Family and intimate partner violence on the rise in Saskatchewan: RCMP

Areas policed by the Saskatchewan RCMP saw above-average rates of intimate partner and family violence last year, and the numbers have been climbing over the past few years.

According to the RCMP, the police-reported rate of intimate partner violence in the jurisdiction of Saskatchewan Mounties was 813 incidents per 100,000 people in 2023, while there were 890 incidents of family violence per 100,000 people.

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For comparison, the provincial rates for intimate partner and family violence in 2023 were 710 and 741 per 100,000, the RCMP noted.

The numbers are rising, the RCMP said, with intimate partner and family violence rates jumping by 13 per cent over the past five years.

Over that period, the RCMP said Saskatchewan’s central district has seen a 19 per cent jump, while the north district’s rate rose by 13 per cent and the south district’s rate climbed by seven per cent.

Intimate partner violence can include physical or sexual assault, the RCMP explained, along with harassment, threats and other types of violence by a current or former spouse, partner, boyfriend or girlfriend, or intimate partner. Family violence includes violence committed by a spouse, parent, step parent, sibling, child or other relative.

“It can happen to anyone, and we see it across all socioeconomic circumstances,” said Sgt. Kim Stewart, Saskatchewan RCMP domestic violence co-ordinator.

“Saskatchewan RCMP, together with our community partners, has an important role to play in educating the public about intimate partner violence and supporting victim safety.”

Anyone who is experiencing violence, or knows someone who is, was advised to contact their nearest police service or RCMP detachment.