"We received some funding and I was thinking of different ways we could use it that would help us to support the community. What does the community need?"
Executive Director of the Battlefords Sexual Assault Centre, Mrs. Amber Stewart, had seen the RCMP interview room. She noted it wasn't overly inviting and was still located in a policing environment - and not everyone is comfortable being in an RCMP building. Mrs. Stewart had witnessed countless times when victims couldn't go to the RCMP detachment because they had no one to watch their children.
"I thought maybe if we could cover costs for a new space, we could do something a little bit different to support the community. I phoned Jason (North Battleford Detachment Operations Officer) and he was 100% in, immediately. I've never had a project move more quickly; it's a true partnership between us and the RCMP."
"We're really encouraged that this new space will break down some of the barriers between police and members of our community who may not always feel comfortable speaking with us," tells S/Sgt. Jason Teniuk, "Our hope is that this space will eliminate some of the discomfort if they're in a place where they already feel comfortable."
What does the BSAC do?
BSAC provides free one on one counseling to anyone impacted by sexual or gender-based violence. This includes victims, family members, or those impacted by vicarious trauma. In addition, BSAC does age-appropriate prevention initiatives.
Prior to 2020, they did presentations to approximately 3500 youth from pre-K to high school. "Our biggest push is prevention education," explains Mrs. Stewart, "Specifically finding programming for boys – there's not a lot and the focus has always primarily been on educating girls. In one of our North Battleford schools, every male student from grade 8-12 has taken our Go Guys Program. We've learned so much from them."
The BSAC education programming focuses on consent, healthy relationships, expressing emotions in a healthy way, determining who is a trusted adult and boundaries.
An increase in the numbers.
"This fiscal year, we've seen an increase in clients," says Mrs. Stewart. Her five employees, including one counselor, are up to the task of helping those needing their assistance, no matter the numbers. "I have a really good team," she stresses, "which makes things easier."
From January to September 2020, there were 3,711 victims of Intimate Partner Violence reported to the Saskatchewan RCMP (encompassing the RCMP jurisdiction in the entire province). So far, 2,529 of these files resulted in charges.
A new space; a new, welcoming feel
Mrs. Stewart is hopeful the new space will encourage more people to make a police report after they've been assaulted, "We've had times where clients come here and they've been assaulted, but they don't want to go to the RCMP. They're scared, embarrassed, experiencing all sorts of emotions. To have the RCMP come here, and victims knowing they have the support here, will hopefully help people feel safe in sharing their story. Because our office is located in a house, it could seem like you're simply going inside for coffee."
"I commend BSAC for dreaming up this great idea and making it happen. They want to connect victims with supports immediately and the new interview space is going to make our job easier by creating an environment that people feel safe to speak with us in. We want to help victims and this is one more tool in our kit to help us be successful with that," says Insp. Tom Beck, Officer in Charge of North Battleford RCMP.
Helping all family members
A counselor will be present when the RCMP comes to BSAC to use the interview space. Because BSAC is set up inside a residence, there is a welcoming waiting area with books and toys set up for children to use while being supervised by staff or a volunteer. "It eliminates that barrier for moms – we are here to support you. There are also tools in that space which can assist with child forensic interviews. It's a warm, safe environment," says Mrs. Stewart.
"It can be difficult for victims to come forward – and that is an understatement. It can be scary speaking with a police officer, whether you've interacted with one before or not," acknowledges S/Sgt. Teniuk. "We don't want there to be barriers to victims of crime coming forward. BSAC has really kept the victim in mind with all aspects of this endeavour."
Next steps…
"We're really excited about the impact this will have on the community in being another resource for victims," says S/Sgt. Teniuk. "This example of partnership and collaboration is at the core of community safety – we all have a common goal and that's to help people."
Mrs. Stewart is hopeful other small communities will see how the space at BSAC works and how it came together easily, "Maybe this is something we can start building on in Saskatchewan. We're excited to see where we go from here…what's next on the list."