Provincial Association of Transition Houses and Services of Saskatchewan

November 25 marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and the first of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. We all have a role to play in addressing violence which is why #OurActionsMatter.

Last week, we published a report that explored the impact of COVID-19 in rural and remote areas. This week, Shelter Voices has the results of a national survey on the pandemic's impact on VAW shelters. 52% of shelters have reported an increase in the severity of violence against women. 61% have reported an increase in calls as the pandemic has gone on. Shelters have had to reduce available beds and staff, while still maintaining maximum occupancy - even relying on hotel overflow to help all those in need, and all while facing critical funding shortages. To read Shelter Voice's full report: https://bit.ly/3981jIu

In one week, November 30th kicks off Saskatchewan Violence Prevention Week. #AllOfUs are affected by violence in some way, and #AllOfUs can be a part of the solution. Follow us and our partners STOPS to Violence to find out how you can get involved in building healthy, safe communities for all. #SVPW2020

This article in the Journal of Family Violence examines the impact of COVID-19 on rates of domestic violence in rural, remote, and northern Canada, and was co-authored by our own Crystal Giesbrecht. Congratulations to Crystal and Canadian Femicide Observatory expert co-authors Pertice Moffitt Aurora College Wendy Aujla University of Alberta Isabel Grant University of British Columbia and Anna-Lee Straatman Western University Read the full report here: https://bit.ly/393jb75

The times may have changed, but our commitment to public education about domestic violence has not. Big thanks to Elder Lorna Standingready and Pamela Cross from Luke's Place Support & Resource Centre for Women & Children for kicking off our virtual conference!

Executive Director Jo-Anne Dusel recently spoke to the CBC about the frustrations facing those looking for help from shelters across the province. Listen to the full interview here: https://bit.ly/34Use8a

Good morning. Check on her. Going to be a long winter.

People may be getting to a point where they want to leave or they’re looking for safety. The shelters, once again, are getting to a point where they’re getting full and many are having waitlists. Do we need more? Absolutely. And now with restricted spaces, that’s more of a concern. - Crystal Giesbrecht, Director of Research and Communications

Women and Gender Equality Canada recently published a report featuring PATHS' work on advocating to change the Saskatchewan Employment (Interpersonal Violence Leave) Amendment Act and training employers about the negative impacts of IPV on workplaces. Read the full report here: https://bit.ly/2IyhF1Y