The provincial government launched the Face the Issue campaign in late fall, highlighting the shared responsibility of everyone in Saskatchewan to be aware of, and speak up about, attitudes and behaviours that contribute to interpersonal violence. Developed in collaboration with Phoenix Group, the campaign ran on social media and television until the early spring. 

This past week, it was announced the campaign was the 2021 Gold Winner for a Hermes Creative Award. The awards started over 25 years ago, highlight international advertising, marketing and communications programs and materials.  

"This campaign has been a very significant step for government in raising awareness about interpersonal violence and we were very happy to collaborate with Phoenix Group to take on such an important issue,” Justice Minister and Attorney General Gordon Wyant said.  “We are thrilled to see Phoenix’s great work be recognized and we look forward to working with them on the next phase of this campaign." 

"The Status of Women Office has been a proud partner in the development of a campaign focused on starting a conversation and bringing awareness to this important and complex topic," Minister Responsible for the Status of Women Office Laura Ross added.  "We congratulate Phoenix Group on the Hermes Creative Award win and thank them for their expertise in helping to develop the public awareness campaign." 

In addition to the campaign, the provincial government also worked with the United Way and 211 Saskatchewan to update the content on interpersonal violence and abuse on the 211 website. The campaign and the support for 211 were in line with recommendations made as part of the Domestic Violence Death Review.