Connecting with community prevents violence

By Kailee Mears

The central Alberta region has many amenities and attractions that draw people to settle in our communities. People from all walks of life choose to settle in our unique towns and neighbourhoods which offer a wide range of services, work, play and opportunities to connect.

Connecting with other people has benefits for our sense of belonging, self esteem, physical and mental health and even violence prevention.

When we feel we know our neighbours, we develop a sense of trust and friendship with them that allows us to better look after each other and our neighbourhoods.

When we connect with our close friends and family, we can better sense their appreciation and companionship, which increases our self-esteem and makes us feel better overall.

When we connect with others through sports, book clubs, walking groups, or working together to complete a neighbourhood task, we can make strides towards improving and maintaining our physical and mental health.

All these parts can contribute to a healthier sense of self and community. An additional bonus is that it can create safer communities that protect against various forms of violence and abuse.

When we are aware of our neighbours, friends and loved ones, we may be better able to spot situations or behaviours that seem “off” or unsafe.

Someone could be using their words or actions to put another person down or make that person feel afraid or controlled. Verbal put downs or social exclusion can make both adults and children feel small and isolated. Physical actions like pushing, slapping or harsh force can be used to punish a person or gain control over them.

Unwanted touching and not respecting a person’s “no” can break their consent and make people feel uncomfortable and unsafe in their relationships or friendships with others.

These behaviours can harm people and make them feel isolated from sources of support like family, neighbours and organizations. These behaviours can lead to bullying, dating violence or family abuse which have no place in our communities.

Connecting with others can create a stronger community that can lean on and look out for each other. We may be better able to recognize behaviours that lead to unsafe relationships.

We can offer our support to those who are impacted by these behaviours with a listening ear, affirming that we believe them and referring to professional support as needed. Saying “hi” to our neighbours, inviting them over for a barbeque, or spending time with those who mean the most to us can go a long way.

Together, we can create a culture free of violence, stronger neighbourhoods and enjoy a fun and safe summer.

CASASC offers a 24 hour help line for those dealing with sexual violence impacts in our community. Call or text 1-866-956-1099, or webchat at www.casasc.ca for confidential support, information and referrals.

Kailee Mears is a prevention educator at the Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre.

Article as published in the Red Deer Advocate.

Monthly update – CASASC Connections – August

 

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 August.

 

Community Reach Questionnaire

We have put together a quick 2 min 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.

August 11 @ Lacombe Farmers Market

August 17 @ Red Deer Downtown Market

August 23 @ Town of Penhold Discovery Night

August 27 @ CASASC Poker Rally Fundraiser (Bower Ponds, RD)

September 29 @ Seniors Information Fair (Collicutt Centre, RD)

October 5 @ Mental Illness Awareness Week (RD Polytech)

October 20, Consent Booth @ RD Polytech

 

RIDE FOR RESPECT – AUGUST 27

August 27, 2022 @ Bower Ponds, Red Deer

Motorcycle Poker Rally Roll Out @ 11 am

Live Events from 11am – 4 p.m.

We are just under a month away from our first ever motorcycle poker rally fundraiser. Have you blocked the day off in your calendar yet?

Visit the Ride for Respect page for more information on the event and to get involved.

–           Register your motorcycle to participate in the poker run across Central Alberta.

–           Seeking individuals for vendors, sponsorship and volunteer opportunities

–           Purchase 50/50 tickets

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.

 

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED – Ride for Respect

We are looking for volunteers for many of the day’s events like 50/50 sales, floaters, set-up, kids zone, and beer gardens. We are especially looking for volunteers to be at the three poker rally stops in Eckville, Sylvan Lake and Spruce View.

Consider signing up with a friend or a group, if you are able to support this great event in a volunteer capacity. You won’t be disappointed. The day is guaranteed to be full of fun, music, laughter and of course motorcycles. Visit the volunteer page for more volunteer information.

 

VENDORS WELCOME – Vendors Street

We are looking for vendors who would love to have a table/booth at our Ride for Respect fundraiser event.

Vendor spots are still available. If you or someone you know has a small business/retail items for sale and is looking to support a great cause and promote their business, please reach out to Tammy at tbarbour@casasc.ca or visit the Vendor Street Registration page.

Vendors Street spots are available with a $100 vendor fee and for retail only. No food or produce sales are permitted.

If the vendor fee is a challenge, a donation of an equivalently priced item for our silent auction may also be accepted.

 

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY – Ride for Respect

Join our first ever Ride for Respect Fundraiser by becoming a sponsor. Sponsorship opportunities are available at different tiers of financial support, through gift-in-kind donations to our silent auction, or by volunteering at the event.

We’d love to have you and your business be a part of our team with this one-of-a-kind opportunity to support the well-being and care of Central Albertans.

Visit our Sponsorship Opportunities page or the Volunteer Page for details.

 

LIVE VIRTUAL 50/50

We have launched our live, virtual 50/50 fundraiser! Get your tickets toady for a chance to win up to $10,000.

Tickets available until August 31. Snag one here

 

Virtual Learning Series

Our virtual learning series will be continuing all year long. Please join us for each month as we hosting various free + virtual education lessons for the community.

 

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

Join us for an informal session about operating and volunteering on a 24/7 Sexual Violence Helpline. Use this opportunity to learn about the helpline 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 Alberta community.

Tue, Sept 13 @ 5-6pm MST

Tue, Oct 18 @ 6-7pm MST

Visit the link for session dates and times and to register: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/390733202527 

 

Ask the Expert – Parenting and Sexualized Behaviour Support Virtual Session (August 24)

Wed, Aug 24 @ 4 – 5 p.m. MST

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

 

Services + Programs at CASASC (30 min)

Aug 25, 9 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/305069279427

 

Introduction to Sexual Violence (60 min)

Aug 11, 10 a.m.

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/305057193277

 

Supporting Disclosures (45 min)

Aug 16, 9:30 a.m.

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/305060773987

 

Consent 101 (60 min)

Aug 9, 11:30 a.m. & 2:30 p.m.

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/305082248217

 

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

 

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, where 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.

*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
  • One-on-one and group counselling
  • Sexualized Behaviour Support counselling

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.

KIP information and community connection sessions are available by request. Email us to learn more.

 

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 counselling 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

The new school year is just around the corner. Connect today to bring our prevention education programs to our schools.

Delivered by our award-winning Education team (recipients of the 2022 Inspiration Award for Sexual Violence Prevention) and with a full contingent of six school programs for grades Kindergarten to 12.

Helping to support the current CALM outcomes and new AB Education K-6 curriculum, our education programs are prevention focused and help to build personal safety and healthy relationship skills for all students.

Our presentations our available at no cost to schools and communities across Central Alberta and can be delivered in-person and virtually.

 

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