December 18, 2020 by Morgan Price

December 2020 Newsletter

Happy December, and end of 2020! Here’s to ending more attitudes and beliefs of rape culture and seeing more survivors thrive in 2021.

COVID-19 Update

It’s with heavy hearts that we’ve made the difficult decision to pull back our in-person appointments to keep our staff, clients, and community safe. But rest assured; we are still here for YOU, just from a bit more of a distance. Telephone counselling appointments, our 24-hour crisis line, and our virtual public education will continue. Read our full service restrictions at SSAIC.ca/covid-19.

SSAIC is proud to have remained available to survivors throughout the pandemic in one way or another, and we plan to keep it that way.

Connect with us at our office (306-244-2294) or on our social media accounts @SSAIC1 to stay engaged!

Our website is also a great resource for survivors and allies alike; check out our Survivor’s Toolkit for some handy coping strategies, or our Virtual Group Sessions for a 10-minute session on trauma.

What’s New at SSAIC

This year’s #HolidayGivingCampaign is centered around sharing survivor stories and focusing on the incredible resilience and inherent worth of survivors. Read Jill’s story here, a survivor who finds healing through a challenging string of life experiences.

This holiday season, choose to support survivors like Jill. Children, teenagers, and adults alike experience sexualized violence and deserve consistent, trauma-informed support in a timely manner. Your donations make a difference.

A huge thank-you to everyone who donated to SSAIC during #GivingTuesday – we raised $1390 during this short campaign! Our hearts feel full knowing that we are a part of such a generous community.

Stay up-to-date on our #HolidayGivingCampaign 2020 here, and have a happy holiday and new year!

Image may contain: text that says 'Community Initiatives Fund Media Release: Over $2.1 Million in funding will support 130 grants through CIF's Community Grant Program. These community programs will contribute to the wellbeing of an estimated 93,206 participants across 47 communities in Saskatchewan. Dec 2020'

We are so grateful to be the recipient of a Community Initiatives Fund grant for our Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Program, “I’m the Boss of Me!” CIF has been a multi-year funder of this program, contributing to its success and growth over the years. Thank-you, CIF!

Entertainment & Learning

Archeologist Female Character Watching through Magnifying Glass. Anthropologist Scientist Working on Excavations Exploring Ancient Artifacts. Student Study Prehistory Ages. Cartoon Vector Illustration

Impact Case Study – LEAF and Consent Law

This impact case study looks at LEAF’s work in the area of consent law. It analyzes the impact of the litigation carried out by LEAF and its partner organizations in this area. It also provides lessons to help guide our advocacy efforts moving forward. Read more…

Keep your regular routine. A change in routine can lead to additional stress. Try to exercise at your usual time, go to meetings that you normally would, and stick to a sense of normalcy and comfort.
Reinforce boundaries. Maintain your personal boundaries throughout the holiday season and know your own limitations. Don’t do something out of obligation or guilt; listen to your feelings and honour them.
Just say no. It’s 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’re feeling blue, practice self-care. Do what feels good (guilt-free!) and what you want to do. Be there for yourself.
Ask for help. During the holiday season, we often try to take on too much or do too much on our own. It’s okay to ask for help from family and friends. Whether this means a Zoom date or help with grocery shopping, ask for what you need. Don’t hesitate to reach out for support on our Crisis Line over the holiday season as well.

As 2020 comes to a close, invest some time in your personal growth by perusing our SSAIC Blog. With topics ranging from consent to book reviews to COVID-19, you’re guaranteed to find something that interests you. Cozy up with a cup of tea and a blanket, and get learning!

Sexualized Violence in the News

Saskatchewan amends tenant legislation to provide more protection for people experiencing sexual violence, CBC News

Supreme Court sends signal to appellate courts on sexual assault rulings, The Globe and Mail

New governing body to oversee massage therapy regulations in Saskatchewan, Global News

SASKATOON, SK--October 29/2020 - 1207 bridges chetty - Taylor Chetty is a Victim Services worker at the Centre for Children's Justice in Saskatoon. She works with children and youth who have been the victims of physical and sexual abuse as well as online abuse. Photo taken in Saskatoon, SK on Thursday October 29, 2020. (Saskatoon StarPhoenix / Michelle Berg)

Bridges: Taylor Chetty helps families and child survivors of abuse navigate trauma, The Star Phoenix

From Our Feeds

Image may contain: text that says 'consent must be sober. consent must be voluntary consent must be specific. consent must be enthusiastic consent must be individual. SSAIC Saskatoor SexualAssault Sexual &InformationCentre'

Image may contain: text that says 'How to be an Ally to Survivors CORRECT MYTHS OR PERPETUATION OF RAPE CULTURE WITHIN YOUR GROUPS CHALLENGE YOUR OWN DISCOMFORT AND PREJUDICES ACTIVELY SUPPORT SERVICES FOR SURVIVORS LEARN ABOUT TRAUMA SYMPTOMS, RAPE CULTURE, AND SURVIVOR STORIES LEARN ABOUT WHAT YOU DON'T YET KNOW OR UNDERSTAND SSAIC Saskatoon Sexual Assault &Information Centre'

Image may contain: one or more people, text that says 'SSAIC Saskatoon Sexual Assault & Information Centre EVEN IN THESE DIFFICULT TIMES, Medical support is available for survivors. Victims of recent sexual assaults can go to any Saskatoon hospital for care. We are still here for you.'

Image may contain: swimming, text that says 'END VICTIM BLAMING SSAIC Saskatoon Sexual Assault & Information Centre'

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 fully stocked with plenty of our 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!

Join us on Social Media

@SSAIC1 on Facebook and Instagram

Stay safe and healthy!

April 23, 2018 by Virginia Dakiniewich

SSAIC’s April 2018 Consent Café

April, 2018

More comprehensive sex ed programs can help put an end to America’s culture of sexual assault: sex ed needs to be more than just “the birds and the bees.”

Nicole Cushman, Executive Director of AMAZE, says sex ed might be the answer to America’s (and by extension, Canada’s) sexual assault problem. This op-ed video articulates the need for quality sex education from an early age. Children need to understand the issues of consent, healthy relationships and boundaries to put an end to the culture of rape and sexual assault. Nicole Cushman says AMAZE is “fixing the patchwork” of sex education across America by taking their message online in engaging, age-appropriate sex education resources for youth.

Childbirth a challenge for sexual assault survivors, but two Regina women are working to change that

Childbirth can be the most wonderful experience in a woman’s life. For survivors of sexual abuse, birth can trigger feelings of loss of control over one’s own body and buried trauma. Negative maternal experiences are not acknowledged due to society’s insistence on ideal birth and motherhood scenarios. Two Regina women are working to address the gaps in education and public conversation with tools and resources for survivors.

Why Sexual Assault Survivors Stay Quiet

This comic by Jim C. Hines deftly skewers the double standard directed towards survivors and illustrates the no-win situation many face when they report the crime. Staying silent means the issue is not addressed and speaking out results in blame and disbelief levelled at survivors.

When is it not our fault?

The culture of blame and shame ~ society’s negative attitudes towards women and sexual assault.

SaveSave

May 12, 2017 by Megan Evans

Never Blame the Victim Campaign Kit

Never Blame the Victim Key Messages:

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.

Resource Pages:

Saskatoon Sexual Assault & Information Centre Resources

YWCA Saskatoon emergency shelter resources

Videos:

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 Tools:

Facebook/Twitter page cover (right-click to download)

Facebook/Twitter profile picture (right-click to download)

May 12, 2017 by Megan Evans

Never Blame the Victim: Taking a Stand Against Sexual Assault

May 11, 2017

Province of Saskatchewan and City of Saskatoon declare Sexual Assault Awareness Week

Saskatoon, Sk—The province of Saskatchewan and City of Saskatoon have declared May 15-18, 2017 Sexual Assault Awareness Week (SAAW) 2017.

The awareness campaign is promoted jointly by partner organizations Saskatoon Sexual Assault & Information Centre (SSAIC) and YWCA Saskatoon. At the heart of their message is a powerful reminder to “Never Blame the Victim.”

“Victim blaming, whether it comes from family, friends, or society is a huge barrier to survivors of sexual violence feeling safe to come forward,” says SSAIC Executive Director Faye Davis. “We really want to drive home the point that regardless of the circumstances, the blame lies squarely with the perpetrator. It’s not about what the victim wore or drank or if there was a flirtation. The perpetrator made the choice to rape because they felt entitled to do so. They alone bear the responsibility and should solely bear the blame.”

The “Never Blame the Victim” campaign created by YWCA Canada draws attention to the ways in which survivors of sexual violence are subjected to judgement instead of support. 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.

“Confidentiality and non-judgemental individual support are incredibly important. When women access YWCA Saskatoon services through our crisis shelter, they get a safe place to stay, counselling, support, and access to a network of wrap-around services. We provide shelter on a first, come, first served basis for women and for their children,” explains Shannon Zook, YWCA Saskatoon CEO.

About Sexual Assault Awareness Week:

Our goal for Sexual Assault Awareness Week 2017 is to raise awareness in Saskatoon and Saskatchewan about the unacceptable victim blaming survivors of sexual violence experience, and to highlight the existing programs and services available to individuals who have encountered sexual violence.

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About the Saskatoon Sexual Assault & Information Centre:

The Saskatoon Sexual Assault & Information Centre exists to contend with sexual violence and its effects on individuals and the community, by providing support, education, and prevention services. SSAIC offers services to survivors of sexual abuse of all genders. For more information visit www.saskatoonsexualassaultcentre.com , follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SSAIC1/

About YWCA Saskatoon:

YWCA Saskatoon works in Saskatoon and area to provide emergent and preventative services for women and their families, including crisis shelter, supportive living, employment services, quality child care, and accessible fitness. YWCA Saskatoon is a member of YWCA Canada, the nation’s largest provider of shelter to women and children fleeing violence, and the oldest and largest multi-service women’s organization. For more information visit www.ywcasaskatoon.com, find us on Twitter at @YWCASaskatoon or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ywcasaskatoon.

For information about the Saskatoon Sexual Assault & Information Centre or to schedule an interview, contact:

Megan Evans

Communications Advisor

306-216-5125

communications.ssaic@sasktel.net

For information about YWCA Saskatoon or to schedule an interview, contact:

Joy-Ann Allin

Director of Development & Communications

YWCA Saskatoon

306-244-7034 ext 132

jallin@ywcasaskatoon.com

August 30, 2016 by Megan Evans

SSAIC’s August Reading List

Welcome! Each month, we will curate a collection of videos, memes, books, articles, and other resources related to sexual violence. Check out our August selection:

The University of Colorado Survivor’s Letter

This victim impact statement explains all the ways her life has been altered by her sexual assault, including the financial costs. (The sentence the perpetrator received will make you cringe at the injustice.)

A video parody of victim-blaming logic

There have been a few good videos making comparisons between various crimes and sexual assault. This one is particularly share-worthy.

Good news from the Queens Bench in Edmonton

“The acquittal of a 15-year-old boy accused of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl has been overturned by an Edmonton Court’s Bench justice who said the provincial youth court judge in the trial used ‘myths and stereotypes about sexual assault victims’ to inform his decision.”

A Guilty Verdict in a Sexual Assault Case out of Toronto

In a scathing indictment of a sexual assault perpetrator, Judge Zuker said in his ruling that he did not believe the defendant’s testimony, describing it as a “feeble attempt in hindsight” to clear his name. “I stress his version is without reality. It never, never happened,” Zuker said. “It was a joke. A fabrication. I must and do reject his evidence.”