This is an illuminating article, written from a survivor point of view, that discusses life *after* sexual violence; about finding a healthy relationship, and having her partner’s support while she moves forward in her journey towards healing.
Thank you for sharing this perspective that is often left out of media conversations — because recovering and reclaiming one’s power on the other side is a story that needs to go viral. Link to the CBC article here.
Our Manager of Communications & Development, Megan Evans, recently created a webinar for legal professionals who work with victims of sexual violence. If you are a legal professional, this qualifies as a 1-hour ethics professional development credit. Check out the recording if you are interested in how trauma affects memory, and how to best work with victims of trauma and violence.
Working with Victims of Sexual Violence (CPD-205) – RECORDED VERSION
Held on Wednesday July 25, 2018 || Presenter: Megan Evans, SSAIC
To access the recorded version, click on the link below and complete the registration form.
Recorded Version Link
Below are the links to the webinar materials:
PowerPoint Link
SSAIC is collaborating with RESOLVE Saskatchewan on a research study about men who have experienced interpersonal violence (IPV). We are interested in learning about the nature and consequences of IPV incidents, men’s experience of help-seeking and gaps and challenges experienced by men who do seek help.
We are looking for men to take part in the study through interviews. To be part of the study, men must be 18 years of age or older and have experienced violence/abuse (physical, emotional, financial, sexual) in an intimate relationship.
The interviews will be 60-90 minutes in length and take place in Saskatoon or Regina. For men not in these urban centres, interviews will be conducted over the phone. An honorarium is available for interview participants.
If you are interested in taking part in this study or you would like more information please contact Maryellen at 306 292-7272. More information can be found on the IPV Prairies Recruitment Notice.
On Monday, April 30, 2018 the Saskatoon Sexual Assault & Information Centre announced changes to its crisis line, effective May 1. Coverage will not be interrupted and people are invited to continue using the crisis line without any changes to the way they access the service.
SSAIC will now operate their crisis line in partnership with Saskatoon Crisis Intervention Service. SSAIC handles the calls during the day, and Crisis Intervention covers the line outside of regular business hours. This service is available to you 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by calling 306-244-2224.
Starting May 1, 2018, the crisis line responder is unable to send staff or volunteers to the hospital to meet survivors and support them through the medical/forensic kit process.
SSAIC recognizes that victim support at the hospital is crucial, however, due to financial distress the agency is unable to afford the costs associated with hospital accompaniment at this time.
SSAIC is engaged in discussions with the Saskatchewan Health Authority regarding options to address this gap in service to victims of sexual violence.
We very much appreciate the dedication of our Crisis Line Coordinator and Volunteers to this service over the years. The Rape Crisis Line, established in 1975, was our flagship program and we are pleased that we can continue to support survivors of sexual violence with empathy and information, day or night.
RESEARCH PURPOSE
The aim of the research is to gain a better understanding of the existing strengths and potential gaps in service provision as it relates to sexual violence across the province of Saskatchewan.
The research findings will be presented to the Saskatchewan Sexual Violence Action Plan Advisory Committee. This committee will develop and implement a province-wide sexual violence action plan that is comprehensive, coordinates across all professional sectors and levels of government, and reflects the needs of Saskatchewan people.
METHODOLOGY
This survey is for individuals above the age of 18 years old, who have experienced sexual violence and are willing to share their experience.
This survey is for individuals above the age of 18 years old, who have supported a survivor in their personal lives. Examples include parents, spouses, friends etc.
This survey is for front-line service providers who support sexual assault survivors in a professional capacity. Examples include victim services, police services, medical services etc.
The surveys will be disseminated online through SASS website, social media and through our partner organizations ‘websites. Our surveys are anonymous and confidential. Our ten member agencies will also have paper copies for individuals who wish to complete the survey on paper. Paper surveys will be issued with an envelope and pre-paid postage for participants to mail directly to SASS.
We will conduct one-on-one interviews with sexual assault survivors and secondary survivors of sexual assault. The interview questions will be the same as the survey questions. The participants will be recruited by our member agencies. Counsellors will recruit participants who are further along in their healing journey to reduce the risk of re-traumatization. The surveys’ questions have been screened by several independent agencies to ensure the language used in the surveys is appropriate and ethical.
We will conduct focus communities across the province with the local service providers. We will be asking the following four questions:
To participate in our online survey, enter the link below to your browser:
| Saskatchewan Sexual Assault
Survivor Survey |
https://sass.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_brYRQVaCTGsUbsN |
| Saskatchewan Sexual Assault
Secondary Survivor Survey |
https://sass.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8wFHpYmpeGGS63z |
| Saskatchewan Sexual Assault
Service Provider Survey |
https://sass.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bIW1DV1jHHjunK5 |
To participate in the focus group or interviews, please speak to a counsellor or book an appointment
at the Saskatoon Sexual Assault & Information Centre:
Office Hours
Monday – Friday, 9:00 – 5:00 pm: 306-244-2294
(Closed for lunch 12:00 pm -1:00 pm)
After Hours Crisis Line Support: 306-244-2224
