Supportive Reporting offers safe space

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The Supportive Reporting Program is offered to survivors of historical sexual assault that have not yet reported the incident(s).

The RCMP works collaboratively with CASASC to arrange for a trauma-informed, plain clothes police officer to meet the client at a non-police location. When at this location, options for reporting the crime, providing a statement and initiating an investigation are discussed.

The CASASC Police, Community + Court Support Worker is an advocate and source of information for the client – that safe guiding presence throughout the process.

To offer these services to survivors, the RCMP unit collaborates with a number of agencies in Red Deer including the Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre, CASASC, Southern Alberta Integrated Child Exploitation Unit and the Red Deer Hospital Sexual Assault Response Team.

Find more info here about CASASC’s Police, Community + Court Support Program.

Now Hiring No Secrets Educator

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CASASC is seeking an experienced and innovative individual to join our dynamic team as an Educator for our school-based program No Secrets.

Position: Educator – No Secrets

Reports to: Community Support Services Coordinator

Job Type: Full Time – 12-month term-certain (maternity-leave)

Location:  Red Deer, AB & occasional daily travel to schools within Central Alberta

Hours of work: 37.5 hours per week

Hourly rate: Determined based on education and experience

Anticipated Start Date: Immediately

Position Summary

As a part of CASASC’s Education team, the Educator – No Secrets supports our goal to increase the personal safety of individuals through education and empowerment, which will prevent sexual violence.

Our school-based program No Secrets is a two-part personal safety program for students K-8 with a focus on child sexual abuse prevention. No Secrets Part 1 is for children ages 5-9 focusing on the topics of safe and unsafe touching, safe and unsafe secrets, body parts including private areas, feelings and who you can tell. No Secrets Part 2 is for youth ages 10-13 builds on topics from Part 1 while exploring the importance of a safety network, the foundations of a healthy relationship, body ownership and boundaries, and consent (education and empowerment).

This position is one part of the two-person No Secrets educational team. Each educator on the team is responsible for preparing and delivering either part of the No Secrets program, determined by the Community Support Services Coordinator.

Responsibilities:

  • Prepare and deliver the No Secrets program by providing interactive and dynamic presentations using age-appropriate methods and activities.
  • Participate in community public education forums and/or events to promote the awareness of sexual violence issues
  • Provide program relevant statistical data for reports

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree or a relevant diploma (EA/ELCC) with 1-2 years of related experience.
  • Exceptional presentation & public speaking skills
  • Ability to build rapport with children and youth ages 5-14 years old
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Able to work collaboratively in a team environment and/or independently
  • Superior time management skills, and the ability to prioritize tasks with minimal supervision
  • Proficient using computers and presentation equipment (incl. basic troubleshooting)
  • Availability to work occasional evenings/weekends for special events

Physical Demands:

  • Program planning and material distribution
  • Presentation set up & take down (tables, chairs, computers, projectors, etc)
  • Low level and waist level lifting to 20 lbs. as well as overhead reaching and above shoulder lifting, could also include trunk rotation and side carrying with either dominant or non-dominant hands
  • Frequent use of office equipment including computers, projectors, etc.
  • Sitting for long periods of time
  • Climbing stairs while carrying supplies

Addition Requirements (must be valid at time of hire):

  • RCMP Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening
  • A valid Driver’s License with a satisfactory Driver’s abstract

CASASC offers a competitive compensation package along with professional development opportunities for innovation and personal growth.

How to Apply:

CASASC is an equal opportunity employer and we value the importance of diversity, dignity and worth of every individual in the workplace.

Email resume & cover letters with salary range expectations to hr@casasc.ca.

Please ensure your name and job title are included in the subject line. Attachments must be in either PDF or Word (.doc/.docx) format.

We thank all applications for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Application deadline: Friday August 21, 2020 at 12:00 pm.

PRIDEful Yoga + Meditation

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It’s Central Alberta Pride and we are celebrating by getting down on our mats for a PRIDEful yoga + meditation practice.

Building off the momentum of the Central Alberta Yogathon, join us on Wednesday, August 12 over the lunch hour for an empowering + self-love themed yoga session.

This virtual one-hour practice will be led by Bailey Martineau (trauma-informed certified kids yoga teacher) and Sarah Maetche (yoga teacher in training).  It is designed for all abilities, ages and bodies.

PRIDEful is offered free-of-charge. Donations to CASASC are gratefully accepted.

A waiver will be sent out via email prior to the session. We will send out the link (via email) for the Zoom session to those registered on August 12 at 10:30 a.m.

Register here via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/prideful-yoga-meditation-with-casasc-tickets-114709180246

 

Now Hiring Summer Office Assistants

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CASASC is hiring summer office assistants. Two seasonal full-time positions are open to candidates ages 15 – 30 who are returning students in the fall.

Find more information about this Canada Summer Jobs Program Opportunity here: https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/jobsearch/jobpostingcsj/32660014

CASASC is an equal opportunity employer and we value the importance of diversity, dignity and worth of every individual in the workplace.

To apply, please send cover letter and resume to Stefn Dodman hr@casasc.ca by Wednesday, July 22.

We thank all applications for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

 

Soroptimist International of Central Alberta supports CASASC

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The Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre (CASASC) recently received a donation from Soroptimist International of Central Alberta.

CASASC Communications Specialist Sarah Maetche (left) accepted the $2,150 donation from a Soroptimist representative along with other receiving organizations on Thursday, June 25.

The funds were generated from the Vagina Monologues event held in February. The Soroptimists raised a total of $17,200 and channeled the funds to seven organizations that support women and girls in the central Alberta region.

5th Annual Central Alberta Yogathon – the Virtual Experience

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Roll out your mat for a great cause May 23rd! FREE!

Sat, 23 May 2020
8:30 AM – 4:30 PM MDT
FREE

The Rotary Club of Red Deer Sunrise presents the 5th Annual Central Alberta Yogathon – the Virtual Experience, in support of the 35th Anniversary of Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre providing education and support to individuals, families & communities throughout Central Alberta.

Connect with Central Albertans for a powerful day of mindful movement, wellness & rejuvenation. a Registration is FREE and open to people of all ages and abilities . Create your own experience as you choose from 10 different yoga & yoga-related sessions, led by certified instructors. The event also features short fitness demos, wellness tips and a virtual wellness trade show. The celebration kicks off at 8:30 AM, and closes with a sound bath meditation at 4:30 PM.

Here is how it will work:

Once the schedule is confirmed, you will be emailed with the link to choose your sessions. Sessions include Power Flow, Gentle Flow, Vinyasa, Hatha, Yin, Fusion and even some yoga for the little ones.

  1. Register
  2. Wait for the schedule choices link in your email to choose your Virtual Yogathon Experience
  3. Sign in on line May 23rd
  4. Enjoy!
REGISTER
 

Body Boundaries: No Secrets Mini-edu Session

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Today I am going to be talking about body boundaries; what it means and how to help yourself and others learn about yours and their body “bubble.”

  • A body boundary is an invisible and personal set of rules that define what is a ‘good’ touch and a ‘bad’ touch and the types and amount of touching the child is comfortable with. These boundaries are important because they help with defining the ‘self’.

We all have a body bubble and most of the time we are not aware how big out bubble is. Some people’s body bubble is big and if you’re across the room from them, we still may be in their space. Some people have smaller bubbles where you can come close to them and they are not bothered.

Your bubble changes with every situation that you are in. For example, when you are sitting in your desk at school, your bubble has to be a bit smaller to accommodate the class size and other desks. But when you are standing up and going to the library, your bubble will get a bit bigger. If someone in the hall runs up to you and gives you a hug without asking, they popped your bubble and you may have felt very uncomfortable that that person has broken your personal bubble. Sometimes we don’t even realize we have moved into someone’s space.

The great thing about this is if someone is looking uncomfortable around you, or you’re in their space but they haven’t said anything, their body may be telling you to leave their space. There are a few signals you can look for. They may be red in the face, make no eye contact, their body is moving away from you, they are quiet or nervous, maybe an awkward laugh comes out.

As humans, we have to take queues from people’s body language as well as their words. There are people out there that cannot communicate verbally, and they have to rely on their body language to get by. So, as teachers and parents, we have to teach students how to read body language

I want everyone to know, you have the right to your body and nobody else. You have the right to say no to someone coming into your personal space. You are allowed to explain that you have a body bubble. “My Body is My body and Nobody else’s”

This bring me back to our safe and unsafe touches. No one is allowed to touch you. Remember your body is your body.

Here at CASASC, we will always believe you. Call, text or webchat with us on our help line and we can help you.

Help line:
1-866-956-1099

Next week we will be talking body parts.

Safety Network: No Secrets Mini-edu Session

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Today I am going to be talking to you about what a safety network is and how we can have one in our circle. Everyone needs a safety network in their life. It may not make be obvious until we are in need of it and those people. Adults have them and kids of all ages need to have one too. Today I am going to teach you about how to build a safety network.

A safety network is a group of people that you can trust and go to, whatever the situation is. They will not judge you and they will get the help that you need right away.

I am going to give you three categories of safety networks. I say three because three is a good number to remember but if you have more, you can add them as you go.

What I like to do in my classroom is to have everyone close their eyes and put their heads down. First, I want everyone to take a big belly breath in and out and get relaxed. If there is nothing you take away from this, I would tell you this is what I want you to take away:

First, I want you to think of someone who is safe and trusted in your FAMILY.

This does not always mean mom and dad because sometimes mom and dad are not always our trusted person. Maybe it’s an older cousin, grandma or grandpa, an auntie or uncle or an older sibling. This person is someone who you can go to for anything.

Second, I want you to think of someone who is safe and trusted at SCHOOL. An adult at school that you can go to and they will believe you if you told them something uncomfortable. If you don’t have a trusted adult at school maybe, it’s your best friend BUT this friend has to be able to be brave and go and tell an adult for you. I say an adult because they can get you the proper help that you need.

Lastly, I want you to think of someone who is safe and trusted in your COMMUNITY. Remember this person needs to be trusted to you and to others. Think of community helpers like the police, fire, ambulance, coaches or doctors.

With a safety network, it’s important to remember that sometimes the person we choose for one, may not always believe us. For example, if you choose your grandpa and he did not believe you, do you stop telling? No, you go to the next person and if that person does not believe you, you keep going in your network until someone believes you. Sometimes you have to tell your story more than once for someone to believe you. I promise you that where I work, we will always believe you if you tell us someone is hurting you or someone around you.

Please make sure in your safety network that the people that you have are trusted and will help in any way they can. You can have more than one person in each category to make sure if you need to go back to that categories you have someone else to tell.

Here at CASASC, we will always believe you. Call, text or webchat with us on our help line and we can help you.

Help line:
1-866-956-1099

Next week we will be talking about body boundaries.

Safe and Unsafe Secrets: No Secrets Mini-edu Session

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What is a secret: Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.

You never keep a secret about an ouch touch or a private touch, even if the person tells me they will hurt me, or someone close to me. I still need to tell someone close to me who can help me stay safe.

There are two types secrets: a safe secret and an unsafe secret.

Example of a safe secret: If I told your teacher I was baking your class chocolate chip cookies and asked them to keep it a secret. This is a safe secret because no one is getting hurt in the scenario. It’s safe for your teacher to keep and if the teacher wants to tell she can, and it won’t hurt anyone.

Example of an unsafe secret: If you were having a shower and a family member comes into the bathroom and strips naked and comes into the shower with you. Maybe they start touching your bathing suit area. They then tell you that it’s our little secret and if you tell, I will take away your phone and I will hurt you if you tell. This is an unsafe secret for many reasons.

First of all, no one should be touching you anywhere, especially in your bathing suit area. No one should be saying it’s our secret when they touch you like that, and you have the right to say no and the right to your privacy. This type of secret you need to tell, no matter what the person says. Most likely they will not hurt you if you tell the right people right away.

I know and I understand that it’s hard to tell an adult that someone has touched you and gave you an unsafe secret, but in this kind of situation, you need to tell right away. Sometimes we might not be able to tell right away. You may need to take a couple days to get the courage to tell, but you need to tell sooner rather than later so that we can help you.

Make sure you find someone who will believe you and who can get you help. Here at CASASC, we will always believe you. Call, text or webchat with us on our help line and we can help you.

Help line:
1-866-956-1099

Next week we will be talking about our safety network, the people that you trust and who you can tell.

 

Safe and Unsafe Touches: No Secrets Mini-edu Session

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This is a weekly educational series we are launching for parents, educators + caregivers to help keep our kids safe. The following info is provided from Bailey of our No Secrets education team. While this would be typically be presented in the classroom, we have adapted it for social media purposes:

Safe and Unsafe Touches

Today we are going talk about safe and unsafe touches.
You’re the boss of your body and you can decide who and when someone can or cannot touch you. Your body is your body and no body’s else.

There are three types of touches that I am going to be talking about today:
-Safe touch
-Ouch touch
-Private touch

Safe Touch: A safe touch is a touch that is wanted and fun. We like to give and receive these types of touches. Even with these types of touches, we still need to ask first.

Examples of safe touches:
o High five
o Fist pump
o Hug
o Handshake

Ouch Touch: An ouch touch is a touch that is unwanted and hurts. Unfortunately everyone has received an ouch touch at some point in their life. Think before you act.

Examples of Ouch touches:
o Slapping
o Pushing
o Biting
o Hair pulling

Private Touch: A private touch are touches to your private parts (Bathing suit area). This touch is unwanted and is bad. No one should be touching your private parts.

Examples of private touch:
o Breast
o Vagina
o Penis

The only person that is allowed to look and or touch to keep you healthy is your doctor. Your doctor has to ask first to look and to touch. If you are younger than 16 sometimes you have to have an older adult in the room with you. But its ok to ask for privacy.

Three-word rule:
No one should look at
No one should touch
and
No one should take a picture of your private parts.

Remember your body is your body and no one else’s. No one should come up to you and touch you unsafely without your consent. Even when someone wants a hug they still have to ask or their body language will ask for them. Please respect your body and everyone else’s body around you.

Next week we are going to talk about safe and unsafe secrets.

*Images from book Bailey uses in the classroom