Monthly update – CASASC Connections – February

Welcome back and to CASASC Connections. This is a space where we provide updates on our services, programs and all things CASASC for the month of February 2023.

 

Volunteer Opportunities

If you are interested in either of the volunteer opportunities below email Erin at ewillmer@casasc.ca for more information

  1. 24/7 Sexual Violence Help Line Volunteers – We are looking for volunteers who can take one or two shifts a month on the phone, text or webchat functions of our helpline. Shifts are virtual/remote.
  2. Event volunteers – Our second annual Ride for Respect event is coming up on July 29th and we will be needing event volunteers to support various functions during the day.

 

24/7 Sexual Violence Help Line

1-866-956-1099

www.casasc.ca

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

 

Pink Shirt Day – February 22

Pink Shirt Day is coming up on February 22nd. This is a day to celebrate the bullying prevention initiatives schools, communities and students do all year.

CASASC would like to offer our support to schools and community by providing a FREE document of Pink Shirt Day activities for all ages.

Click the link below to access the Pink Shirt Day activity package and colouring pages which will allow you to engage your schools and community with bullying prevention themed activities and opportunities throughout the month of February. Have your efforts this month come together on Pink Shirt Day, February 22nd or another day of your choosing.

Primary prevention is a passion here at CASASC which includes bullying behaviour prevention education. Please take this Pink Shirt Day document as our way of supporting all our Central Alberta communities, schools and students in their efforts to continue building healthy relationships and safe environments. We are here for you, we support you, we care.

Pink Shirt Day package

 

You are invited – February 24 – Rebels Community Booth

Join us on Friday, February 24th as we celebrate Pink Shirt Day and bullying prevention at the Red Deer Rebels home game. Stop by our booth at the Community Corner to get your tickets for some great items like our 4ft Stuffed Unicorn Ressie.

Wear something pink for a free sticker and one free entry into a kids colouring package prize draw.

 

Registration Now Open – Engagement Strategies Towards Ending Workplace Sexual Harassment 3-hr Workshop

Looking for ways to support and strengthen your team in 2023 and beyond? We have just what you need.

Research shows that positive workplace cultures lead to healthier, safer, happier, and more productive teams—and help prevent sexual harassment.

Come learn with us on February 23rd or April 14th as we lead you and your staff through an innovative, online workshop that teaches skills that help you understand, respond to, and prevent sexual harassment.

This isn’t your average ant-harassment training.

  • 3 hours, 100% online
  • Mics + webcams off
  • Innovative + research backed
  • Teaches skills that help you understand, respond to and prevent sexual harassment

COST: $75/person or $50/person for #momentsmatter campaign partners. Find out how to become a campaign partner for free here

An additional 20% discount can be given to groups of 10 or more. To learn more and to register email education@casasc.ca or visit here

 

CASASC + Survivors of sexual violence in Alberta need your help

CASASC has joined the AASAS membership in a call to action to the Provincial Government for increased funding. This campaign is called #SupportSurvivorsAB. We need your help in getting the message out.

1.8 million Albertans have experienced sexual violence in their lifetime. After finding the courage to disclose their experience, survivors are currently waiting more than one year for specialized counselling.

Help us help millions of Albertans by contacting your MLA–tell them sustainably funding specialized sexual assault support services is a PRIORITY. Survivors found the courage to tell; they shouldn’t have to wait a year for support.

Find more resources including the MLA letter template here

 

Virtual Learning Series

*NEW* Foundations of Consent and Healthy Relationships (45min)

March 1, 11:00am-12:00pm & 3:00-4:00pm MST

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/foundations-of-consent-and-healthy-relationships-tickets-502701081467

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

Feb 7 @ 6:00-6:45 pm MST

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/what-happens-on-a-247-sexual-violence-help-line-tickets-390733202527

“Ask an Expert” Parenting & Sexualized Behaviour Support (60min)

Feb 23 @ 4:00-5:00pm MST

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/ask-an-expert-parenting-sexualized-behavior-support-conversation-tickets-306744500057

Services & Programs at CASASC (30 min)

Feb 6, 3:30-4:00 pm MST

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

Introduction to Sexual Violence (60 min)

Feb 23, 2:00-3:00pm MST

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

Supporting Disclosures (45 min)

Feb 27, 9:30-10:15 am MST

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/supporting-disclosures-of-sexual-violence-tickets-305060773987

 

Bottle Drive Feb 13-16

On the week of February 13 -16, bring your bottles and cans to the CASASC main office to donate directly to our organization.

We have a pickup scheduled with Skip the Depot on Feb 17, so it’s as easy as saving your cans and bottles over the next few weeks and dropping them off to us.

We have limited storage space so please bring your bottles to us within the week (Feb 13-16). We will have late drop off availability on Feb 16 until 8 p.m. to make it make drop off more accessible for those who can’t get to us during our regular hours.

Find more details here

 

Second Annual Ride for Respect – July 29, 2023

Our 2nd annual Ride for Respect event is happening on July 29th. Make sure to block your calendars.

More details about the event to be released in the coming months.

Sponsorship, silent auction, volunteer and vendor support opportunities are available – ask us about it casasc@casasc.ca

 

Pink Shirt Day 2023

Pink Shirt Day is coming up on February 22. This is a day to celebrate the bullying prevention initiatives schools, communities and students do all year.

CASASC would like to offer our support to schools and community by providing a free document of Pink Shirt Day activities, inspiration and colouring pages.

Click the links below to access the Pink Shirt Day Resource Package and colouring pages which will allow you to engage students in all grades with bullying prevention-themed activities and opportunities throughout the month of February. Have your efforts this month come together on Pink Shirt Day or another day of your choosing.

Primary prevention is a passion here at CASASC which includes bullying behaviour prevention education. Please take this Pink Shirt Day document as our way of supporting all our Central Alberta communities, schools and students in their efforts to continue building healthy relationships, students and schools. We are here for you, we support you, we care.

 

Pink Shirt Day Resource Package

 

Colouring Pages

 

You are invited – Red Deer Rebels Community Corner

Join us on Friday, February 24 as we celebrate Pink Shirt Day and bullying prevention at the Red Deer Rebels home game. Stop by our booth in Community Corner to get your tickets for some great items like our “giant” stuffed unicorn Ressie.

Weare something pink for a free sticker and one free entry for a kids colouring package prize draw.

Make sure to share your pink initiatives with us on Twitter or Instagram. We’d love to celebrate with you.

Twitter: @CASASC2

Instagram: @CASASC3

Victims deserve support and a voice in true crime stories

For many of us, we are highly fascinated with true crime stories. From podcasts to Netflix series, the genre of true crime continues to grow and can spur many important conversations around social justice inequities. However, it can also resurface trauma for victims and their loved ones who are impacted by these crimes.

Such is the case in the recent Netflix series Dahmer – Monster – The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, the dramatization of real-life events that occurred in Milwaukee, Wisconsin from 1978-1991, depicting the horrific and criminal acts of serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer. The television series, directed by Ryan Murphy, debuted on Netflix in October 2022 and became the second most watched series on the streaming platform.

Crime television shows, both dramatic and documentary style, have been long established. Shows like Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and Crime Beat are staples in the true crime genre. What these shows have in common is their focus on impact of the crimes on the affected communities. They are created with care and detail to honour the victims’ stories.

Since Making a Murder in 2015, Netflix has pumped out many biographical crime dramas and documentaries focusing on serial killers over the last few years. The Sons of Sam: Decent into Darkness, Conversations with a Killer: The John Wayne Gacy Tapes, and Night Stalker: The Hunt for a Serial Killer are a few of what are streaming today. There is also the 2019 film Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile, featuring Zack Efron as serial killer Ted Bundy.

The concern with these types of series and films is not the genre itself, but the possibility of glorifying the serial killers.

Dahmer – Monster is a deep dive into the killer’s life and left many viewers with the impression that it was anything other than victim-centred, appearing to glorify Dahmer’s horrific criminal acts. The series failed to show the impacts of the crimes on the victims, their family members, loved ones and the community at large. It could be thought Dahmer – Monster focused on sensationalizing the victims and their family’s pain.

A question that should be asked by a viewer is not why the serial killer became this way, but how the crimes impacted society. Like in the case of Dahmer, there are many social justice inequities that can been highlighted, such as the impact of the crimes on the black and LGBTQ+ community along with racial and policing issues in Milwaukee.

The victims connected to all of these stories have loved ones, family members and friends who are still walking around today. Each show, book and retelling of the story asks them to relive their trauma and loss.

Another question that should be asked of the true crime genre is if this story needs to be told once again in such a dramatized fashion? Perhaps the answer can be “yes” if the series or story focuses on the impact of the crimes and has a victim-centred narrative.

The Central Alberta Support Centre (CASASC) is a place of support for victims of sexual assault and violence. Along with providing specialized police and court support, CASASC offers supportive reporting. In a nutshell this victim-centred program provides victims of historical sexual assault options on reporting in a supportive and comfortable atmosphere outside of the detachment.

As a collaborative program between the Red Deer City RCMP and CASASC, supportive reporting allows victims to meet with a plain-clothed RCMP member at a comfortable place and time to ask questions and receive information about the criminal justice system process, before deciding to report or not.

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

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 January 10, 2023.

February bottle drive

Mark your calendar. On the week of February 13 -16, bring your bottles and cans to the CASASC main office to donate directly to our organization.

We have a pick up scheduled with Skip the Depot on Feb 17, so it’s as easy as saving your cans and bottles over the few weeks and dropping them off to us.

We have limited storage space so please bring your bottles to us within the week (Feb 13-16). We will have late drop off availability on Feb 16 until 8 p.m. to make it make more accessible for those who can’t get to us during our regular hours.

How to donate:

1)Drop off your bottle and cans to the CASASC main office (A201, 5212 48 Street) during our business hours 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on February 13, 14 and 15th

2)Drop off your bottles and cans to the CASASC main office after hours on Feb 16th. We will have late drop off hours running from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on this day only.

3)Schedule your own Skip the Depot pick up at your home or business. Skip the Depot picks up your bottles and cans, saving you a trip to the depot and making it easy to donate the funds to CASASC. Sign up here: https://app.skipthedepot.com/casasc

If you do want to donate your bottles to us, but don’t have a way to bring the bottles to us, contact us to arrange a pick up. We can accommodate small pick ups by request only. Email Lara at lal-hmidat@casasc.ca to request a pickup or for more information.

It’s time to start rounding up all of your holiday recyclables.

Scotiabank giving campaign supports CASASC

A Red Deer area Scotiabank raised funds to support the Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre (CASASC).

Part of a Giving Tree campaign, throughout November and December, customers could donate to the campaign in store, with the choice for their donations to go directly to CASASC to support those affected by sexual violence.

The donation accepted on January 6 by Lara Alhmidat, CASASC Fundraising and Event Planner, was presented by Dipen Rathod of Scotiabank – Lancaster Centre.

Thank you so much for your support.

UBAKA/Blackfalds Bulldogs Support CASASC

The Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre (CASASC) recently received a generous donation from the Blackfalds Bulldogs 50/50 proceeds.

CASASC staff accepted the donation of $960 from Urban Bulldogs Against Kids Abuse (UBAKA) Blackfalds Chapter members and from a Blackfalds Bulldogs Foundation representative on January 4.

UBAKA Blackfalds chose CASASC as the beneficiary for the 50/50 ticket sales from the December 13 hockey game. The funds received will support CASASC’s mission to support those affected by sexual violence in Central Alberta.

(Above photo) A Giving Spirit – From left to right: CASASC Fundraising and Event Planner Lara Alhmidat, CASASC Educator Kailee Burkinshaw, UBAKA Blackfalds member Randy Bye, UBAKA Blackfalds member Jessica Collings, UBAKA Blackfalds Chapter President Tracy Hoffman and Blackfalds Bulldogs Foundation Representative Bonnie Lou Johnston at the donation presentation in Blackfalds on January 4.

Monthly update – CASASC Connections – January 2023

 

Welcome back and to a new year for CASASC Connections. This is a space where we provide updates on our services, programs and all things CASASC for the month of January 2023.

 

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

We are in need of volunteers to join the 24/7 help line, with shifts available through the phone and text/webchat.

We are looking for 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.

 

24/7 Sexual Violence Help Line

1-866-956-1099

www.casasc.ca

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

 

A Season of Giving Success

Thank you Central Alberta for making our first ever A Season of Giving holiday donation campaign a success. With your support we received $3,200 in donations that have gone directly back into our work with sexual violence prevention, awareness and healing counselling.

It is with your generosity and kind spirits that we can continue to work for those impacted by sexual violence and work towards creating safer environments free from violence.

 

Virtual Learning Series

*NEW* Foundations of Consent and Healthy Relationships (45min)

Jan 30, 9:00 – 9:45am + 1:30-2:15 pm MST

Join us for a 45min workshop – participant conversations and interactions are encouraged – as we explore the foundation of consent for sexual activity through discussions on healthy relationships. A basic overview helping participants connect the dots between how we act in healthy friendships and how we use day-to-day permission to healthy intimate partner relationships and consent for sexual activity.

Consent laws and ages of consent as they apply to Alberta, Canada will be discussed.

FREE, Register at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/foundations-of-consent-and-healthy-relationships-tickets-502701081467

 

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

Jan 17@ 6 – 6:45 pm MST

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/what-happens-on-a-247-sexual-violence-help-line-tickets-390733202527

 

Services & Programs at CASASC (30 min)

Jan 10, 10 – 10:30 pm MST

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

 

Introduction to Sexual Violence (60 min)

Jan 16, 11am – 12pm MST

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

 

Supporting Disclosures (45 min)

Jan 27, 11 – 11:45 am MST

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/supporting-disclosures-of-sexual-violence-tickets-305060773987

 

Coming up in February

Feb 22 – Pink Shirt Day

Wednesday, February 22 is Pink Shirt Day. This is a day to celebrate the bullying prevention initiatives schools, communities and students do all year.

CASASC will be launching a resource package and colouring pages to support your Pink Shirt Day planning and activities. We’ll be sharing how you can access your copy of the resource at no cost in the coming weeks.

Feb 24 – Rebels Community Booth

Join us on Friday, February 24 as we celebrate Pink Shirt Day and bullying prevention at the Red Deer Rebels home game. Stop by our booth in the Community Corner to get your tickets for some great items.

Wear pink for a free sticker and one free entry into the kids prize draw.

 

Registration Now Open – Engagement Strategies Towards Ending Workplace Sexual Harassment 3-hr Workshop

February 23, 9am-12pm

Cost = $75/person or $50/person for #momentsmatter campaign partners

Registration access by emailing education@casasc.ca

This three-hour, interactive, online learning opportunity is not your average workplace sexual harassment training. Facilitated by the education team at the Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre.

Research informed and using best practices for adult online learning, this workshop will explore what sexual harassment is (and isn’t), what it costs us, interpersonally and collectively, and, how to help stop sexual harassment as someone who:

  • Witnesses someone sexually harassing others,
  • Is told about someone else’s sexual harassment,
  • Is told they have done something that might amount to sexual harassment
  • Is in a position of leadership and responsible for a safe and healthy workplace

 

#MomentsMatter Campaign

Has your workplace shown their commitment and support towards preventing Sexual Harassment and creating positive workplace environments?

Have you joined the #MomentsMatter movement? Join today to receive the reduced cost of $50/person to the Engagement Strategies Towards Ending Workplace Sexual Harassment virtual 3-hr workshop.

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

Find out More about Moments Matter here

 

Save the date – Ride for Respect July 29, 2023

Mark your calendar. The date for Ride for Respect 2023 has been set. Join us on Saturday, July 29th. More details to come.

Education Learning Series 2023

NEW – Foundations of Consent and Healthy Relationships (45 min)
Join us for a 45min workshop – participant conversations and interactions are encouraged – as we explore the foundation of consent for sexual activity through discussions on healthy relationships. A basic overview helping participants connect the dots between how we act in healthy friendships and how we use day-to-day permission to healthy intimate partner relationships and consent for sexual activity.

Consent laws and ages of consent as they apply to Alberta, Canada will be discussed.

FREE, Register here

Dates:

March 1, 11:00 – 11:45am MST

March 1, 3:00 – 3:45pm MST

 

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

Join us for an informal session about operating and volunteering on a 24/7 Sexual Violence Helpline.

Supported by volunteers with the Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre, and available by phone, text and webchat to anyone in Alberta, Canada. 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 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. We are here for you, we care!

FREE, Register here

Dates:

Tues, March 14 – 6:00 – 6:45pm MST

Tues, April 18 – 6:00 – 6:45pm MST

 

“Ask an Expert” Parenting + Sexualized Behaviour conversations with our clinical expert (60 min)

Join us for an informal session with our Child Therapist. Learn information related to parenting and supporting children and youth who display concerning sexualized behaviours.

OR maybe you want to join us to discuss a situation or behaviour your child is engaging in and get some advice on what is developmentally appropriate, how to support and respond etc.

Use this opportunity to connect with our counsellor for those unique and one-off questions that you may have but don’t want to go through our client wait list process to speak with a counsellor.

FREE, Register here

Dates:

Thurs, March 30 – 4:00 – 5:00pm MST

Thurs, April 27 – 4:00 – 5:00pm MST

 

Supporting Disclosures (45 min)
This session will help to enhance our skills and knowledge around supporting disclosures of sexual violence. An overview of the fundamentals of responding to and supporting disclosure of sexual assault and abuse from children, youth and adults. Learn some key messages and legal obligations when it comes to reporting child abuse.

FREE, Register here

Dates:

Fri, Mar 24 – 12:00 – 12:45pm MST

Wed, Apr 26 – 3:00 – 3:45pm MST

 

Services & Programs at CASASC (30 min)
Join us for a short 30min session overviewing the programs and services available at the Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre.

You’ll never know you need us, until you do!

FREE, Register here

Dates:

Fri, Mar 10 – 11:30-12:00pm MST

Thurs, Apr 6 – 9:30-10:00am MST

 

Introduction to Sexual Violence (60 min)
Do you want to enhance your knowledge around sexual violence education? Join us as we present an Introduction to Sexual Violence. This presentation is a public awareness and education presentation that introduces, and highlights, definitions and concepts related to sexual violence. We will discuss dispelling myths and stereotypes, talk about victim blaming, and the realities of sexual violence.

FREE, Register here

Dates:

Mon, Mar 6, 3:00-4:00pm MST

Fri, Apr 21, 9:00-10:00am MST

NEW – Ending Workplace Sexual Harassment Training

Engagement Strategies Toward Ending Workplace Sexual Harassment

Dates:

Thursday, February 23 from 9:00am – 12:00pm
Friday, April 14 from 1:00pm – 4:00pm

Registration access by emailing education@casasc.ca

 

This is not your average anti-harassment training – An innovative online workshop to help us understand, respond to, and prevent sexual harassment

This three-hour, interactive, online learning opportunity is not your average workplace sexual harassment training. Facilitated by the Education team at the Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre (CASASC).

Research informed and using best practices for adult online learning, this workshop will explore what sexual harassment is (and isn’t), what it costs us, interpersonally and collectively, and, how to help stop sexual harassment as someone who:
• Witnesses someone sexually harassing others,
• Is told about someone else’s sexual harassment,
• Is told they have done something that might amount to sexual harassment, and,
• Is in a position of leadership and responsible for a safe and healthy workplace

COST

$75/participant
$50/participant for #momentsmatter campaign partners – if this is you let us know at education@casasc.ca and we’ll send you another ticket access link (for information on becoming a #momentsmatter campaign partner click here )

GROUPS
Groups of ten or more people receive a 20% discount. If you would like to register as a group, please email us directly at education@casasc.ca or call 403-309-1680

TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS
• This training is conducted via Zoom and includes polls and chat discussion participation
• Prior to attending please ensure that you have downloaded the most current version of zoom
• You will need a laptop or desktop with speakers or headphones. A smartphone will NOT allow you to participate fully.
• We encourage each participant to log on from their own computer (as opposed to multiple participants sharing one computer) to ensure the best experience and participation in the training discussion and polls.
• It is important to use a secure internet connection rather than public/free Wi-Fi.

CERTIFICATE POLICY
A certificate of Completion will only be issued to participants who attend the workshop in full. Attendance is logged through Zoom as proof of complete attendance. Participants need to sign in on time, identify their registered name, attend the entire training, and complete the course evaluation. Certificates will be issued via email following the training session.