SK Government: Domestic Violence Death Review Final Report Released

May 24, 2018

The final report from Saskatchewan’s Domestic Violence Death Review Panel has been released.

The panel was formed in the summer of 2016, and released an interim report in May 2017. The final report is the result of an in-depth look at six specific cases of homicide related to domestic violence. The final report contains 19 recommendations, which will be used to guide specific key actions and ongoing consultation on the issue of domestic violence.

“I thank the members of the Domestic Violence Death Review Panel for their hard work over the last two years,” Justice Minister and Attorney General Don Morgan said. “Their findings will now serve as the cornerstone of our efforts to reduce domestic violence in Saskatchewan.”

The following actions will be taken as a starting point in response to the report:

Domestic Violence Disclosure process (“Clare’s Law”)—A Domestic Violence Disclosure process will establish a way for police to disclose information about previous violent behavior by a potentially violent individual to their partner.
Kids on the Block/Kids Matter northern expansion—Additional funds will be provided to expand these programs in northern Saskatchewan. The programs are delivered by community partners who provide educational programming to school-aged children on family and domestic violence issues.
Additional crisis workers—Funding will be made available for additional crisis workers; one in northern Saskatchewan and one in the rural south. Additional crisis workers will help meet the increasing demands for sexual assault services.
Expansion of the Children Exposed to Violence program—This program provides children who have been exposed to domestic violence with supports designed to reduce their risk of becoming a victim or offender.

In addition to these short-term responses, the results of the Domestic Violence Death Review Panel’s work will be used to inform ongoing consultations on a provincial domestic violence plan.

In 2018-19, approximately $19.5 million will be provided to community-based organizations across Saskatchewan to deliver violence support services and prevention programming.

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For more information, contact:

Jennifer Graham
Justice
Regina
Phone: 306-787-8621
Email: jennifer.graham@gov.sk.ca