NEW FUNDING TO HELP CHILDREN WHO WITNESS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

An additional $370,000 will allow government and community partners to offer new and enhanced programming to children who witness domestic violence.

“Violence and abuse in any form is unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” Justice Minister Frank Quennell said.  “This new program funding will ensure that a range of services are available to meet the needs of children who witness violence and abuse in their home.”

Community organizations will be invited to submit proposals to establish new programs in the Buffalo Narrows, Estevan, Moose Jaw and La Ronge regions of the province.

The four existing Children Who Witness Domestic Violence programs in the Battlefords, Prince Albert, Regina and Saskatoon will also be enhanced.

Children who witness domestic violence are likely to suffer immediate and long-term problems. These children may become victims of abuse or perpetrators of violence as they become adults.  The outcome is a learned cycle of abuse that extends through generations.

“Our goal is to help stop the cycle of violence that occurs in homes and communities, so that our province’s children can grow up safe and healthy,” Quennell said.

The Children Who Witness Domestic Violence program was developed in 1994, following consultation with community agencies that identified a need to offer services to children who witness or suffer violence in their homes.

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For more information, contact:

Andrew Dinsmore
Justice
Regina
Phone: 306-787-8606
Email: adinsmore@justice.gov.sk.ca