iRespect Yoga in the Park

iRespect Yoga returns, in-person and in the park. Join CASASC staff members Bailey Martineau (trauma-informed certified kids yoga teacher) and Sarah Maetche (registered yoga teacher RYT-200) for an outdoor practice at Coronation Park. Meet us both afternoons by the stone circle in the middle of the park.

We are offering two one-hour sessions designed for everyBody – all abilities, ages and bodies. Join us on May 19 at 5:30 p.m. for a hatha practice. On May 25 at 5:30 p.m. join us for a family-friendly flow.

These two outdoor yoga sessions are hosted by CASASC in celebration of Sexual Violence Awareness Month (SVAM) and bring the focus to the iRespect campaign, creating a culture of respect wherever we go.

Each session is offered by donation to CASASC (suggested donation of $5). As we are outdoors, the practices will run weather dependent. We encourage you to bring your own mat and props.

Pre-registration not required, drop-ins are welcome. Pre-register up to 2 hours before the session to fill out your waiver in advance. Pre-register here on Eventbrite.

Your 2022 Guide to Sexual Violence Awareness Month

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, May is Sexual Violence Awareness Month (SVAM). The goal of SVAM is to raise public awareness about sexual violence and to educate communities on how to prevent it.

The theme of SVAM this year is RISE. We know that one month alone isn’t enough to solve the widespread issue of sexual violence; however, the attention we generate during the month is an opportunity to energize and expand prevention efforts throughout the year.

 

About RISE

SVAM is about more than awareness – the ultimate goal is prevention. This year’s theme centres around rising up – rising up to support, empower, show respect and inspire one another during this uncertain time.

The theme Rise is inspired by Maya Angelou’s poem Still I Rise. She writes: “Just like the moons and like suns, With the certainty of tides, Just like hopes springing high, Still I’ll rise.”

Throughout the pandemic, rates of sexual violence continued to increase. Sexual violence is often a taboo topic and the issue has been pushed into the back, dark crevasse of society.

Sexual violence needs to be addressed and a message of hope needs to be relayed to survivors. This is why we rise – to empower, to support, to inspire and to show respect.

 

Key Messages: Sexual Violence and Prevention

Sexual violence is a serious and widespread problem. Anyone can experience sexual violence in their lifetime, however most incidents occur against women and girls.

In their lifetime, 45 per cent of adult Albertans have experienced some type of sexual abuse. That’s two in three adult females and one in three adult males.

In Canada, 87 per cent of survivors are women and girls. Ninety-four per cent of offenders are men. Sexual violence is the most underreported crime in Canada. Ninety-five per cent of survivors do not report their assaults to the police.

Statistics also show that some groups are more likely to experience sexual violence including: Indigenous women and girls, children and adolescents, people with disabilities, those of the LGBTQ2IA+ community and new Canadians.

When we speak about prevention, we mean stopping sexual violence before it even has a chance to happen. This means changing the social norms that allow it to exist in the first place, from individual attitudes, values and behaviors to laws, institutions and widespread social norms. CASASC believes this is achieved through the concept of respect.

Prevention is all our responsibility. We can create and promote safe respectful environments through all facets of our lives. We can intervene to stop concerning behavior; promote and model healthy attitudes and relationships; promote the creation of a culture of respect; and believe survivors and assist them in finding the support they need.

 

How You Can Stay Involved All Month Long

Each week in May we’re featuring different ways you can get involved by promoting awareness and rising up. Want to get involved? We’ve got you covered. We have an array of events and ways for you to participate in SVAM. More details about each individual event will be released throughout the month.

Download the SVAM calendar here

 

Calendar of Events:

Week 1:

May 1

-Launch of SVAM

May 3

-Services + Programs at CASASC virtual presentations

May 4

-Introduction to Sexual Violence virtual presentation

-The Voices virtual presentation

May 5

-Red Dress Day

-Supporting Disclosures virtual presentation

 

Week 2:

May 11

-Consent 101 virtual presentation

-Activity Sharing – Teaching prevention education Grades K-7 virtual presentation

-The Voices virtual presentation

May 14

-Rockin’ Red Deer Lip Sync Battle Event (CANCELLED)

 

Week 3:

May 16

-Consent 101 virtual presentation

-Activity Sharing – Teaching prevention education Grades K-7 virtual presentation

May 18

-Services + Programs at CASASC virtual presentations

-The Voices virtual presentation

May 19

-iRespect Yoga in the Park

May 20

-Social media takeover

 

Week 4:

May 24

-Introduction to Sexual Violence virtual presentation

-Ask An Expert Parenting + Sexualized Behaviour conversation with our clinical expert

May 25

-Supporting Disclosures virtual presentation

-The Voices virtual presentation

-iRespect Yoga in the Park

May 27

-Respect Day

 

Week 5:

May 30

-Consent 101 virtual presentations

 

 

Available all month long:

-SVAM school activity guide

A free document of SVAM activities + information for schools and community.

-iRespect colouring pages

Join Ressie the Respect unicorn and colour two pages.

-iRespect statement sign

Make your own Respect statement. Print out your own sign, tell us how/what you respect. Send in your statement signs to education@casasc.ca or tag us in our social media. Use the #iRespect hashtag.

-iRespect – MADE TO RESPECT t-shirts

Individuals are encouraged to wear the classic CASASC t-shirt on May 27. T-shirts are available at the main office for a nominal donation. Sizes are limited. Post a selfie of yourself wearing the t-shirt and tag CASASC in social media. Use the #iRespect hashtag.

-iRespect playlist Vol. 2

Listen to a respect and empowerment playlist curated by CASASC staff.

 

Find these month-long offerings on the iRespect tab of the CASASC website https://casasc.ca/irespect/ launching May 1.

 

Your week-to-week guide: RISE

Week 1: Empower (May 1 – May 7)

Week 2: Support (May 8 – May 14)

Week 3: Inspire (May 15 – May 21)

Week 4: Respect (May 22 – May 28)

 

Checking your social media feeds anyway? Follow CASASC on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube where we will be sharing information, statistics, resources, graphics and videos for SVAM throughout the month of May. Share our posts, tag CASASC and encourage others to do the same.

 

Maya Angelou’s Poem Still I Rise: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/46446/still-i-rise

 

Facebook: @CASASCRD

Twitter: @CASASC2

Instagram: @CASASC3

YouTube: Let’s Connect – CASASC

 

Hashtags: #iRespect, #SVAM, #cultureofrespect #rise

 

Update – Rockin’ Red Deer Lip Sync Battle

The date to register for the Rockin’ Red Deer Lip Sync Battle Event has been extended to May 11. The cost to register has also been waived to add greater access to this fundraiser event.

On Saturday, May 14 prepare to hit the stage for a great cause. Join us at Bower Ponds for the Rockin’ Red Deer Lip Sync Battle Event.

Lead the Way Development Inc. (LTW) and the Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre (CASASC) have partnered together for this very special fundraising event.

After two long years of isolation, separating and social distancing, it’s time to let loose and reconnect. The fundraiser event kicks off at 10 a.m. and runs until 4 p.m.

The community-focused, team building event will bring together different businesses, clubs and organizations with the goal of supporting those in need within central Alberta. All proceeds will go towards CASASC to help continue their mission – to end sexual violence and help build safer communities.

Rockin’ Red Deer is an outdoor community event suitable for all ages.

Channeling your inner rockstar on stage is simple – find your team, decide on a song that you will use in your live on-stage battle, gain pledges and support from your peers and practice.

One team will be crowned the Rockin’ Red Deer Lip Sync Grand Champion. This is the first year for the Rockin’ Red Deer Lip Sync Battle Event.

Registration is open for individuals, duos and trios. Register a team with up to five people. There is no cost to register. More details can be found at: https://www.leadthewaydevelopment.com/lip-sync-battle-red-deer

There is no cost for spectators to attend the event. Support your community and come out for a day of fun, singing and dancing with your family.

Rockin’ Red Deer Lip Sync Battle

On Saturday, May 14 prepare to hit the stage for a great cause. Join us at Bower Ponds for the Rockin’ Red Deer Lip Sync Battle Event.

Lead the Way Development and CASASC are partnering together for this very special fundraising event.

After two long years of isolation, separating and social distancing, it’s time to let loose and reconnect. The fundraiser event kicks off at 10 a.m. and runs until 4 p.m.

The community-focused, team building event will bring together different businesses, clubs and organizations with the goal of supporting those in need within Central Alberta. All proceeds will go towards CASASC to help continue our mission – to ending sexual violence and helping build safer communities.

Rockin’ Red Deer is an outdoor community event suitable for all ages.

 To channel your inner rockstar on stage is simple – find your team, decide on a song that you will use in your live on-stage battle, gain pledges and support from your peers and practice.

One team will be crowned the Rockin’ Red Deer Lip Sync Grand Champion. This is the first year for the Rockin’ Red Deer Lip Sync Battle Event.

Registration is now open for teams, with a $500 entrance fee per team.

Registration and more details can be found at:

https://www.leadthewaydevelopment.com/lip-sync-battle-red-deer

There is no cost for spectators to attend the event. Support your community and come out for a day of fun, singing and dancing with your family and friends.

Ask an Expert Clinical Series – Parenting Conversation March

Ask an Expert – Parenting + Sexualized Behaviour Conversations With Our Clinical Expert

Join us for an informal 60 minute virtual 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.

Our expert will give a short overview of the Sexualized Behaviour Support Program (SBSP) and share about frequent concerns and conversations. This will leave plenty of time for participants to join in a discussion and to both privately and publicly ask questions.

Date:

Tuesday, March 29 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. via Zoom

 

Register via Eventbrite here for the March 29 session

Giving Tuesday 2021

Tuesday, November 30th is Giving Tuesday, a global movement for giving and volunteering which takes place each year after Black Friday.

This year Once again CASASC is launching a donation drive to collect comfort items for the SART (in-hospital) program.

CASASC offers a 24-hour Sexual Assault Response Team (SART). This team is a collaborative partnership between CASASC and the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre. Together support and treatment is provided to those who have experienced recent sexual assault.

The Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre completes sexual assault exams for anyone within the Central Alberta Region and is the main regional artery and contact for towns and cities between Edmonton and Calgary. If a survivor decides to seek medical support at the hospital, it is reassuring to know a trained team is there to meet them and provide the best patient care and support.

When in the hospital, the survivor may also choose to speak with a CASASC trained SART member, who provide information and support. SART members offer each individual a care package that includes comfort items like a blanket, slippers or socks, a journal or a stress ball.

These comfort items provide individuals with a small piece of solace during a trying time. Each pair of slippers or blanket provided show compassion, care and love from the community.

SART members are there not only to support the survivor, but also their family members or anyone who may have come with them to the hospital.

The Central Alberta SART team provides in-hospital support to over 130 individuals each year.

 

Comfort items being collected include:

Fuzzy socks and/or slippers

Blankets

Journals

Stress balls

 

Due to COVID restrictions, only new items are being accepted at this time.

Donations will be accepted between 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 30th at the CASASC main office (A201, 5212 48 Street). A donation bin will be set up in the front lobby area, just inside the doorway. AHS health guidelines will be followed to protect the well-being of donors, clients, staff and community members.

Monetary donations will be accepted at the main office (cash, credit or cheque). Online donations to this campaign are accepted via our CanadaHelps page

https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/central-alberta-sexual-assault-centre/campaign/giving-tuesday-comfort-and-care/

 

Family Violence Prevention Month 2021

 

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 public 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.

 

Family Violence and COVID-19:

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 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Child sexual abuse

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

Social isolation

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. Social distancing and self-quarantine or isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic can make it more challenging to access valuable relationships, but there are ways to stay connected.

 

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 FVPM 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.

-Purple #iRespect t-shirt – CASASC will have a special edition iRespect t-shirt available. Individuals are encouraged to wear theirs throughout the month, and on Purple Day and the Day of Action.

 

Events:

-Silent Witnesses (Purple Silhouettes) – Friday, November 26th and ongoing

CASASC will be hosting an outdoor exhibit with silent witnesses (purple human figure cut outs) to bring awareness to the issue of family violence in our community. The exhibit will be able to be viewed from your vehicle or on foot on Friday, November 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the north corner of Centennial Plaza Park (52nd Ave. and 48 Street).

The purple silhouettes are also popping up around the community, “hanging out” with our community partners over the next couple weeks. Silent witnesses can can be found at Cilantro and Chive Red Deer (1927 50 Ave.), Troubled Monk (5551 45 Street) and The Outreach Centre (4101 54 Ave.).

-Info Booth at Lacombe Farmer’s Market– Friday, November 19th

Visit our team at the Lacombe Farmer’s Market. We will be handing out information on family violence prevention and info on our services and campaigns.

-Purple Day of Action – Friday, November 26th

On this day, bring out your purple once again to take action against family violence. Show your purple and make a statement that family violence must be prevented in our community.

-Info booth at Red Deer Rebels game – Friday, November 26th

Visit our team at the Red Deer Rebels game in the community corner. We will be handing out information on family violence prevention and info on our services and campaigns.

POSTPONED – Ask an Expert Clinical Series – Parenting Conversation

Ask an Expert – Parenting + Sexualized Behaviour Conversations With Our Clinical Expert

Join us for an informal 60 minute virtual 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.

Our expert will give a short overview of the Sexualized Behaviour Support Program (SBSP) and share about frequent concerns and conversations. This will leave plenty of time for participants to join in a discussion and to both privately and publicly ask questions.

Dates:

POSTPONED – October 26 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. via Zoom

New date: November 9th from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. via Zoom

 

Register via Eventbrite here for the Nov. 9 session

Ask an Expert Clinical Series – Sexualized Behaviour FAQs

Ask an Expert – Sexualized Behaviour FAQs and conversation with our clinical expert

Join one of our child therapists for a virtual conversation about sexualized behaviour. Bring your questions and concerns or come to just to hear more.

Curious about the sexualized behaviour your child/youth may be displaying? CASASC offers a specialized counselling program that helps children and youth up to age 18 who are presenting with individual sexual behaviour problems or concerns.

In this session, our child therapist will give a short 15 minute overview of the sexualized behaviour program, frequent concerns and conversations. We will then leave 45 minutes of time for participants to ask questions and join in discussion with our clinical expert.

Date:

August 23 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. via Zoom

Register via Eventbrite here

iRespect Learning Series – Consent 101

Join us as we learn the basics about consent and consent to sexual activity. Find sessions targeted for youth (in Grades 7-12), adults/parents and the general public. Our targeted session we will explore the basics to consent and consent to sexual activity as it relates to youth. Definitions, laws & ages of consent, sexting and healthy intimate partner relationships.

The CASASC education team will be hosting five virtual presentations via Zoom throughout the months of August and September. Each session is 60 minutes long and is offered free-of-charge.

August Dates:

For adults/parents: To register to the August 10 – 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. session, visit the Eventbrite page here

For teens (Grades 7-12): To register to the August 10 – 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. session, visit the Eventbrite page here

General public: To register to the August 10 – 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. session, visit the Eventbrite page here

September Dates:

General public: To register to the September 14 – 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. session, visit the Eventbrite page here

For adults/parents: To register to the September 14 – 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. session, visit the Eventbrite page here