In lockstep with a host of funding announcements related to victim support services in the province, the government of Saskatchewan announced on Monday that it was proclaiming May 11-15 as Sexual Assault Awareness Week.

Tina Beaudry-Mellor, the minister responsible for the Status of Women Office, stated in a press release that they were working towards ending the patterns which contribute to sexual assault and violence.

"We look forward to the day when all people are free from the threat of psychological and physical harm."

Justice Minister and Attorney General Don Morgan echoed her comments, saying that sexual violence and abuse have no place in Saskatchewan.

The government committed funds in 2020 and 2021 to develop a sexual assault examination training program for nurses and care providers in rural, remote and northern communities, as well as support for an expansion of coverage in Regina emergency rooms, promising that nurses with sexual assault examination training will be available around-the-clock.

In total, the government says that it will distribute $1.6 million this year to agencies that are delivering direct support to victims of sexual violence; an increase of nearly 25 percent from three years ago