In the spirit of Sexual Assault Awareness Week, the NDP is calling on the Sask. Party to address Saskatchewan’s dubious distinction of being the only province without a sexual assault strategy. This lack of initiative is leaving Saskatchewan residents at risk.
“Saskatchewan has the second highest per capita rate of sexual assault of all the provinces and yet we are the only province without a strategy. This doesn’t make sense,” said NDP Justice Critic Nicole Sarauer. “Instead of increasing the funding for sexual assault centres, this government is putting existing centres at risk. Places like the Battlefords and Area Sexual Assault Centre has not been properly funded for the last six years and they are concerned about how they will assist survivors without the necessary funds.”
Although sexual assault is not limited to one geographical area, there have been continued calls to change university campus culture to make them safe for students. A recent report graded the University of Regina’s plan to end campus sexual violence at a D+.
“We have heard from survivors that the steps taken to implement sexual assault strategies don’t go far enough,” said Sarauer. “The fact that students still do not feel safe and survivors do not feel supported should be a major concern for the Sask. Party. The government needs to step up and come up with a plan to ensure the safety of students, commit to properly fund sexual assault centres and to come up with a province-wide sexual assault strategy.”