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Saskatoon Police Service has a new, dedicated team to address intimate partner violence (IPV) as of Jan. 1.
According to Saskatoon Police Chief Cameron McBride, the department began looking at IPV more closely during the COVID pandemic, and noticed the numbers going up.
“It became a significant concern,” he said.
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At Thursday’s Board of Police Commissioners Meeting, McBride said the team is made up of one officer and one counsellor, and both will work with Family Service Saskatoon.
“We know that the number of intimate partner violence incidents is disproportionately high throughout the province. When we look at reported intimate partner violence in Saskatoon, it’s a little bit closer to average or what would normally be seen across the country,”
McBride said it’s a significant concern to police because it’s a provincial issue, a lot of people are coming to Saskatoon from other parts of the province, and it’s something that needs to be addressed.
“It’s something we’re seeing with victims who in many cases feel helpless, unsupported and like perhaps they can’t even report,” he added.
He hopes that investigating in a new and better way, people will be more comfortable reporting to police.
“We might see numbers rise — numbers of reported intimate partner violence — circumstances rise, simply because people feel more comfortable, more supported, more able to report that. And so we’re going to be watching that closely,” McBride said.
Those who’re reporting the incidents also deserve to have an explanation on what happens after someone is charged.
“I hope that by mid-year or towards the end of the year I’ll have some really, really amazing things to report in terms of their success and the way that they’ve been able to make an impact in the community.”
McBride said the officer will get specific, focused training in the area. They’ll not only be able to investigate incidents of IPV in a more “full” way, with both the enforcement and social work, but also in a supportive way, shortening response time as well.
He said it’s a new approach for the service, and they’re looking to other police forces for advice and guidance as well.
Where can I get help for intimate partner violence?
To connect to domestic or intimate partner violence support in your community, call 211, text 211 or visit abuse.sk.211.ca. The service is free, confidential, and available 24/7 365 days a year in over 175 languages, including 17 Indigenous languages.
As well, there are 18 helplines available in Saskatchewan to support people experiencing various forms of abuse and domestic and intimate partner violence. All are confidential, free, and available 24/7.
1. Naseeha Mental Health Helpline
- Support for everyone (Muslim and non-Muslim callers)
- Available via text or call 1-866-627-3342
2. Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline
- Confidential, multilingual service available 24/7
- Available via call at 1-833-900-1010 or online chat at canadianhumantraffickinghotline.ca
3. Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime
- Support for victims, survivors, and their families
- Available via text or call at 1-877-232-2610, or online chat at crcvc.ca
4. First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Helpline
- Support for Indigenous people
Available via call at 1-855-242-3310 or online chat at hopeforwellness.ca
5. 24-Hour Residential School Crisis Line
- Support for those affected by residential school trauma
- Available via call at 1-866-925-4419
6. NISA Helpline
- Faith-based support for parents and women
- Available via call at 1-888-315-6472
7. LGBT National Hotline
- Support for the LGBTQ2S+ community
- Available via call at 1-888-843-4564 or online chat at lgbthotline.org
8. Kids Help Phone
- Multilingual service for young people
- Available via text or call at 1-800-668-6868 or online chat at kidshelpphone.ca
9. Youthspace.ca
- Crisis and emotional support for people under 30
- Available via text at 778 7830177 or online chat at youthspace.ca
10. Shelwin House 24-Hour Support
- Support for women
- Available via Call at 1-306-244-7773
11. Saskatoon Crisis Intervention Service
- Support for everyone
- Available via call at 1-306-933-6200
12. Crisis Suicide Helpline
- Support for everyone
- Available via call at 1-833-456-4566
13. North East Outreach and Support Services
- Support for everyone
- Available via call at 1-306-752-9463
14. Southwest Crisis Services Crisis Line
- Support for everyone
Available via call at 1-306-778-8383
15. Farm Stress Line
- Support for everyone, especially those in farming communities
◦ Available via call at 1-800-667-4442
16. Mobile Crisis Line
- Crisis support for everyone
- Available via call at 1-800-607-0310
17. Talking Stick
- Anonymous online chat support for Indigenous people
- Available via online chat on a free app only, available for Apple and Android
18. Child Abuse Line
- Support for children and youth
- Available via call at 1-800-387-5437
NOTE: This information was current in November 2024. If you have a service you would like added to our list please send details here.
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