SASKATCHEWAN - Police are reporting that the Saskatchewan RCMP jurisdiction has higher rates of police-reported intimate partner and family violence.
Saskatchewan RCMP jurisdiction experienced higher rates of police reported intimate partner and family violence in 2023, according to Saskatchewan RCMP data, exceeding both provincial and national rates.
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. This compares to 2023 provincial rates of 710 and 741 per 100,000 population, for intimate partner and family violence. According to an Oct. 24, 2024 release from the Canadian Centre for Justice and Community Safety Statistics, last year also saw increased rates of both types of violence across the country.
Crime statistics reported by Saskatchewan RCMP earlier this year indicate that calls for police service to intimate partner and family violence incidents have increased by 13 per cent over the past five years across the jurisdiction, with regional increases of 19 per cent in Central District, 14 per cent in North District, and seven per cent in 麻豆传媒AV District over the same period.
Intimate partner violence includes physical or sexual assault, harassment, uttering threats and other types of violence by a current/former spouse, common-law partner, boyfriend/girlfriend, or other intimate partner. Family violence is a broader category and includes violence by a spouse, as well as violence by a parent, step-parent, sibling, child, or other family relationship.
RCMP Domestic Violence Coordinators
Intimate partner and family violence are complex issues, according to Saskatchewan RCMP Domestic Violence Coordinator Sgt. Kim Stewart, “It can happen to anyone, and we see it across all socioeconomic circumstances.”
RCMP Domestic Violence Coordinators, such as Sgt. Stewart, are specialized in intimate partner and family violence investigation, offender risk assessment and victim safety planning. Coordinators support police officers responding to calls for service, and oversee requests made under Clare’s Law that allows police to disclose information about a person’s domestic violence history to someone who may be at risk.
Sgt. Stewart also reviews applications made to the RCMP Family Violence Initiative Fund (FVIF), that supports community proposals to address intimate partner and family violence.
“Saskatchewan RCMP, together with our community partners, has an important role to play in educating the public about intimate partner violence and supporting victim safety,” says Sgt. Stewart.
If you or someone you know is experiencing violence from a partner, a parent, family member, or anyone, please report it to your nearest police service or RCMP Detachment or call 310-RCMP.
