April 23, 2019 by Virginia Dakiniewich

April 2019 Newsletter

Welcome to the April edition of the SSAIC monthly newsletter. We hope you had a restful holiday weekend.

This month we are happy to share some new blog posts on the topic of consent. Stephanie Locke (MSW/RSW), a member of our counselling team, has written two in-depth posts on the basics of consent and affirmative consent. We get a lot of questions on the topic, and Steph took some time to really break it down. If you’re more of a visual learner, check out this hilarious and informative video that’s been making the rounds for a few years.

SSAIC would also like to welcome Morgan Price, BSW/RSW, to her full-time role as counsellor and program coordinator for our long-running child sexual abuse prevention program, I’m the Boss of Me.

Read on for more program updates and general information— thank you for being a part of our online community!

New First Responder to Sexual Assault training course dates for 2019-20 have been scheduled. If you are someone who wants to learn how to better support survivors of sexual violence, this course is for you! Visit our website for more information.

SSAIC’s child sexual abuse prevention program, “I’m the Boss of Me”, completed its 13th successful season thanks to the support from our 42 volunteers!

3,368 Grade 4 students from 128 classrooms in the Saskatoon Public and Catholic systems were happy to meet our puppets and learn about their right to say no to unwanted touch, and who to ask for help when someone violates their body autonomy.

Not sure how to have the consent conversation with your children? This short, fun, informative video will get you started!

April 7 – 13 was National Volunteer Week, and SSAIC would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the volunteers who support the organization: Our Board of Directors, who help to shape the mission and vision with their expertise; our puppeteers, who donate their time to child sexual abuse prevention; and to our graphic design and fund development volunteers who lend us their talents and skills.

SSAIC is a stronger, more effective organization because of your contributions to the work we do!

Stay tuned: Sexual Assault Awareness Week is May 12 – 18 in the province of Saskatchewan. Our provincial body, Sexual Assault Services of Saskatchewan will be making a big announcement on Monday, May 13.

December 6, 2018 by Virginia Dakiniewich

December 2018 Newsletter

Giving Tuesday update: thanks to our generous donors who helped us to raise $2,630 on #GivingTuesday! We are so humbled by your support.

Our annual “I’m the Boss of Me” child sexual abuse prevention program will start it’s 13th season in January! This program is available to Grade Four classrooms in the Saskatoon school district, and is supported by both the Public and Catholic divisions. This gentle puppet show teaches children to understand what sexual abuse is, that it is not their fault if it happens, that it is important that they don’t hide the abuse or keep secrets about abuse, and that they should tell a trusted adult. They will learn that it is hard to talk about, but that they have the courage to find their voice and speak up if it is happening to them or a friend. We can’t wait for another successful season!

We know the holidays can be a difficult time for some who do not celebrate the season in traditional ways. At this time of year it can be especially stressful for those with strained family relations to embrace “the most wonderful time of the year.” Drawing on her own experience, the author of this article provides wonderful inspiration to create your own holiday traditions and to “forge your own circle…” Read more …

Remember your holiday self-care! With all the activity and celebrations, it can be easy to overindulge or become overwhelmed and exhausted. This article provides practical tips to navigate and manage a challenging time of the year for many of us.
Read more …

Each person walks a different path, but it’s our hope that every survivor of sexual violence has access to our support along the way. Thanks to YOUR help, we can make that happen.

Words of wisdom from bestselling author and research professor Dr. Brené Brown:

June 13, 2018 by Virginia Dakiniewich

June 2018 Newsletter

Help us continue to support victims of sexual assault

Since 2015, sexual assault reports to Saskatoon Police Service are on the rise but funding for SSAIC has not increased for three years. SSAIC is Saskatoon’s primary provider of client care for victims of sexual violence in our community.

HOW: During the month of June, every dollar you donate through SSAIC’s CanadaHelps donation page is an automatic entry for us to win $10,000. (minimum $3 donation)

WHEN: Challenge begins June 1, 2018 at midnight Newfoundland Daylight Time
Challenge ends: June 30, 2018 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time

WHAT: One charity will be selected to receive a $10,000 donation generously donated by the GIV3 Foundation. Grand Prize draw: July 1 2018.

DONATE TODAY TO HELP SSAIC WIN $10,000!

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.
Collection deadline: June 30, 2018 Read more…

Tables are on sale until the end of June for $480, after that $520. Please contact Communications & Development Manager Megan Evans for sponsorship opportunities at 306-244-2294. Read more ….

Watch for the SSAIC annual report in our next Consent Café newsletter.

May 28, 2018 by Virginia Dakiniewich

SSAIC’s June 2018 Consent Café

The #MeToo movement is shifting the power landscape for women and victims of sexual assault. From Hollywood to our own provincial legislature, consequences for abuse and harassment are becoming very real. At the root of negative attitudes is the way society trains boys to be aggressors and view sexual relationships with girls as an inherent right. In this month’s round-up we explore the changing landscape and learn how we can work for positive and healthy change for all members of society.

As former Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein faces criminal charges, the #MeToo movement gains a crucial victory. The list of prominent men accused of bad behaviour towards women continues to build; the latest includes veteran actor Morgan Freeman. The movement has affected the legal frontier with several countries enacting laws that protect victims of sexual abuse and harassment. Read more ….

From the beginning, boys receive negative and confusing messages about relationships with the opposite sex. They come to view sex as a rite of passage to become “real men” and feel they need to prove themselves in the sexual arena. Boys place pressure on girls ranging from persistent pursuit to outright physical intimidation. This article explores ways we can rewrite these scripts and instil healthy attitudes in youth towards sexuality.
Read more …

Closer to home, the handling of a sexual assault conviction of a University of Saskatchewan Huskies athlete proved the increasing political clout of women. In a recent legislature session, NDP interim leader Nicole Sauauer raised the issue of the athlete allowed to play on the team despite the conviction and the comments made by the coach expressing concern for the player rather than the victim. Advanced Education Minister Tina Beaudry-Mellor’s response was unequivocal, “Mr. Speaker, I am angry. And this is not OK…” Consequences were rapid; by the end of the day the coach was fired. Sauauer and Beaudry-Mellor galvanized authorities to assume responsibility and take action for change. Read more …

June 26, 2017 by Megan Evans

Saskatoon Sexual Assault & Information Centre

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