What happens on a sexual violence help line?

What happens on a 24/7 Sexual Violence Helpline? (60 min)

Join us for an informal session about operating and volunteering on a 24/7 sexual violence helpline.

Supported by volunteers with CASASC and available by phone, text and webchat to anyone in Alberta, the help line provides support to anyone impacted by sexual violence (direct or indirect) and is a resourcing and support service.

Use this opportunity to learn about the help line and how you can utilize it in your community/workplace. Hear what it takes to volunteer on a help line. Help us share this free resource out to our community. We are here for you.

Free, register here

Upcoming dates:

Tuesday, November 28 – 6:00 – 7:00 pm MST

Tuesday, December 13 – 6:00 – 7:00 pm MST

Have a “hot” consent summer

By Sarah Maetche

Summer is finally here. It’s time to come out of our dormant Alberta spring/winter shells and have a hot consent summer.

Like Megan the Stallion said about “hot girl summer,” we can enjoy this summer feeling confident in who we are, have fun and practice consent while doing it.

Coming out of our post-COVID reality, many are ready to get back to the things they enjoy – like hitting the beach, patios, going to social events, backyard barbeques, camping, rodeos and outdoor sporting events – especially during the summer months.

The Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre (CASASC) encourages you to be mindful as you go about these and many more social activities with the phrase “only yes means yes” when it comes to consent in your mind.

This is the idea behind CASASC’s campaign Only Yes Means Yes (OYMY) – speaking positively about consent to change our community for the better.

Consent is an important concept in sexual violence prevention. OYMY focuses on what positive consent can sound and look like as a way to promote healthy relationships and increase a greater sense of consent culture. OYMY changes the way we look at and understand consent.

Many of us may be familiar with the saying “no means no.” This is a frequently used statement when talking about consent. This statement indicates that we are always saying “yes” until we say the word or indicate “no,” which is a lack of consent. This statement tells people that unless they indicated “no,” that was clear and understood by both involved individuals, they were giving consent.

With OYMY, we have turned the above “no” conversation on its’ head. This campaign challenges the consent conversation by reinforcing that an individual is always conveying a lack of consent (always saying “no”). The default for consent then is “no.”

It’s literally a “no” until they say “yes” with their words, their actions or with their body. Consent can only happen when a person actively and consciously says “yes” and gives/shows their consent.

Consent can be simply defined as this: a voluntary agreement between people who want to do something together. Yes, this of course applies to sexual activity, but it also applies to our everyday lives, with things like driving down Lakeshore Drive in Sylvan Lake, lining up to get ice cream at the Little Ice Cream and Soda Shoppe, attending a staff backyard party and on. When defined like this, consent applies to everyday life.

Consent is given freely. It’s chosen and ongoing.

This is why we all should aim to have a hot consent summer. Showing and saying an enthusiastic “yes” is letting that other person know that you are interested in the summer activity.

Here’s an easy way, or rather process, to give consent: 1) Know how to ask for consent. Your words matter, 2) Saying and/or showing a “yes” or “no” for yourself, 3) Hearing and/or seeing if the other person is saying “yes” or “no” and 4) Recognizing and respecting the other person’s yes or no. That’s the process – knowing, saying, hearing, recognizing and then respecting.

Sarah Maetche is the communications and administration manager at the Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre.

Article as published in the Red Deer Advocate on July 7, 2022.

Volunteer dog walker opportunity

Volunteer Dog Walker

The Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre (CASASC) is seeking energetic and fur-loving individuals to join our team in a volunteer capacity.

About Us:

The Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre (CASASC) is a voluntary, non-profit organization serving the Central Alberta region under the direction of a community-based Board of Directors.

We specialize in healing sexual trauma so you can talk freely about the hard stuff with no judgement. We provide a range of support services for individuals who are affected by sexual violence including counselling, play therapy, police and court support, crisis support and education.

 

Volunteer Position: Volunteer Dog Walker

Department: Administration

Accountability to: Administration Manager

Location: Red Deer, Central Alberta

 

Position Summary:

The Volunteer Dog Walker is an important member of the CASASC team. This is an opportunity to use your skills and love of animals to help in the day-to-day operations of CASASC. You will take Oscar, our pet therapy dog in training, on one of his daily walks during his workday at the office. Oscar is a year and a half old Bernedoodle (large breed) – he is spunky, energetic and really such a sweet guy. If you are willing to help out in this capacity, we would love to have you join our volunteer team.

 

Responsibilities: As a volunteer dog walker you will

  • Pick up Oscar at the main office and take him for a guided 30-45 minute walk. Leash, treats and waste bags will be provided.
  • Ensure Oscar’s safety during the walk and return to the office.

 

Qualifications: You will bring many talents and skills to this role including these basics

  • Ability to work independently.
  • Dependable and a willingness to learn.
  • Have a genuine love of animals.
  • Previous experience walking dogs or owning a dog is preferred.

 

Where and when you would volunteer:

  • You would commit to volunteering approximately once a week for a 30 minute to hour period during CASASC office hours between the hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
  • You would check-in in-person at the main office (A201, 5212 48 Street) and take Oscar on foot for a walk anywhere near the office.

 

How to Apply:

Applicants must be 16 years of age or older.

This volunteer position requires a satisfactory criminal record reference check and reference check.

Tell us about yourself along with any skills and experiences you can bring to CASASC by sending us your resume and a short email. Email your info to Erin Willmer at ewillmer@casasc.ca

Volunteer Application deadline: Ongoing

 

Monthly update – CASASC Connections – July

Welcome back to CASASC Connections. This is a space where we provide updates on our services, programs and all things CASASC for the month of June.

 

Community Reach Questionnaire

We have put together a quick 2min questionnaire and are asking for your support in filling it out.

We are looking to gather an understanding of Sexual Violence service knowledge from frontline staff who are often in positions of support with clients and community members. Please share with all staff and volunteers at your organization, as we seek to gather the scope of our services across all central Albertan communities.

No personal information is collected, we appreciate all who can find a few minutes to provide their input.

Participate here

 

Community Booths

Come visit us around Central Alberta this summer. Our education and awareness team will be at a variety of open-to-public events.

July 8 @ Sylvan Lake Farmer’s Market

August 11 @ Lacombe Farmers Market

August 17 @ Red Deer Downtown Market

August 23 @ Town of Penhold Discovery Night

 

Ask the Expert – Parenting and Sexualized Behaviour Support Virtual Session (July 26)

A free, virtual session with our sexualized behaviour and child therapy counsellor. Open to the public, parents and those who work with children and youth, this session will give you helpful tools and the space to have discussions with our counsellor about any issues or concerns around sexualized behaviour. You are not alone. We are here to support.

Tuesday, July 26 @ 4-5pm

Visit the link here session dates and times and to register: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/306744500057

 

Virtual Learning Series

For the months of July + August we will be hosting various free + virtual education lessons for the community. Consider signing up for a presentation this summer.

Services + Programs at CASASC (30 min)

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/services-programs-of-the-central-alberta-sexual-assault-support-centre-tickets-305069279427

Introduction to Sexual Violence (60 min)

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/introduction-to-sexual-violence-presentation-tickets-305057193277

Supporting Disclosures (45 min)

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/supporting-disclosures-of-sexual-violence-tickets-305060773987Consent 101 (60 min)

Consent 101 (60 min)

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/consent-101-tickets-305082248217

Activity Sharing – Teaching Prevention Education, Grades K-7 (60 min)

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/activity-sharing-teaching-prevention-education-in-grades-k-7-tickets-305087634327

 

Community Justice Award

Congratulations to the Alberta Specialized Police and Court Support Network of the Alberta Association of Sexual Assault Services, recipients of the 2022 Community Justice Award for Service Enhancement. Our very own Police, Community + Court Support team is proud to share in the recognition of the important work done by all in this field.

Congratulations. We are so pleased to be a part of this network and couldn’t be happier for our team members.

Curious as to how our PCCS team provides services and supports? Check out our website here or email courtsupport@casasc.ca

 

We are on TikTok

We’ve done it! We’ve joined the TikTok movement. You can find all our shenanigans and follow us on TikTok @CASASC5

Hope to see you there!

 

Ride for Respect – August 27

@ Bower Ponds, Red Deer

Motorcycle Poker Rally, kickstands up @ 11 am

Live Events from 11am-4pm

We are happy to share that we are hosting, along with UBAKA (Urban Bulldogs Against Kid Abuse), a family friendly + interactive motorcycle poker rally through Central Alberta with poker rally stops at Bower Ponds, Eckville, Sylvan Lake and Penhold.

Stay tuned for more details on how to register your motorcycle, join the poker rally, and live events!

Don’t have a motorcycle to join in the poker rally? No worries, a full day of events at Bower Ponds has been planned – BBQ, live bands, beer gardens, vendor street, silent auction, and child friendly activities.

We hope you will join us for this full day.

We are looking for volunteers– volunteers needed for the poker rally stops in Eckville, Sylvan Lake + Penhold, as well as at Bower Ponds. Email casasc@casasc.ca for more details on volunteering.

 

iRespect Music Playlists

Need something fun and easy to listen to this summer, try our iRespect Music Playlists!

iRespect Playlist Vol 1

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4thA0v1Nofj1ElJRYGpqnI?si=6bf368030a524676

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiQcKuitYvrVI2ootFe7TVfN7IefH9g-_

iRespect Playlist Vol 2

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6IDD4SlFgdCAFRcEtvKSCO?si=86c880b009b04579

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiQcKuitYvrWbFQNvzYSf4DY-Txc4iIQW

 

A Reminder

A friendly reminder to be respectful of your relationships and interactions, that consent is even more important as we increase our socialization with others and place ourselves back into public settings.

With communities opening up to visitors, and locals are able to get outdoors and spend time socializing with friends’ opportunities that challenge our consent knowledge will become more frequent.

Consider refreshing your consent knowledge and skills, having a conversation with your partner and friends about your boundaries, and keeping consent front of mind. Be a good friend and keep your eyes open, don’t let your friends make harmful choices and disregard someone else’s consent.

Have a safe summer!

 

Programs + Services

24 Hour Sexual Violence Help Line

1-866-956-1099 www.casasc.ca

Available through phone, text or webchat – We provide 24/7 confidential and anonymous support and a friendly conversation with the end goal being information, support and referrals.

In June the help line received 145 contacts. Our in-hospital response team (SART) responded to three calls.

*URGENT need for online + virtual volunteers – email ewillmer@casasc.ca

We are in immediate need of volunteers to join our 24/7 help line, with shifts on phone call and text/web chat.

Looking for minimum of five volunteers who can take one or two shifts a month with our helpline. Evening and weekend support is a bonus.

Using an eight-hour shift-based schedule the help line volunteers provide a listening ear, supportive conversation and resource referrals to children, youth and adults who are in need of support. Previous education and training are not needed. Seeking respectful, caring and supportive individuals.

 

Counselling

Counselling can be accessed Monday – Friday and does not require a referral or special circumstances. Individuals can call the main office to start their counselling journey anytime at 403-340-1124.

  • Sessions are offered in-person, through secure video chat or by phone
  • Waitlist is approximately two months
  • We have a session cap of 15 sessions

Adult clients: Call the main admin line. An intake appointment will be booked with our Intake Worker, then you will be set up with a counsellor.

Child/youth clients: We will need to ensure consent forms are in place (both parents or legal documentation) and the same process will happen – an intake appointment is booked, followed by appointments with one of the child counsellors.

 

Kinship Intervention Program (KIP)

bdunlop@casasc.ca

KIP offers a combination of early intervention practices and a community-based approach, integrating anyone in the youth’s support network or community

Available to any Indigenous youth (age 6 -17) who exhibits sexualized behaviour concerns or engages in “sexual acting out” or who has experienced sexual violence. The program works collaboratively with the youth’s family and elders.

KIP builds relationships throughout Central Alberta with both Indigenous and non-Indigenous service providers and communities. We can provide in-person mental health services for Indigenous youth and adults, including crisis intervention and remote counselling services.

 

Police, Community + Court Support

For more info email courtsupport@casasc.ca

The CASASC Police, Community + Court Support program is your safe place. We are dedicated to being that place where you work through your options, navigate the system, and process a traumatic experience. Our support workers are here to listen and support you while you are considering or navigating the criminal justice system. We are advocates and sources of information for you – that safe guiding presence throughout the process.

The Community + Court Support Program is available to anyone (age 16+) who has experienced sexual violence. You’d don’t need to be an existing CASASC client.

No matter where you are in your healing journey, or whether you choose to report, the Police, Community + Court Support Program is here to provide:

  • Support, information, and advocacy. No legal services or advice is provided
  • Can discuss options for legal advice and provide resources and referrals
  • Information about reporting, the court process and court preparation
  • Accompaniment to report and/or court proceedings
  • Assistance with filling out forms and applications

*Ask us about the SUPPORTIVE REPORTING option

 

Education – Prevention and Awareness

education@casasc.ca

Do you have summer child + youth programming? We work year-round and have openings this summer to deliver some interactive lessons at your camps and programs.

Adult learning is super beneficial to the development of healthy relationships of our children and students. Role modeling and reinforcing positive messages and behaviours can have some of the greatest impact on the respectful relationships of our students.  Consider reaching out, we’re happy to have basic, advanced, supportive and discussion-based presentations with you.

Connect today to bring us in.

 

Let’s connect

Follow us on our social pages to stay updated with what we are up to

  • TikTok @CASASC5
  • Twitter @CASASC2
  • Facebook @CASASCRD
  • Instagram @CASASC3