September 2021 Newsletter
Welcome to SSAIC’s September 2021 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.
COVID-19 Updates
As Saskatchewan lifted its COVID-19 restrictions on July 11th, we wish to advise that our service restrictions will remain in place for a while longer.
In order to keep our staff and clients safe in light of the more transmissible Delta variant circulating in our community, we will continue to operate under the current restrictions:
- Masking
- Physically distancing
- Sanitization & temperature protocols
- Primarily utilizing telephone counselling
- Keeping our main office closed to the public
The majority of our counselling will continue to be provided over the telephone unless we assess that clients can not access service using that technology, or require some initial face-to-face support. SSAIC will remain closed to walk-in support at this time.
We are taking new clients and would encourage those who need our assistance to call our office during office hours and speak to one of our counsellors. Our 24-hour crisis line is fully functional and available to assist anyone who needs our help.
We have expanded our services to include more online resources for survivors. Please check out our Survivors Toolkit for additional resources and videos.
What’s New at SSAIC
Welcome
We are so fortunate to have an amazing Board of Directors! Our members are incredibly talented, endlessly supportive, and dedicated to serving our community. We’d like to welcome the new members who have joined us in 2021: Bonnie Leask, Alicia Madden, Lise Milne, Amanda Tittemore, and Sheri Watkins. We can’t wait to get to know them and work toward our goals together this upcoming year!
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
The Government of Canada has passed legislation to recognize September 30th as a federal statutory holiday called the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Our staff will be taking that day off with the purpose of reflecting on their own personal journeys toward reconciliation.
As an agency, we have dedicated time in recent years ensuring we are educated about the impacts of Residential Schools, particularly as it relates to survivor’s experiences of sexualized violence and the intergenerational impact on Indigenous peoples in Canada. We are committed to taking the next step, and are excited to share our new work with you very soon.
In solidarity, Faye Davis, Executive Director of SSAIC
Grounding Video Series
Our Fall Learning Workshop Series is now live on our website! This season, become a stronger ally with us in October, hear experts from the Victim Services teams in Saskatchewan share their expertise in November, and learn about the basics of trauma and sexualized violence in December. Read more about each of our offerings and register here.
Impacts of COVID-19 on Survivors (watch now!)
COVID-19 has had unprecedented impacts on the whole world, but how has it impacted survivors of sexualized violence specifically? Co-presenting this webinar is Megan Sawyer, SSAIC’s Client Services Coordinator and counsellor to survivors. Watch the recording of our presentation below. Click here to make a donation.
SSAIC Staff Recommends
Believed – Podcast (NPR): “How did Larry Nassar, an Olympic gymnastics doctor, get away with abusing hundreds of women and girls for two decades? Believed is an inside look at how a team of women won a conviction in one of the largest serial sexual abuse cases in U.S. history. It’s a story of survivors finding their power in a cultural moment when people are coming to understand how important that is. It’s also an unnerving exploration of how even well-meaning adults can fail to believe.” Find this podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or at NPR’s website. – Lise
Atomic Habits – book by James Clear. “It is the best book I have ever read on how to add or remove any habit or activity into or out of your daily life. Very easy to read and laid out in an easy to understand and impactful way. If there is anything you want to add into your life, such as meditate more often, this book and actively using strategies like a daily habit tracker, have been super helpful and beneficial for me.” – Blair
Sexualized Violence in the News
Sask. allows victims of sexual assault to end their fixed-term lease earlier, CBC News
Saskatchewan will allow victims of sexual assault to end their fixed-term lease without having to worry about the fees usually associated with early termination.
According to a news release from the provincial government, victims will need only provide 28 days’ notice to their landlord. The change is meant to help victims escape dangerous situations.
Defence in sex assault court martial wants to use complainant’s past as evidence, CBC News
A military judge will decide whether evidence regarding a complainant’s past can be entered as evidence at a court martial underway at the armoury in Charlottetown.
A young soldier is charged with sexual assault and disgraceful behaviour, under the National Defence Act. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The court martial began with testimony by the complainant. Following her testimony, the soldier’s lawyer filed an application with the judge to present evidence regarding the complainant’s plast.
Canada’s Criminal Code does not normally allow evidence about a complainant’s past sexual activity. But the law does allow judges – both civilian and military – to allow exceptions.
The judge told the court she’ll announce her decision when the court martial resumes Friday.
Province launches campus sexual violence prevention campaign, CTV News
Most sexual assaults on college and university campuses happen within the first eight weeks of the fall semester.
Knowing this, the B.C. provincial government launched its sexual violence prevention ad campaign on Thursday, aiming to remind students about the importance of consent.
“Our government is responding to a call to action from students to ensure that our campuses in British Columbia are safer for everyone, regardless of gender expression, identity or sexual orientation,” said Melanie Mark, the provincial Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training, in a release.
Regina high school teacher charged with sexual offences involving young female: police, Global News
Regina police have arrested and charged a 49-year-old high school teacher with sexual offences, including sexual exploitation allegedly involving a female student.
“This is the result of an investigation into what was described as social media communication of a sexual nature with a female youth,” a police report stated.
Jeffrey G. Dumba faces charges of luring, sexual exploitation, and making sexually explicit material available to a child. He is expected to make his first court appearance on these charges on Oct. 21 in provincial court.
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!