Part of a poster used as part of the Government of Saskatchewan's "Face the Issue" campaign against domestic violence and abuse. (Government of Saskatchewan)

By CKOM News Staff

Sask. launches awareness campaign on abusive, violent relationships

Apr 22, 2024 | 11:56 AM

The Government of Saskatchewan is encouraging people in the province to face the issues of abusive relationships and domestic violence.

The provincial government’s “Face the Issue” awareness campaign continued last week with a series of five videos on social media aiming to help educate 18- to 24-year-olds about potential red flags that warn about abusive relationships.

The campaign runs for six weeks on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat, with audio messages also shared on Spotify.

The videos include young people describing uncomfortable situations in relationships, which can include coercive control, gaslighting and social isolation.

The videos mark the third phase of the campaign, which started with a poster campaign in 2020 and launched videos in 2021 and 2022.

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The Ministry of Justice said the theme of the new awareness videos is: “If something feels off, it probably is. Face the issue. End the abuse.”

Bronwyn Eyre, Saskatchewan’s justice minister, said the videos are meant to challenge assumptions around normalcy in relationships and what abuse means.

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“We hope that this ambitious campaign will help young people identify the signs before they become more vulnerable,” Eyre said in a statement.

Laura Ross, minister responsible for the status of women office, said prevention is essential to addressing the issues of abuse and violence.

“This campaign will help educate and inform the public about this challenge in our communities,” Ross said in a statement.

“If someone sees abuse happening – to a friend, to a family member, or to themselves – they will know the signs and reach out for support.”

In Saskatchewan, a number of resources are available for those at risk of interpersonal violence or abuse, or for those who know someone in that situation.

Paul Merriman, Saskatchewan’s minister of corrections, policing and public safety, said violence is only part of the picture when it comes to abusive relationships.

“There are often many subtle signs and factors that come into play before abuse escalates,” Merriman explained in a statement.

“Raising awareness for younger adults about the early warning signs and forms of abusive behavior is an important step toward prevention and safety for everyone.”