Family Violence Prevention Month 2022

The Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre (CASASC) is dedicated to supporting those affected by sexual violence each and every day of the year.

In Alberta, November is Family Violence Prevention Month (FVPM). The goal of FVPM is to raise awareness around family violence and to educate communities on how to prevent it.

 

What is Family Violence:

Family violence is when someone uses abusive behaviour to control and/or harm a member of their family, or someone with whom they have an intimate relationship.

Family violence includes many different forms of physical, sexual and emotional abuse, as well as neglect carried out by family members or intimate partners. It may include a single act of violence, or a number of acts that form a pattern of abuse. Family violence can have serious and sometimes fatal consequences for victims and for those who see or hear the violence.

Family violence can happen to people of all ages, abilities, cultural and spiritual backgrounds, gender identities and sexual orientations. Victims can be in romantic relationships, divorced, children (birth, step, adopted or foster), grandparents, or individuals with guardians or caregivers.

 

Impacts:

Rates of family violence increase during and following natural disasters, public health crises and economic downturns. It is important to know where you can turn if you are experiencing family violence.

With the added stress and time together caused by COVID-19, families with unhealthy relationships are more likely to experience child sexual violence.

Isolation is a risk factor for family violence. Many people who experience family violence use their support of friends and family to manage their situation.

 

How You Can Stay Involved All Month Long:

Throughout November we’re featuring different ways you can get involved by promoting awareness. Want to get involved? We’ve got you covered. We’ve created custom Purple Day graphics for you to share, tweet and tag CASASC throughout the month, along with many other resources and events:

-Purple ribbons – Small silk purple ribbons will be available at both CASASC locations throughout the month. Wear the purple ribbon in unity to show survivors of family violence that they are not alone.

-Download the Purple Day poster here

-Download the Purple Day social image here

 

Presentations:

For the month of November CASASC is offering several virtual presentations on a variety of topics relating to sexual violence. All presentations are facilitated on Zoom and vary in length 30 mins to 60 mins.

Introduction to Sexual Violence (November 8)

Services & Programs at CASASC (November 10)

Consent 101 (November 18 and November 29)

Supporting Disclosures (November 21)

What Happens on a 24/7 Sexual Violence Helpline? (November 28)

Ask an Expert – Parenting & Sexualized Behaviour Conversations with our Clinical Expert (November 30)

 

Events:

-Education Social Media Takeover – Friday, November 18th

On this day our education team will be hosting a takeover of CASASC’s social accounts. They will be answering questions throughout the day and will feature resources and information about programs and several topics. Make sure to tune in.

-Purple Day – Day of Action – Friday, November 25

Wear purple on this day to bring awareness to family violence. We will provide suggestions on how you can take action in your community. Show us your purple by sporting your purple #iRespect t-shirt, the purple ribbon or other purple items. This is day marked by the Central Alberta community to show support for those affected by family violence.

 

Take action – Action items for Family Violence Prevention Month

Kids/Teens – Make a card, note, or message for someone who you are grateful for (bus driver, librarian, teacher, counsellor, family member) and give it to them with a big smile and a thank you. Tell them how much you care about them or thank them for something nice they have done.

Kids/Teens – Do something nice for a family member, sibling, cousin.

Family – Do an activity together, something you’ve never done before or a game you all enjoy.

Family – Do an activity for each letter of the word P-U-R-P-L-E (ex. For the first P – go to the play ground, U – go for a walk to find the underside of a bridge, R – eat some red candy….)

Adults – Do something fun/spontaneous with a friend – go for coffee, show them you care and are there to support them.

Reach out to a friend you haven’t talked to in a while. Send that text.

General – Create a safety plan. Just like how we should have a safety plan in place for a natural disaster (even though we may never need it), we should have a safety plan in place for if we ever are in a place of harm/discomfort.

 

Monthly update – CASASC Connections – October

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 October.

 

Need for online + virtual volunteers – email ewillmer@casasc.ca

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

We are 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.

 

Community Connections

October 20, Consent Booth @ RD Polytech

If you are aware of any community events or booths (across Central Alberta) that we could attend throughout the year please share with us at education@casasc.ca

Our booths and presence at events is informative and awareness based, educational, interactive and applicable for all audiences and ages. We do not talk about sexual health or sex education and can adapt our messaging to need topics or programs and services.

 

November is Family Violence Prevention Month

In Alberta, November is Family Violence Prevention Month (FVPM). The goal of FVPM is to raise public awareness around family violence and to educate communities on how to prevent it. Use the colour purple to show your support all month long.

Stay tuned as CASASC and many of our partner and like-minded service organizations will be sharing and inviting you to take part in events, campaigns and initiatives throughout the month.

Day of Action – Purple Shirt Day – Mark your calendars for NOVEMBER 25 – as we wear purple and celebrate a Family Violence Prevention Day of Action with our community.

 

Online Learning Series

Is there a topic you’re interested in learning more about that we don’t currently have available? Let us know what interests you.

 

What happens on a 24/7 Sexual Violence Helpline (45 min)

Tue, Oct 25 @ 6-6:45 p.m. 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 (September 26)

Friday, October 28 @ 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)

Wednesday, October 19 @ 9 a.m.

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

 

Introduction to Sexual Violence (60 min)

Friday, October 14 @ 1p.m.

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

 

Supporting Disclosures (45 min)

Wednesday, October 26 @ 2 p.m.

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

 

Consent 101 (60 min)

Wednesday, October 12 @ 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.

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

 

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

 

First Responder to Sexual Assault and Abuse Training

This comprehensive training is intended to build the capacity of professionals, paraprofessionals and community members to respond effectively to disclosure of sexual abuse, assault, and harassment from children and adults. Training covers the full continuum of topics related to sexual violence across the lifespan. Delivered online or in-person.

For more information and current training dates visit here

*Community training opportunities available with local facilitators. Can’t make the pre-scheduled training dates, reach out and book a special training for your organization and/or community.

 

Only Yes Mean Yes Consent Campaign

OYMY changes how we look at and understand consent. It focuses on positive consent in which only affirmative consent matters.

Read more about the poster campaign and how to get involved here

 

#MomentsMatterAB

Research shows that a caring + inclusive workplace culture is an important defense against sexual harassment.

That’s why we’ve partnered with the #momentsmatterab campaign. Learn more here

 

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.

 

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

Email education@casasc.ca to inquire or for booking details. Now booking in schools and community groups across Central Alberta.

No Secrets (K-4): Two 35 min sessions. Topics on public vs private, personal body safety, what is safe vs unsafe, and how to ask for help from a student’s personal safety network.

iRespect MYSELF (Recommended Grades 5/6 and deliverable to Grades 4 and 7 upon further discussion): One 60 min session. Topics on personal safety rules, boundaries, self-esteem, communication, permission, labels and stereotypes, and diversity.

iRespect US 1 (Recommended Grades 5-7 and deliverable to Grade 8 upon further discussion): One 60 min session. Topics on communication, healthy peer relationships, healthy schools, conflict resolution, and personal power.

iRespect US 2 (Recommended Grades 5-7 and deliverable to Grade 8 upon further discussion): One 60 min session. Topics on personal power, bullying behaviors, cyberbullying, teasing, empathy, and the impacts of bullying behavior in schools.

Healthy Dating Relationships 101 (Recommended Grades 8-12 and deliverable to Grade 7 upon further discussion): One 60-90 min presentation educates students on healthy relationships, communication, conflict resolution, consent, consent laws, dating violence (physical, emotional, sexual), sexting, and sexting laws.