Clare’s Law step in right direction, according to local officials
A move by the Sask. Party government to reduce the province’s high domestic violence rates, is being welcomed by officials in Prince Albert and Melfort who work on the front lines.
The proposed legislation called Clare’s Law, would allow a partner, friend or relative to request background information, but only the person potentially at risk would be allowed to see it. Sherry Bates, Assistant Director at the Prince Albert Safe Shelter for Women told northeastNOW any information is good information.
“I think it will help people make a more informed decision on who they decide to partner up with and help shed a light on such a cowardly behaviour and hold those individual offenders responsible,” she said.
According to a report released earlier this year, Saskatchewan has the highest rate of police-reported interpersonal and domestic violence in the country. An interim version last year said there were 48 domestic-related homicides and nine related suicides in the province between 2005 and 2014. Bates said domestic violence is a big issue locally.