December 2022 Newsletter
Welcome to SSAIC’s December 2022 Newsletter. Once a month, we bring you news, updates, skills, and opportunities relating to the world of sexualized violence. As subscribers, you won’t miss a beat about what’s happening at SSAIC.
SSAIC acknowledges that we work and live on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. We commit to working towards reconciliation and affirm our relationship with one another.
We appreciate the cooperation our clients have consistently displayed as we have worked through interruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. As we continue to move toward a full reopening, we are taking new clients and would encourage those who need our assistance to call our office at 306-244-2294 during office hours (M-F 9 AM-12 PM / 1 PM-5 PM) and speak to one of our counsellors. Our 24-hour crisis line is always available to assist anyone who needs our help.
What’s New at SSAIC
Happy Holidays From SSAIC
With the holidays fast approaching, SSAIC would like to offer some self-care and boundary-setting reminders. Remember to prioritize YOU in the last few weeks of 2022.
- Keep Your Regular Routine
- A change in routine can lead to stress. Try to exercise at your regular time, go to meetings you would normally go to, and stick to what ever gives you a sense of normalcy and comfort.
- Reinforce Boundaries
- Maintain your boundaries throughout the holiday season and know your own limitations. Don’t do something just because it’s tradition. Listen to your feelings.
- Practice Saying No
- It is okay to say no when you’re asked to do more than you are able. It’s okay to say no to some invitations and okay to say no to those asking for favours. Remember, this is your holiday, too!
- Be Good To Yourself
- If you are feeling blue, practice self-care. Do what feels good, and what YOU want to do. Whether you need rest, productivity, or socialization, honour your needs this season.
- Ask For Help
- The holidays can be challenging for some of us. From skipping the fourth family get-together to getting help with grocery shopping, it’s okay to ask for what you need.
- Our Survivors Toolkit online can be a great place to find some new resources over the holidays.
- Recognize Your Triggers
- We all experience triggers from time to time. Should you find yourself triggered do not hesitate to reach out to our 24-Hour Crisis Line or book any appointment with us for early January.
Welcome Kim!
A fresh new face has joined us at our reception desk. Welcome to the team Kim! Kim’s bubbly personality and inviting smile is just what we need heading into the new year! We are excited to begin this new chapter with you.
Holiday Giving Campaign
Our goal this year is $5000, and we are already over half way there! We are raising funds to increase capacity for our newest school-based program, “No is a Full Sentence”.
Consent education is *essential* to our vision of a community free from sexualized violence. You are helping us make that happen in schools across our city.
Please share widely and mindfully. Is SSAIC important to you? Tell your friends and family why. Talk to them about our services, that we’re a nonprofit, and that we rely on our community to support our work. Thank-you, thank-you, thank-you!
Shining a Light on Violence
On December 6th we honoured the 14 women who were lost on December 6th, 1989 in the École Polytechnique de Montréal Massacre.
This dark mark on Canadian history reminds us how prevalent and horrific gender-based violence is. We’re bringing light to this tragedy in the hopes that nothing as devastating ever happens again.
December 17th we acknowledge International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers.
Violence against sex workers is an issue particularly prevalent in Saskatchewan.
Violence against sex workers is highly underreported in Saskatchewan, and Stats Canada reported that unsolved homicides are highest for incidents involving victims who are sex workers.
The criminalization of sex work makes it difficult for sex workers to combat exploitation, coercion, poor working conditions and seek justice – leading to high rates of unreported sexualized violence and human trafficking.
Sex workers don’t only experience emotional, sexualized, and physical violence, but also organized and systemic violence.
This is a direct result of the absence of legal and public health regulations governing occupational health, safety, and stigma associated with sex work (Bungay & Guta, 2018).
The red umbrella is emblematic of this movement, signifying resistance to discrimination.
Learning & Entertainment
Online Workshop Series Wrap Up
Our talented team member Morgan just wrapped up our final Webinar of the year with a brand new presentation on the roots of rape culture.
We wanted to extend a huge thank you to everybody who par-took in any of our workshop series. We wholeheartedly believe in the material and resources we are providing and really appreciate that you also see the value in this information for your tool boxes as well.
Our Online Learning Workshop Series was an idea born during the pandemic, and now it’s one of our regular public education programs!
Each season, we bring a new collection of presentations to our community at large – anyone who wants to learn is welcome to attend these free sessions!
Part of SSAIC’s mission is to prevent sexualized violence in any way possible, and research shows us that one of the most effective ways to do so is through education.
We record our OLWS for you to watch later, or share with a friend / coworker / family member, and offer them at no charge to remove as many barriers as possible. We are incredibly proud to be able to offer these resources, stay tuned for our winter session!
Supporting Survivors of Sexualized Violence Training
Supporting Survivors of Sexualized Violence Training (SST) is an interactive virtual training program created by SSAIC, designed to train anyone and everyone to receive disclosures and support survivors in a compassionate and trauma-informed way.
Join us in 2023 for upcoming sessions of SST to learn tangible skills for supporting someone who discloses sexualized violence, as well as the impacts of rape culture and our own unconscious biases.
March 1st, 2023 – Half-Day (9:00am – 12:00pm)
April 27th, 2023 – Full-Day (9:00am – 4:00pm)
Educational Presentations Available
SSAIC’s Education Team has many presentations available to the public on a variety of topics related to sexualized violence. Our presentations are a good fit for client groups, staff in-services, professional development opportunities, and post-secondary students. Any of the following are available upon request:
- Understanding Sexualized Violence: Our 101 Course
- Consent 101
- Child Sexual Abuse Information Seminar
- Being a Strong Ally to Survivors
- Exploring the Impacts of Sexualized Violence
- SSAIC’s Services
- Deconstructing Rape Culture
- Demystifying the Reporting Process of Sexualized Violence
- Supporting Survivors of Sexualized Violence Training
Contact us at info@ssaic.ca to inquire about a presentation for your group!
(Limited capacity available.)
… Introducing our Office FUR-sistants
Who loves their pets (or wishes they had more pets to love)? We do!
In fact, we love them so much that we think it’s about time we introduce them to you.
Meet Letty (Aka Letty Bean, Bean, Chunky Monkey, Leticia, and Princessa), Morgan’s other fur-baby. Letty’s favourite things include: Fuzzy blankets, chirping at birds, and stealing her brother’s food. Forget everything you’ve heard about black cats; She is always down for a cuddle and wants Mom to bring her to work everyday!
Sexualized Violence in the News
Government ordering review of military colleges in response to report on sexual misconduct, CBC NEWS
The federal government is ordering a review of the military colleges in Kingston, Ont., and in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que. These reviews could result in sweeping changes at the two schools.
The government has accepted all 48 of former Supreme Court justice Louise Arbour’s recommendations and has ordered the military to move forward on their implementation. Read more…
Judge orders Sask. man to pay $160,000 in damages to revenge porn victim, CBC News
Trigger Warning: This story contains disturbing details.
At the SSAIC we view the media through a survivor focused lens and would like to note that we prefer the terminology non-consensual intimate image sharing.
The Saskatchewan man has been ordered by a judge to pay the survivor $160,000 in damages, the largest sum awarded in a non-consensual intimate image sharing case in Canada thus far.
For comparison, a Manitoba woman was awarded $60,000 in damages earlier this year after her intimate photos were distributed without her consent, and an Alberta woman was awarded $155,000 last year. Read more…
‘You don’t expect that to come out here’: Residents concerned over reported sexual assaults in Brighton neighbourhood, CTV NEWS
Sexual assault in Brighton reminds Saskatoon citizens that “… for most people there is a belief that you’re safe in your own home, you’re safe in your own community, but we know that assaults can happen anywhere.”
Conway says sexual assault is an all-encompassing term, including sexual abuse and sexual harassment. She says it doesn’t have to involve sexual violence and can include emotional and psychological harm.
“As a society, we have to do a little bit better so that we’re not telling victims or survivors that they have to protect themselves, but that we need to figure out why these violent crimes are happening in the first place and stop them beforehand,” as quoted by our own executive director Reagan Conway. Read more…
Canada to launch 988 mental health crisis hotline in fall 2023, Global NEWS
Canadians who need immediate mental health crisis intervention will be able to text or call 988 and obtain counselling in the fall of next year. An intervention strategy announced by Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC).
Experts argue a system like 988 would both make it easier for Canadians to access urgent help and show those struggling with mental health crises that suicide prevention is taken seriously. Read more…
Ways to Give to SSAIC
Looking for ways to give to SSAIC? Click any of the options below to get started!
- Becoming a recurring donor. This is the most helpful kind of donation we can receive, as it helps us consistently plan for the future with reliable donations monthly or annually. All donations are greatly appreciated.
- Bring your recyclables to SARCAN. By using the code “I believe you” at the Drop-n-Go stations or at the register, you can donate your recycling funds straight to SSAIC and protect the environment all at once!
- Shop our survivor-themed merchandise. Our online store is stocked with survivor phrase t-shirts, sweatshirts, and mugs – order yours straight to your door, or come by our office downtown for contactless pickup.
- Fundraise on our behalf. COVID-19 has impacted us all, and SSAIC is relying on our community supporters now more than ever. If you’re interested in raising money on our behalf, get in contact with our office to discuss opportunities!