mental wellness is not just a personal issue. It’s a union issue, a public safety issue, and a community issue. The SPA and SFPO are committed to fighting for the resources, respect, and recognition our officers deserve. Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers 19
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Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers 21 SASKATOON POLICEASSOCIATION “Honour - Spirit - Vision”
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Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers 23 Family violence continues to affect the lives of many Canadians.Violence does not belong in our homes or in our relationships. Eliminating family violence is not a task for one government, one community, one organization or one individual. Together, we must continue to promote education and awareness programs of family violence to ensure that the people we care most about have a safe place to live.
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Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers 25 Government of Saskatchewan Launches New Awareness Campaign on Abusive Relationships Released on April 22, 2024 Social Media Series Targets Young People; Challenges Assumptions of What Constitutes Abuse The Government of Saskatchewan has launched the latest phase of a public awareness campaign that focuses on the critical issue of interpersonal violence and abuse. The 'Face the Issue' campaign is a multi-phase partnership between the ministries of Justice and Attorney General, Corrections, Policing and Public Safety, Status of Women, and Advanced Education. The social media video series targets 18- to 24-year-olds and potential red flags of abusive relationships. The series of five videos, which started on April 15, will run for six weeks on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and YouTube, with an additional audio message on Spotify. Each video features a young person recounting an upsetting or uncomfortable situation. Themes include coercive control, social isolation and gaslighting. The videos end with the tagline, “If something feels off, it probably is. Face the issue. End the abuse.” “These videos are intended to challenge assumptions about ‘normal’ relationship dynamics and what constitutes abuse,” Justice Minister and Attorney General Bronwyn Eyre said. “We hope that this ambitious campaign will help young people identify the signs before they become more vulnerable." “Prevention is key to addressing interpersonal violence and abuse,” Minister Responsible for the Status of Women Office Laura Ross said. “This campaign will help educate and inform the public about this challenge in our communities. If someone sees abuse happening - to a friend, to a family member, or to themselves - they will know the signs and reach out for support.” This is the third phase of the 'Face the Issue' awareness campaign, which began with posters and video ads in 2020, and continued with videos in 2021-22. “Everyone should understand that physical violence is only part of the whole picture,” Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Minister Paul Merriman said. “There are often many subtle signs and factors that come into play before abuse escalates. Raising awareness for younger adults about the early warning signs and forms of abusive behavior is an important step toward prevention and safety for everyone.” 'Face the Issue' is part of the Government of Saskatchewan's multi-faceted approach to providing prevention and intervention supports and resources to address interpersonal violence and abuse. The 2024-25 provincial budget dedicates $31.7 million in funding from the ministries of Justice and Attorney General and Corrections, Policing and Public Safety for a range of initiatives, including: • $439,000 to support 211 Saskatchewan and the Re:CONNECT crisis hotline for individuals at risk of interpersonal violence, including service available in 175 languages; • Annualized funding of $328,000 (nearly $1 million over three years) dedicated to second-stage shelters for people escaping abuse; • An increase of $577,000 for community-based organizations that provide supports and services to individuals and families impacted by interpersonal violence and abuse; and • Ongoing partnerships with community service providers for Family Intervention Rapid Support Teams. If someone you know may be at risk of interpersonal violence or abuse, you can find a complete directory of resources to help online at sk.211.ca/abuse. You can also find the videos and more information about this campaign at Face the Issue on Saskatchewan.ca. saskatchewan.ca
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Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers 27 The Government of Canada is working to increase its knowledge about this form of violence. As is the case with many forms of violence, those who experience family violence may not report it to the police for a variety of reasons, including fear for personal safety and fear of stigma/shame. Here are some key facts: FAMILY VIOLENCE AGAINST CHILDREN AND YOUTH Canadian police-reported data (2019): • 22,299 child and youth were victims of family violence that year and girls accounted for six in ten of victims (60%). • Consistent with previous years, rates of family violence against children and youth were significantly higher among girls than boys (379 versus 239 victims per 100,000 population). • Among all child and youth victims of violent crimes, 34% of girls were victimized by a family member compared with 29% of boys. The majority of girls (19%) and boys (20%) who experienced family violence that year were victimized by a parent. • Sexual offences were the most common form of family violence perpetrated against girls. As observed in previous years, rates of sexual offences were more than four times higher among girls than boys (170 versus 37 victims per 100,000 population). • Rates of sexual offences, regardless of age groups, were higher among girls than among boys. However, rates varied within each population– rates of sexual offences among girls peaked among those aged 12 to 14 (275 victims per 100,000 population) while for boys they peaked among those aged 6 to 11 (50 victims). In comparison, rates of physical assaults peaked at ages 15 to 17 for girls (311 victims) and 12 to 14 for boys (218 victims). • In the provinces, rates of family violence against child and youth were higher in rural areas than in urban areas. In rural areas, girls had a rate of family violence that was twice as high as girls living in urban areas (652 versus 325 victims per 100,000 population) and a similar situation was observed for boys (398 versus 208 victims). INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE Police-reported data (2019): • In Canada in 2019, of the 107,810 people aged 15 and over who experienced intimate partner violence (IPV) 79% were women. • As in previous years, 2019 rates of IPV were more than 3.5 times higher among women than among men (536 versus 149 per 100,000 population). Self-reported data (2018): • Overall, 44% of women who had ever been in an intimate partner relationship - or about 6.2 million women aged 15 and over - reported experiencing some kind of psychological, physical, or sexual abuse in the context of an intimate relationship in their lifetime (since the age of 15). More specifically, women were significantly more likely than men to have experienced any form of IPV, including physical abuse (23% versus 17%, respectively), sexual abuse (12% versus 2%), and psychological abuse (43% versus 35%). • Women, relative to men, were considerably more likely to have experienced the most severe forms of IPV in their lifetime (since the age of 15): being made to perform sex acts they did not want to perform (8% versus 1%), being confined or locked in a room or other space (3% versus 0.5%), being forced to have sex (10% versus 2%), being choked (7% versus 1%), and having harm or threats of harm directed towards their pets (4% versus 0.8%). • Among people who experienced intimate partner violence in their lifetime (since the age of 15), women are about four time more likely than men continued THE FACTS Image by freepik.com
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Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers 29 (37% versus 9%, respectively) to have ever been afraid of a partner. 55% of women who experienced physical or sexual IPV feared a partner at some point. Being afraid of a partner can indicate intimate partner violence that is more coercive, more severe, and more likely to reflect a pattern of abusive behaviours. • Women who have experienced physical or sexual abuse before the age of 15 were about twice as likely as women with no such history to have experienced IPV either since age 15 (67% versus 35%) or in the past 12 months (18% versus 10%). • Among people who experienced IPV in the 12 months preceding the survey, women were twice as likely as men to have experienced at least one form of IPV on a daily or almost daily basis (12% versus 6%, respectively). • Three in ten (29%) women 15 to 24 years of age reported having experienced at least one incident of IPV in the 12 months preceding the survey, more than double the proportion found among women between the ages of 25 to 34 or 35 to 44, and close to six times higher than that among women 65 years of age or older. Young women (aged 15 to 24 years) • Among young women who reported ever being in an intimate partner relationship, almost three in ten (29%) of those aged 15-24 years experienced some form of IPV in the 12 months preceding the survey. This proportion was much higher than that observed among women aged 25 years and older (10%). • Young women were five times more likely than women aged 25 years and older to have been sexually assaulted (5% versus 1% respectively), three times more likely to have been physically assaulted (6% and 2%, respectively), and almost three times more likely to have been emotionally, financially or psychologically abused by an intimate partner in the previous 12 months preceding the survey (28% versus 10%). Indigenous women • Indigenous women (61%) in Canada were more likely to have ever experienced IPV in their lifetime (since the age of 15) when compared with non-Indigenous women (44%). • In the 12 months preceding the survey, 1 in 6 (17%) Indigenous women experienced at least one form of IPV—psychological, physical or sexual— compared with 12% of non-Indigenous women. Lesbian, gay, bisexual and people of a sexual orientation that is not heterosexual (LGB+) women • Overall, 67% of LGB+ women who had ever been in an intimate partner relationship had experienced at least one type of IPV since the age of 15, compared to 44% among heterosexual women. • Almost half (49%) of LGB+ women indicated that they had been physically or sexually assaulted by an intimate partner since the age of 15, almost double what was indicated by heterosexual women (25%). • One in five (20%) LGB+ women had indicated that they had experienced some forms of IPV within the past year, almost twice what was said by heterosexual women (12%). Women living with disabilities • Among people who had ever been in an intimate partner relationship, more than half (55%) of women with disabilities reported experiencing some form of IPV in their lifetime (since the age of 15), compared to 37% of women without disabilities. • In the 12 months preceding the survey, 16% of women with disabilities experienced some form of IPV, compared to 10% of women without disabilities. • Among LGBTQ2 (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Two-Spirit) women with disabilities, almost seven in ten (71%) experienced some form of intimate partner violence since the age of 15. continued Image by freepik.com
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Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers 31 Visible minority women • Among those who had ever been in an intimate partner relationship, 29% of women belonging to an ethno-cultural group designated as a visible minority reported experiencing some kind of psychological, physical, or sexual violence committed by an intimate partner in their lifetime (since the age of 15). • Visible minority women and non-visible minority women were equally likely to have experienced intimate partner violence in the form of physical abuse (both 2%) or sexual abuse (both 1%) in the past 12 months. • One-quarter (25%) of visible minority women between the ages of 15 and 24 experienced IPV in the past 12 months. Intimate partner homicide • Between 2014 and 2019, there were 497 victims of intimate partner homicide, and - similar to intimate partner violence in general - 80% (400 victims) were women. • While Indigenous women account for about 5% of all women in Canada, they accounted for 21% of all women killed by an intimate partner between 2014 and 2019 (83 victims). In 2020, 53 women, 11 of whom were Indigenous, were killed by their partner in Canada. FAMILY VIOLENCE AGAINST SENIORS Canadian police-reported data (2019): • 4,518 seniors (aged 65 and older) experienced violence by a family member in Canada. Among them, 2,613 were women accounting for the majority of victims (58%). This translated into higher rates of family violence among senior women than senior men (79 victims versus 65 per 100,000 population). • When compared with senior men, senior women are considerably more likely to be victimized by a family member. Among all senior victims of violent crimes, 41% of senior women were victimized by a family member compared with 25% of senior men. • Rates of family violence against seniors in the provinces were higher in rural areas than urban areas for both senior women (107 versus 70 victims per 100,000 population) and men (89 versus 58 victims). • Between 2008 and 2018, a total of 198 seniors were killed by a family member, women accounting for 62% (123 victims) of all senior victims of family-related homicide (Canadian police-reported data – 2018). Image by freepik.com canada.ca
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Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers 33 A common definition of domestic and intimate partner violence (D/IPV) has been developed and is used by all police forces (both RCMP and municipal/regional) in New Brunswick. The definition is consistent with the description used by the Domestic Violence Court in Moncton, by prosecution services of the Office of the Attorney General, and New Brunswick’s Crime Prevention and Reduction Strategy: Domestic and intimate partner violence occurs when a person, regardless of their gender, uses abusive, threatening, harassing or violent behaviour as a means to psychologically, physically, sexually or financially coerce, dominate and control the other member of their intimate personal relationship. (Province of New Brunswick, 2012). This definition includes individuals who were previously or who are currently involved in an intimate/romantic relationship with each other (married, common-law, or dating), irrespective of whether this relationship was between samegender or different-gendered couples, and whether the couple cohabitated. D/IPV is also considered to have occurred when an individual or family member on the individual’s behalf, directly or indirectly, resorts to abusive, threatening, harassing or violent behaviour towards the partner’s or ex-partner’s children, relatives, friends, pets/farm animals, employers and work colleagues, or new partners, as a means to psychologically intimidate, dominate and control the current or ex-partner (Province of New Brunswick, 2009). The Criminal Code of Canada does not specifically outline offences related to D/IPV; however, there are relevant criminal offences that apply (Department of Justice, Canada, 2017) including: murder, manslaughter, assault, assault with a weapon or causing bodily harm, sexual assault, uttering threats, sexual harassment, stalking, intimidation, mischief, destruction of property, theft, and fraud. While we do not know the full extent of D/IPV in New Brunswick, statistics show that a Canadian woman is killed every six days by her intimate partner; and in New Brunswick, more people are killed by their intimate partners than in any other Atlantic province (Government of New Brunswick, 2018) . Despite the high level of D/IPV crimes that occur, it remains one of the most under-reported types of crime in Canada. Notably, statistics on immigrant women experiencing domestic violence are not consistently collected in New Brunswick and reporting rates are unreliable given the additional barriers faced by immigrant women discussed further throughout the document. LIST OF MYTHS AND FACTS Many myths are associated with D/IPV. Many of them are rooted in societal and media perceptions and do not paint an accurate picture of what the research on D/IPV tells us. The following is a list of some common myths and facts, as reported by the Purple Ribbon Campaign Violence Prevention Initiative ( Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, 2015) and the Department of Justice and Public Safety (Government of New Brunswick, 2018). • Abuse only happens to certain people: Abuse can impact anyone, not only certain families, ethnic or religious minorities, uneducated or lower-class individuals. It pervades all socioeconomic classes and all types of families. • Children are not affected by intimate partner violence: There can be serious negative outcomes when children are exposed to D/IPV and New Brunswick child protection recognizes this as a form of child abuse. Children may experience physical health problems, mental health problems or act more aggressively. • Domestic violence is usually an isolated incident: Domestic violence is a pattern of behaviour that exists in some relationships and gets worse and more frequent over time. WHAT IS DOMESTIC AND INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE? Image by Drazen Zigic on Freepik
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Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers 35 • If women really wanted to leave a violent relationship, they could: Abused women are faced with the reality of severe physical assault or even death when attempting to leave. Immigrant women face further barriers to leaving, including lack of support network, language barriers, economic dependency, and fear of jeopardizing her immigration status. • If men are violent with their partners, they are likely violent in all their relationships: Men who abuse their partners may appear to be charming and pleasant in other situations, like with coworkers or friends. At home, they may justify their use of violence to control and subordinate their partner. • Immigrant and refugee women do not seek help because their background or culture allows abuse: Violence against women takes place in every country and culture in the world. Assuming that one specific culture accepts violence is a generalization, and a dangerous one. CYCLE OF ABUSE No two women are abused in the same way, and the violence a woman experiences can be unpredictable, but there are observed patterns and similarities in abusive relationships. The Cycle of Abuse was first described by Lenore Walker (1979) in her book The Battered Woman. This cycle is used by many service providers to explain that D/IPV is rarely an isolated incident and may follow a pattern similar to the one shown below. The cycle of abuse can cover a long or short period of time and the pattern may be specific to the relationship. Eventually, the tension builds up again, resulting in another period of abuse followed by the honeymoon phase. With repeated cycles, the violence will often get worse, and the honeymoon phase will shorten or even disappear (Government of New Brunswick, 2014). • Tension building: The abuser may verbally harass their partner, and may be afraid their partner will leave them resulting in more possessiveness, jealousy and aggression. The partner often tries to do anything to keep the peace. Partners will often make excuses for the abuser’s behaviour. There may be anger, blaming and arguing1. • D/IPV incident: The abuser may be unpredictable and appear to be out of control. The abuse is not necessarily physical and may include intimidation or humiliation1. • Honeymoon phase: The abuser may ask for forgiveness or state that it will never happen again, and may appear to be calm and loving. The partners will often feel guilty about leaving their abuser and often hope that the abuser will change1. 1 Stop Violence against Women (2018). Cycle of violence Retrieved from http://www.domesticviolenceinfo.ca/article/cycle-of-violence189.asp The Cycle of Abuse, adapted from Walker
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Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers 37 All abusers seek to maintain power and control over their victims. Even if the abuse occurs infrequently, they will instill fear of future assaults. The wheel of power and control, also known as the Duluth Model, demonstrates that physical violence is only one form of D/IPV an immigrant woman may experience. The ways an abuser attempts to control an immigrant victim is represented in the eight spokes, or tactics: intimidation, isolation, emotional abuse, economic abuse, sexual abuse, using children, threats, and/or using citizenship or residency privilege. While tactics may be similar for immigrant and non-immigrant victims, the examples provided in each spoke are specific to immigrant women. While physical violence, the outer ring, tends to be more visible, forceful and overt, the inner wheel represents subtler, continual and sometimes unrecognizable acts of violence until one looks at these forms of violence more carefully. Many of these forms of violence can happen simultaneously as a way to enforce power and control within a relationship. DOMESTIC AND INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE AGAINST IMMIGRANT WOMEN IMMIGRANT WHEEL OF POWER AND CONTROL EMOTIONAL ABUSE Lying about her immigration status. Writing her family lies about her. Calling her racist names. ECONOMIC ABUSE Threatening to report her if she works “under the table.” Not letting her get job training or schooling. SEXUAL ABUSE Calling her a prostitute or “mail order bride.” Alleging she has a history of prostitution on legal papers. USING CHILDREN Threatening to take her children away from Canada. Threatening to report her children to Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada. THREATS Threatening to report her to Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada to get her deported. Threatening to withdraw the petition to legalize her immigration status. USING CITIZENSHIP OR RESIDENCY Failing to file papers to legalize her immigration status, withdrawing or threatening to withdraw papers filed for her residency. INTIMIDATION Hiding or destroying important papers (i.e passport, ID cards, health care card, etc.) Destroying her only property from her country of origin. ISOLATION Isolating her from friends, family or anyone who speaks her language. Not allowing her to learn English and French.
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