Families and advocates rallied in Saskatoon on Saturday to demand greater awareness and action against domestic violence, with organizers declaring 'Enough with the silence.' The event, held in the city's downtown core, drew dozens of participants who held signs and shared personal stories to highlight the prevalence of abuse and the need for systemic change.
Community demands action
Speakers at the rally called for improved funding for shelters, better legal protections for victims, and more education programs in schools. According to organizers, domestic violence affects one in three women in Canada, yet many cases go unreported due to fear or lack of support. 'We need to break the cycle of silence,' said a representative from the local women's shelter. 'Every voice matters, and every survivor deserves to be heard.'
The rally coincided with National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and participants urged the provincial government to allocate additional resources for prevention and intervention services. 'We can't afford to look away anymore,' one attendee said. 'This is a crisis that requires immediate action.'
Statistics underscore urgency
According to Statistics Canada, police-reported domestic violence incidents in Saskatchewan increased by 12% in 2025 compared to the previous year. The province has one of the highest rates of intimate partner violence in the country. Advocates say these numbers only capture a fraction of the problem, as many incidents go unreported.
During the rally, several survivors shared their experiences. One woman described her years of abuse and the difficulty of finding safe housing. 'I felt trapped, but I finally got out. Now I want to help others do the same,' she said. Organizers also highlighted the disproportionate impact on Indigenous women, who face higher rates of violence and systemic barriers to support.
Calls for policy change
The event concluded with a march through the city streets, where participants chanted slogans and held banners reading 'No more silence' and 'Support survivors.' Local politicians in attendance pledged to prioritize domestic violence funding in upcoming budget discussions. 'We hear you, and we will act,' one city councilor said. 'This is not just a women's issue—it's a community issue.'
Organizers plan to continue the campaign with monthly meetings and a petition to the provincial legislature. They hope to see concrete changes, including mandatory training for police and judges on handling domestic violence cases. 'We won't stop until every survivor gets the justice and support they deserve,' the lead organizer said.
