Sexual Assault Services of Saskatchewan supports the National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence
Making a ChangeSexual Assault Services of Saskatchewan (SASS) is proud to fully support the National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence.
The National Action Plan was officially endorsed on November 9, 2022, at the 40th Annual Meeting of Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers Responsible for the Status of Women in Nova Scotia.
“As an organization representing front-line sexual violence agencies who work closely with violence survivors in Saskatchewan and as a member of the Ending Violence Association of Canada, we have been working collaboratively across the country to provide input into this plan, through consultations led by Women’s Shelters Canada and the resulting Roadmap for the National Action Plan,” said Kerrie Isaac, SASS executive director. “Now we are ready to help shape its implementation at the provincial level.”
The Government of Canada will provide over $530 million to the provinces and territories to implement the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence through cost-sharing agreements. The Action Plan is a roadmap designed to build a safer, more equitable and inclusive Canada, and a Canada where victims, survivors and their loved ones receive protection and services no matter where they are.
SASS wants any agreement made to reflect key priorities outlined by advocates across the country, including ensuring that survivors have access to services no matter where they live, by providing core funding to vital, wrap-around services, and addressing service gaps. This includes funding for both the Sexual Violence and Intimate Partner Violence sectors, as well as coordination, advocacy and prevention work and the provision of expertise.
This historic plan has the potential to ensure that all survivors, and in particular underserved groups, have access to the services they need wherever they are located in the country. Further, it is an opportunity to address the root causes of violence by affecting meaningful and lasting systemic change.
The National Action Plan reinforces key priorities in Working Together, the Saskatchewan Sexual Violence Action Plan (2019), developed by SASS, and through mutli-sectoral collaboration and informed by front-line voices.
“We are happy to see the Government of Saskatchewan’s recent support of the Action Plan,” said Isaac. “Now is the time to take the leadership action needed to invest in the solutions offered by Saskatchewan’s Sexual Violence Action Plan and bring accountability to the Government of Saskatchewan’s endorsement of the National Action Plan to end GBV.”
SASS is hopeful that stakeholders and experts, such as our organization and our member agencies, and those with lived experiences are consulted on how the implementation of the Action Plan can best serve the needs of survivors of sexual violence across the province.
Established in 1984, SASS is a provincial non-profit organization that works collectively with front-line agencies, community partners, and governments that provide support and advocacy for those affected by sexual violence in Saskatchewan. SASS fosters coordination and collaboration amongst front-line agencies, community partners, and governments to support those affected by sexual violence.
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For More Information:
Ashley Kilback
Communications Specialist, SASS – Sexual Assault Services of Saskatchewan
306.526.8776
ashley@sassk.ca
sassk.ca