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.
The province of Saskatchewan and the City of Saskatoon have declared May 15-19, 2017 as Sexual Assault Awareness Week.
Evidence shows that fewer than 9 out of 10 sexual assaults are unreported to police. These proclamations by the city and province take a stand with an ongoing commitment to public education and awareness of sexual violence.
The YWCA Canada creative campaign “Never Blame the Victim” draws attention to the ways in which survivors of sexual violence are subjected to judgment instead of support.
Instead of accusing the survivor of provocative actions, the blame for sexual violence rightly lies solely with the perpetrator. There is still much work to be done to adequately support survivors in healing and to create an environment where sexual assault is understood as unacceptable in all circumstances.
The Saskatoon Sexual Assault & Information Centre (SSAIC) and YWCA Saskatoon endeavor to support women who are survivors of sexual violence by providing free resources for those who need them.
SSAIC offers free counselling to survivors of sexual assault and their loved ones, public education, and a 24-hour crisis and information line for survivors of sexual violence.
YWCA Saskatoon provides a first come, first served crisis shelter for women and children who need a safe place to stay, along with confidential counselling and wrap-around supports and referrals.
Saskatoon Sexual Assault & Information Centre Resources
YWCA Saskatoon emergency shelter resources
YWCA Canada Never Blame the Victim “Burden”
YWCA Canada Never Blame the Victim “All Legs”
YWCA Canada Never Blame the Victim “Sexy Top”
Facebook/Twitter page cover (right-click to download)
Facebook/Twitter profile picture (right-click to download)
So, I hear you’re tired of feminism. That must be nice.
You see, I work at a sexual assault centre and every day I see what happens to people when men have been taught that their worth comes from having power over others, that being a “man” means being strong, and never taking “no” for an answer.
I see what happens to little boys (1 in 6!!!) who are victimized by adults for their own gratification, then have to try to live in a society that tells them not to feel (unless it’s anger), and that they deserved it because they’re “pussies”.
I see what happens to little girls (1 in 4!!!) who are taught that they are meant for the pleasure of others, that their worth is in the size and desirability of their bodies. That they were “asking” for it, because they wore “that”, or went “there”, and what time was it???? That’s Rape o’clock!!! What was she thinking???
How nice that you get to live in a world where it’s not normal for your mother or your sister or your daughter to go missing and be found murdered (or never be found at all).
How nice that you get to have an opinion, and that you get a platform for your opinion! How nice that you get the choice to like “real men” and “traditional” roles. But, for the love of God, please realize/understand/consider that OTHER PEOPLE DON’T GET THAT CHOICE!
And what I want, what I fight for, is for EVERYONE to get to choose!
So, go ahead, be tired of feminism. I’m not. And your posts are not going to silence me.
-Written by Erin Redekop
SSAIC and the U of S have been working together to create clear sexual assault policies and we’re proud of the work they’re doing to ensure student safety. 
One of their initiatives is the USAFE app, which is focused on U of S campus safety and includes a number of features.
“The USAFE app features emergency contact information, safety tips, a way to ask a friend to virtually walk you home, as well as an emergency alert component. It also includes an interactive campus map, webcam views of campus, links to local transportation, and the ability to send your location to a friend via text or email.”
SSAIC is most excited about the app’s crisis and support links for sexual assault survivors and supporters so they know where to get help.
Learn more about USAFE and be sure to share with any U of S students in your life!
If you’ve been following our webpage and social media, you are likely aware that we maintain a 24-hour Crisis Line, run by a team of fabulous volunteers. They do a lot of listening and encouraging, and every one of them is prepared to get out of bed to go meet a sexual assault survivor at the hospital for medical intervention. Volunteers: we couldn’t do our work without them!
Now, this difficult situation has been made a little more comforting because of Amber Ly at Campus Medicine Shoppe. The U of S recently held its annual Sexual Assault Awareness Week, during which time we began working more closely with Amber. We talked about how their branch might do something to make a difference for survivors; they decided to create “self-care kits” that will be provided to survivors following their medical / forensic examinations. We have just received the first delivery of the kits and will be making sure the hospitals have a supply available for distribution.
We’ll be monitoring the distribution of the kits, as well as any feedback from survivors. For now, we want to extend a big thanks to Amber at Campus Medicine Shoppe.
In the kits:
Women’s kit
Cleansing wipes
Antiperspirant
Hair brush & hair elastic
Toothbrush & toothpaste
Tissues
Lip balm
Body wash & body sponge
Shampoo & conditioner
Underwear & panty liners
Men’s kit
Same toiletries as above plus…
Razor & shave foam
Underwear
