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
With increased media attention and high profile cases, more people are coming forward with their own, personal stories of sexual violence. Would you know what to do if someone told you they were the victim of sexual abuse or assault? Would you know how to react appropriately, what their options are, or the appropriate community agencies for referral?
Many professionals in the health and mental healthcare fields are likely to be the first person a survivor shares their story with—and that first interaction can make or break the survivor’s decision to move forward with a rape kit at the hospital, getting mental health support, or police reporting.
It’s no small thing being trusted with someone’s story of sexual abuse, so we know you want to be prepared.
The Saskatoon Sexual Assault & Information Centre (SSAIC) is excited to offer a 2-day intensive course called First Responder to Sexual Assault Training™. The course content was developed and trademarked by the Association of Alberta Sexual Assault Services (AASAS), and SSAIC has two accredited facilitators who can offer this training in our home community of Saskatoon.
The First Responder to Sexual Assault model draws from the idea of first aid. The job of the first responder to sexual assault is not to know all the answers, or to counsel the victim, but rather to provide psychological first aid. The goal here is to empower the person who shares this painful information to decide on their own plan with help from professionals (a counsellor, a doctor, or the police).
Just as civilians are trained to handle emergency medical situations, we can train people how to respond to a disclosure of sexual assault so that the victim feels believed and supported. Individuals who complete the First Responder to Sexual Assault Training will leave with the necessary background knowledge of sexual violence in various forms (childhood sexual abuse, barriers to disclosure, communication techniques, and community referrals) so that they are prepared to connect with the victim in the very short term and help them determine how they want to move forward.
The First Responder to Sexual Assault Training will be offered for the first time November 29 and 30, 2017 at the Saskatoon Community Service Village. There are only 12 spots, but we will create a waiting list for when the training is offered again in March and those on the list will be offered first right of refusal.
What: First Responder to Sexual Assault Training
When: November 29 and 30, 2017
Time: 8:30am – 5pm (two full-day sessions)
Where: Saskatoon Community Service Village (506 25 Street East)
Cost: $125; meals and training materials provided
Registration: Please call Megan Evans at 306-244-2294 or email communications.ssaic@sasktel.net
Registration deadline: Wednesday, November 22 at 12pm
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)
This in-depth Globe and Mail series interviews 36 survivors and reports their experiences with care and respect. Read on for a better understanding of what it’s like to be a survivor at all stages of the reporting and recovery process.
MPs are calling for Statistics Canada to resume tracking the national rate at which sexual-assault allegations are dismissed as unfounded, and training for judges and police on dealing with sex-assault cases, citing a Globe and Mail investigation into how sex-assault allegations are handled across the country.
This is great for elementary school aged kids. Consent is explained simply and with a child-friendly animated style.
We can only hope that reform is coming, but in the meantime take a moment to share in some on-point satire.
