Advocate calls for action after Sask. releases review of intimate partner violence deaths

An expert in Saskatchewan is urging action following the release of the province’s second-ever review on intimate partner violence (IPV) deaths. The review, which covers incidents from 2015 to 2020, examined 31 cases resulting in 34 homicides and four related suicides. It aimed to uncover systemic issues and provide recommendations to prevent future tragedies.

The report, prepared by three multidisciplinary case review teams in collaboration with family members of victims, highlighted the need for proactive solutions addressing root causes of IPV. One team member emphasized the impact of factors like alcohol, poverty, and gender role attitudes in the province.

The review identified common factors in many cases, including perpetrators’ histories of childhood abuse, substance abuse, and poverty. It also noted that many victims had sought help before their deaths but faced barriers. The report highlighted that 82% of perpetrators were male, with 83% of victims being women. Additionally, Indigenous individuals were overrepresented, accounting for 57% of adult victims.

Recommendations in the report focus on six key areas: education and awareness, intervention for perpetrators, victim-centered approaches, legislation and policy, services in rural and northern areas, and infrastructure development. Jo-Anne Dusel, executive director of the Provincial Association of Transition Houses and Services of Saskatchewan, praised the recommendations as essential but emphasized the need for concrete action plans to address IPV effectively.

Dusel pointed to the success of similar initiatives in other provinces, such as Ontario’s domestic violence death reviews, which have led to tangible improvements. She stressed the importance of intervening with individuals at risk of using violence in relationships to prevent further harm.

The review highlighted that 64% of perpetrators and victims were involved in high-conflict breakups, with many perpetrators experiencing financial stress, holding misogynistic attitudes, and facing depression. Dusel underscored the importance of implementing the recommendations to create a specific action plan with measurable goals and timelines.

The Saskatchewan government has taken steps since the 2018 review, including adding programs and legislative changes like The Victims of Interpersonal Violence Amendment Act. This legislation allows victims to end fixed-term tenancy agreements and provides paid leave for individuals experiencing IPV.

Minister of Justice and Attorney General Tim McLeod acknowledged the alignment between the report’s recommendations and existing initiatives but emphasized the ongoing work required to combat IPV effectively. He committed to following the recommendations and developing policies consistent with the report’s findings to address domestic violence in the province.

In conclusion, the call for action in Saskatchewan’s efforts to address IPV underscores the need for a comprehensive and coordinated approach to prevent further tragedies and protect vulnerable individuals in the province.