Vision
A society free from violence.
Mission
To collaborate with PATHS members, and to provide research, program development, awareness, and education on interpersonal violence to all.
Values
Peace
Equality
Awareness
Collaboration
Empowerment
Statement in Response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action
In the spirit of reconciliation between Indigenous Canadians and non-Indigenous Canadians, and in recognition of the harms that have been caused to Indigenous people since colonization, we, the members of the Provincial Association of Transition Houses and Services of Saskatchewan, reaffirm our commitment to acknowledge the rights and obligations resulting from our national character as treaty people. We will support The Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, especially those that speak to services for victims of violence.
Philosophy
- Women have the right to live in a non-violent society. The right to live without violence is a basic human right.
- We believe that violence exists because of power differentials, socio-economic systems, and patriarchal attitudes and is perpetuated by the society in which we live. Violence against women is a societal problem, not a private matter. It transcends all class, cultural and ethnic boundaries. Therefore, all levels of government and society must share the responsibility to eliminate violence against women.
- We believe that the cycle of violence is inter-generational. We support the need for services for all members of the family. Children’s lives are traumatized by exposure to abusive environments. Their witnessing and normalizing of violence perpetuates the cycle of abuse. Their needs are specific and distinct from the needs of their parents.
- We believe that victims of domestic violence have a right to be protected and that society and government have a responsibility to ensure their protection by means of government programs, policies, legislation and funds.
- We believe that laws must recognize the seriousness of violence against women.
- We believe that women have a right to be free from harassment and violence from present and former partners.
- We believe that women and their children should have access to services, protection, and counselling within their own communities.
- We believe that government has the primary responsibility for the adequate funding of services.
- We believe that a woman has the right to the support and resources necessary to enable her to implement her decisions and take control of her life.
- We believe that education is a necessary means of prevention. We support research and education directed towards the public including professionals, community groups, and government. We will work towards increasing PATHS members’ own skills and knowledge.
Objectives and Goals
PATHS shall be structured to work towards achieving the following:
- a communication and support network for Shelters;
- development of collective strategies to assist Shelters in improving services and working on related issues;
- support and education to existing Shelters;
- public and professional education on issues of violence against women.
