New laws in Saskatchewan are designed to help victims of sexual violence leave dangerous homes. (File photo/Prince Albert Safe Shelter For Women)

By Rob Mahon

Sexual Violence Protection

Law changes to protect sexual violence victims in Saskatchewan

Sep 13, 2021 | 12:00 PM

A proposed change to laws in Saskatchewan will take effect today with the aim of protecting victims of sexual violence. The changes were first brought forward in January of this year to help sexual violence victims leave dangerous situations.

Under the Residential Tenancies Amendment Act, people who have experienced sexual violence can break long-term leases without being penalized as long as they provide the landlord 28 days of notice. This means they can terminate a lease early to escape a dangerous living situation.

“We are determined to protect survivors of sexual violence, who are often particularly vulnerable,” Justice Minister and Attorney General Gordon Wyant said. “With these changes, the government is taking all available steps to make victims feel safe in their living arrangements.”

The initial announcement came at a good time for the people of Prince Albert in particular. Just three weeks after the changes were announced, statistics revealed at a police board meeting sexual assaults were on the rise in the city.

“I believe it (the new legislation) helps to protect and provide safety for survivors,” said Vicki Stewart, executive director of the Prince Albert Mobile Crisis Unit and Sexual Assault Centre. “It also allows them power, it gives them some of their power back.”

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According to Stewart, the ability to leave a situation like this could be life-saving for some victims of sexual violence. She also said their organization has been in regular contact with the government, and she’s found the province willing to listen to concerns on their end.

“The government is good, we have conversations,” she said. “They’re fully aware of what we see as gaps in services in our agencies.”

In order to end their tenancy early, victims who want to use this program must not only provide 28 days notice, but also a certificate from Victim Services. Once the landlord has these, they can begin the process of leaving their living situation.

The latest updates from the tenancies amendment act mirror those of the Saskatchewan Employment Act. Those changes extended protections for victims of interpersonal violence to include people who have been victims of sexual violence as well.

Last year, police in Prince Albert investigated 126 reports of sexual violations, an increase from 124 the previous year. That marked the third year in a row that number had risen. In 2017, there were 95 reports of sexual violations throughout the year.

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rob.mahon@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter @RobMahonPxP