The Saskatchewan government has released its second review on intimate partner violence (IPV) deaths, prompting urgent calls for action. The report, which examines IPV-related deaths from 2015 to 2020, highlights systemic issues contributing to this pervasive crisis.
The review, published on January 30, 2025, assessed 31 cases consisting of 34 homicides and four related suicides. This comprehensive study was conducted by multidisciplinary case review teams alongside family members and loved ones of victims. Justice Minister Tim McLeod stated, "Saskatchewan recognizes the need to take action to address the issue of interpersonal violence and domestic violence deaths... The recommendations in this report will inform future government responses to domestic and interpersonal violence and can serve as a roadmap for all of us as a province to make our province safer for everyone."
The report reveals alarming demographics around IPV, particularly within Indigenous communities and affecting women. Eighty-two percent of perpetrators were male, and 83 percent of victims were female. The review also uncovered the pervasive nature of IPV among Indigenous peoples, with 57 percent of adult victims identified as Indigenous. These statistics paint a stark picture of the human toll of IPV, especially as more than half of the reported deaths occurred in rural areas.
Common factors emerged from the review, emphasizing the backgrounds of both victims and perpetrators. Many perpetrators had histories of childhood abuse, substance misuse, and financial instability. Disturbingly, 82 percent of perpetrators reportedly faced financial stress, and 73 percent were considered depressed according to family and friends. Jo-Anne Dusel, Executive Director of the Provincial Association of Transition Houses and Services of Saskatchewan (PATHS), remarked, "We need to stop simply labelling this a complex issue and get to work. There are real issues...with alcohol, poverty, views on gender roles, and lack of proactive solutions addressing root causes."
Another significant finding was the barriers victims faced when seeking help. The review noted, "Tragically, family members noted...they did not receive the necessary supports and services." Many victims had reached out for assistance before their deaths, only to find inadequate responses from law enforcement and support services. These gaps highlight the desperate need for improved intervention offerings and structures within the province.
The report proposes several key recommendations. It stresses the importance of education and awareness, intervention for potential perpetrators, victim-centered approaches, and improved legislative policies. The review urges the government to develop comprehensive services, especially for rural and northern areas, where access to support is sorely lacking. Dusel has pointed out the failure to proactively address IPV risks, stating, "We’ve been working reactively...but we really need to shift to preventing the violence from taking place initially."
To comprehend the full scale of the problem, it is worth noting the report's assertion: 64 percent of both perpetrators and victims had been involved in high-conflict separations. The review's recommendations echo sentiments from previous reports, aiming to formulate actionable plans to tackle IPV decisively.
The government has made strides since the first report released in 2018, enacting laws such as The Victims of Interpersonal Violence Amendment Act, which provides emergency leave for victims and allows sine shares to break tenancy agreements without penalty. Minister McLeod acknowledged these positive developments but emphasized the complexity of implementing every recommendation, reiteratively stating, "These aren't exactly checklists...we'll continue to follow the recommendations."
Despite these legal amendments, advocates call for immediate action plans to implement the report's recommendations properly. "If there's one piece missing...developing specific action plans to address intimate partner and family violence is necessary," Dusel insists. These action plans would encompass targets, goals, timelines, and evaluations to monitor the province's progress on IPV.
The emotional narratives intertwined with these statistics underline the urgency of addressing IPV effectively. Whether it's through education, community awareness, or enhanced service delivery, every action counts. The province's continued commitment to confronting these issues could pave the way for lasting change.
For anyone experiencing or knowing someone who is affected by IPV, support resources can be accessed through organizations like PATHS or by calling 211 Saskatchewan. It is through collective efforts and advocacy for change we can hope to prevent such tragedies from occurring again.