Hearts in the Park tackles Sask. high domestic abuse rates

Seventeen calls a day.

That’s how many domestic violence calls for service Regina police receive on an average day.

A community initiative is trying to showcase the different services available for victims and offenders of domestic abuse.

Hearts in the Park took place in Regina on Wednesday for the second year. People in Victoria Park pinned hearts on a clothesline with their relation to a victim of domestic abuse, in order to keep anonymity.

Police Chief Evan Bray said it’s important that these programs are in the public’s eye.

“We can’t arrest our way out of these types of problems,” Bray said. “We need to work with the community to try and come up with a solution that’s long-lasting.”

Saskatchewan has the highest rate of domestic violence among the provinces in Canada.

The Circle Project takes a unique approach to domestic abuse by working with the offenders.

Executive director of the project, Ann Perry, said you need to approach the problem by helping everyone involved in the incidents.

She also knows how hard it is for people to come forward and talk about abuse happening in their lives

“We understand that it takes courage to come out and share the information with family and friends because nobody likes to have this problem,” Perry said.

Perry is hopeful by showing the different services available, it can help lead to more people finding help.