The Saskatchewan government has launched the fourth phase of its Face the Issue public awareness campaign, this time focusing on the role bystanders can play in recognizing and responding to interpersonal violence and abuse.
Read more: Standing Strong: Lloydminster confronts domestic violence
Justice minister and attorney general Tim McLeod, K.C., said the new phase aims to give people practical tools to intervene safely when they see warning signs.
“Research shows that while many people want to help, they worry about the best way to safely and effectively speak up and take action,” said McLeod. “Through Phase 4, we are aiming to provide realistic examples of intervention. This is just one part of our government’s continuing approach to eliminating violence in our communities, alongside legislation, programming and frontline supports.”
Launched in 2020, Face the Issue is a partnership between the Ministry of Justice and Attorney General and the Status of Women Office. The campaign aims to help residents identify interpersonal violence and abuse, while challenging the attitudes and behaviours that allow it to persist.
Alana Ross, minister responsible for the Status of Women, said increasing public understanding is key to prevention.
“Education and awareness are some of the most important tools we have in the fight to end interpersonal violence,” said Ross. “Ensuring that people understand the signs of intimate partner and gender-based violence as well as where they can find supports is a crucial step in building safer communities.”
Phase 4 encourages family members, friends, colleagues and neighbours to take safe, supportive action if they see or suspect abuse. The campaign includes television, digital and social media ads showing realistic scenarios where bystanders can offer help. More resources on recognizing abuse and available community supports are available at facetheissue.ca.
Dr. Crystal Giesbrecht, director of research with the Provincial Association of Transition Houses and Services of Saskatchewan (PATHS), said bystanders often have the first opportunity to notice concerns.
“Natural supports, including family, friends and coworkers, are usually the first to have the opportunity to recognize warning signs and offer a supportive response,” she said. “This campaign can inspire people to think about how they might respond in similar situations, which, unfortunately, are all too common in our province.”
The province is allocating about $32 million this year to interpersonal violence programs and services, including $14.2 million for community-based organizations, annualized funding for second-stage shelters and additional funding for Victim Services and other supports.
Anyone seeking information on supports can visit the Face the Issue website. In an emergency, call 911.
Read more: Column: Facing domestic violence, head-on
