Victims and Survivors of Crime Week

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Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre would like to acknowledge everyone who participated or assisted with Victims and Survivors of Crime Week 2018. The week-long event ran from May 27 to June 2 and is a nationwide endeavor put on by the Government of Canada.

This year, the theme was “Transforming the Culture Together” and there were over 20 events that took place in Alberta. The goal was to raise awareness about the issues facing victims and survivors of crime and about the services, assistance and laws in place to help victims, survivors and their families. This week was also a time to acknowledge the work of service providers and their dedication to assisting victims and survivors of crime and their families.

Including Respect Day held on May 25, various information booths, our social media presence and partnerships with the local media, we estimate that we reached more than 6,200 people throughout Central Alberta. Thank you for supporting us in raising awareness and continually promoting respect in our community.

 

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Respect Day celebration draws crowd to City Hall Park

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The more individuals respect one another, the less harm they will do to each other. This could lead to the elimination of violence.

The Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre (CASASC) continued its’ mission to eliminate sexual violence by hosting a free community event in honour of respect at City Hall Park.

On May 25th CASASC celebrated Respect Day in Red Deer. This was a community celebration where the focus was placed on creating a culture of respect in our day-to-day lives in Central Alberta. It featured Latin flavoured music by Grupo Konga, dancing by the Red Deer Aboriginal Dance Troupe, information booths and a by-donation barbeque.

Local dignitaries City of Red Deer Deputy Mayor Ken Johnston, MLA Barb Miller, MLA Kim Schreiner and MP Earl Dreeshen brought greetings to the crowd gathered.

Respect Day was an awareness event connected to CASASC’s current proactive campaign titled #iRespect. The goal of #iRespect is to encourage everyone to conduct their lives and treat one another with respect. In this, sexual violence, and violence in general, will be eliminated. This campaign is focused on awareness and creating positive changes, dispelling the negative connotations of “rape culture.”

“The idea is that the promotion and encouragement of respect is a preventative measure against sexual violence,” said CASASC Executive Director Patricia Arango. “The more respect people have for one another the less harm they will cause.”

CASASC AGM 2018

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Board members, staff and students attended the CASASC AGM for 2017 on May 15, 2018 at Tiffany’s Steakhouse and Lounge.

Respect Day – Join us on May 25th

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You are not going to want to miss this!
Join us on Friday, May 25 for Respect Day. CASASC will be celebrating this annual day in City Hall in Red Deer. This is a free event that will feature music, dancing, information booths and a by donation barbeque
Everyone is welcome!
Wear your MADE TO RESPECT t-shirt
Together we can create a culture of #Respect

 

Premier proclaims May as Sexual Violence Awareness Month

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The provincial government proclaimed May as Sexual Violence Awareness month on May 1, 2018. Action is also being taken provincially to challenge attitudes, promote a culture of consent and raise awareness about sexual violence in Alberta.

To start the month, the province launched a new Commitment to End Sexual Violence. Developed through extensive consultation with dozens of front line providers, advocates and survivors, the commitment brings ten government ministries and community organizations together to deliver a coordinated, province wide response to address sexual violence in Alberta.

“Every Albertan deserves to live free from sexual harassment and assault,” said Premier Rachel Notley. “Sexualized violence is a crime of power and control, and governments have a duty to lead, to offer hope and healing to survivors, to make workplaces and campuses safe and to tackle the inequality at the root of this violence that most impacts women and girls.”

Throughout the month, the government will announce initiatives to support the commitment and build on actions taken to address and prevent sexual harassment and assault.

Since 2015 government has invested close to $52 million to support a range of programs and services to prevent sexual violence and support survivors in communities across Alberta.

“We are pleased to be a partner in the government’s commitment to prevent sexual violence and provide better support to those who are affected,” said Deb Tomlinson, chief executive director of the Association of Alberta Sexual Assault Services. “Sexual violence is a problem that affects all communities in our province and will require a united effort by government, community organizations and individuals to eliminate.”

Quick Facts:

  • Sexual violence is the most under-reported crime in Canada. Ninety-five per cent of survivors do not report their assaults to police.
  • Sexual violence most often affects women and girls. Eighty-seven per cent of survivors are women and 94 per cent of perpetrators are men.
  • In 2014, 83,000 Albertans reported sexual assaults.
  • Sexual violence is defined as a sexual act committed against someone without that person’s freely given consent. It can involve physical or non-physical contact, affect all ages and genders, and the person committing the act might be known or be a stranger.

Contest Alert: Win a trip to Panama

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Want to win a 12-day educational adventure to Central America?

Join the Go Across Travel campaign to raise funds for CASASC and the Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre (CACAC). Together we are aiming to raise funds towards a child trauma centre in Red Deer.

The contest opens on May 30th and you will have two months to raise as many funds as you can. It is open to young adults age 14 to 26.

Go Across Travel’s goal is to bring people together for the common good. They believe strongly in the philosophy of thinking beyond yourself, not only on your needs but of the needs of those less fortunate than you.

For contest details visit: https://goacrosstravel.com/contest

 

 

TELUS supports No Secrets education program

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The Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre (CASASC) recently received a donation from the TELUS Payday Lottery Committee for the No Secrets education program.

CASASC Executive Director Patricia Arango (left) accepted the $5,000 donation from TELUS Representative Marlene Duce (right) on April 13.

No Secrets is a personal safety program for children ages 5 to 9 with a focus on child sexual abuse prevention. No Secrets provides a forum from which children can discuss safe and unsafe touching, body parts including private areas, feelings and who you can tell.

The donation to the Kindergarten to Grade 4 sexual violence prevention program will be used towards program materials.

CASASC awarded with Inspiration Award

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The Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre (CASASC) is the recipient of a provincial award recognizing leadership in sexual violence prevention.

CASASC team members attended the Inspiration Awards ceremony for Edmonton, central and northern Alberta at Government House in Edmonton on April 4.

A total of nine Inspiration Awards were presented by the Ministry of Community and Social Services to individuals and groups who demonstrated excellence in the areas of public education on healthy relationships, working across sectors to address violence and partnering with Alberta’s diverse communities.

The awards were presented by Irfan Sabir, Minister of Community and Social Services and Lacombe-Ponoka MLA Ron Orr was also in attendance.

CASASC received its’ group leadership award for offering innovative and comprehensive programs and services.

“They educate, support and empower individuals, families and communities regarding all aspects of sexual abuse and sexual assault,” said Ken Dropko, Executive Director of Family and Community Services in the Ministry of Community and Social Services during the ceremony. “They have created quality education programs, Culture of Respect principles with the IRespect campaign, and the Family Intervention Program. Other services include their one-on-one, group, pet and play therapy, the 24 Hour Crisis Line for Web/Text/Phone and the Sexual Assault Response Team (SART).”

CASASC volunteer, educator and SART member Shalea Harder-Mah also received an Inspiration Award for leadership in sexual violence prevention – emerging excellence.

Harder-Mah was recognized for her passion in helping other affected by sexual violence.

“Shalea started the first Red Deer College Sexual Assault and Abuse Awareness Group and has managed the group ever since,” said Dropko. “In 2016, the group received special recognition from the Student’s Association of Red Deer College for their work…Shalea volunteers for several other crime prevention organizations and believes in building healthy and positive relationships.”

Other award recipients on April 4 included the Dr. Margaret Savage Crisis Centre, the Cold Lake High School’s Best Buddies program and Fossey, the Zebra Child Protection Centre service dog.

“Albertans have always stood up for their neighbours and worked together to support those in need,” said Sabir. “The Inspiration Awards recognize community leaders who set an extraordinary example to support those affected by violence and abuse. These awards are a way our government can say thank you for their efforts to make life better for all Albertans.”

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This Is What I Was Wearing When It Happened

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In recognition of International Women’s Day, the Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre (CASASC) and two third-year BScN students of RDC partnered together for This is What I Was Wearing When It Happened, a reflection event.

The thought provoking exhibit was held on March 8 at the Forum in Red Deer College.

The purpose of this reflection event was to bring awareness to the issue of victim blaming and the stigma surrounding women’s clothing as the reason why they were sexually assaulted.

The exhibit featured five live mannequins wearing various types of clothing victims were wearing at the time they were assaulted. This was meant to be a real life representation, a visual way to bring awareness around the still existing stigma.

This was the second year for the reflection event on International Women’s Day. Last year’s event at Parkland Mall featured over 300 pairs of shoes, each representing an Alberta woman who was missing or murdered. The shoe exhibit encouraged people to reflect on the lives of those women.

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Alberta Government announces more funding for sexual assault support centres

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The Alberta Government is expanding front-line services across the province with a $8.1 million investment in the Association of Alberta Sexual Assault Services (AASAS), to ensure survivors who take the brave step to come forward have the supports they need.

This funding announcement was made on March 7 in Edmonton.

As part of the AASAS membership, the Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre will be one of the centres receiving increased funding.

Across the province, sexual assault centres and law enforcement are reporting increased demand for counselling services. The government-funded AASAS #IBelieveYou campaign against the backdrop of the global #MeToo movement, are starting to help survivors feel safe about reaching out for help.

“Courageous women in Alberta and around the world are finally breaking their silence and sharing their stories of sexual assault and harassment,” said Status of Women Minister Stephanie McLean. “We hear them and we stand with them. Today, we are taking action – funding more counselling and helping people navigate the court and police systems so all survivors are supported on their healing journey.”

AASAS will use the money for ongoing funding of front-line services, including expanding crisis response and greater use of specialized police and court support workers. The funding is from Community and Social Services, Health, and Justice and Solicitor General.
“As a government, we owe it to survivors to take every step necessary to ensure they have the supports they need when they come forward,” said Minister of Community and Social Services Irfan Sabir. “This funding continues our government’s commitment to provide supports for survivors as well as tools for sexual assault prevention and education.”
The funding is additional to the almost $44 million invested since 2015 to support a wide range of programs and services to prevent sexual violence and support survivors in communities across Alberta.
“These funds will have a tremendous impact on the lives of survivors,” said AASAS CEO Deb Tomlinson. “They will not only address the 53 per cent increase in new counselling clients and unprecedented wait lists our member agencies faced, but will allow us to provide specialized services to rural areas of Alberta.”
AASAS will also hire more staff in seven under-served communities so survivors in those regions get the support they need close to home.
Sexual violence refers to any violence, physical or psychological, carried out through sexual means or by targeting sexuality. Government works across ten ministries with agencies and community organizations across the province to prevent sexual violence, support survivors and ensure the social, justice, health and educational systems respond to survivors.

Funding details:

  • $6.225 million from Community and Social Services (CSS), for increased counselling, outreach and education services, and to develop a Collaborative Community Response Model targeting seven underserved regions in the province:
    • North West – High Level, High Prairie, Peavine, Rainbow Lake, Fort Vermillion;
    • North East – Fort Chipewyan, Fort McKay, Janvier;
    • North Central – Wabasca, Slave Lake, Athabasca;
    • Central West – Hinton, Jasper, Edson;
    • Central East – Bonnyville, Cold Lake, St. Paul, Lac La Biche;
    • Bow Valley – Canmore, Banff, Lake Louise; and
    • South West – Lethbridge, Cardston, Taber, Pincher Creek
  • $750,000 from Health for specialized counselling and expanded services.
  • $1.09 million from Justice and Solicitor General to enhance police and court support services.