Monthly update – CASASC Connections – March

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 March 2023.

If you would like to have this update emailed to you each month please send us a note at education@casasc.ca and we’d be happy to add you to the list.

 

Red Deer Rebels Community Corner Booth

This past Friday, February 24, CASASC staffed the community corner booth at the Red Deer Rebels vs. Winnipeg Ice home game. Brining awareness to the 3,743 Rebels fans in attendance about Pink Shirt Day and our own bullying prevention and respect conversations.

We sold raffle tickets for a large stuffed unicorn and a team signed Rebels stick, raising over $600, and gave a free entry into a special unicorn themed child’s prize to over 70 children.

Thank you Rebels for allowing us a space at your game to talk about our services and share important messages like bullying prevention, sexual violence awareness and more.

 

We’re Hiring!

We are seeking to hire THREE full-time positions on our clinical team. Looking for passionate,  and respectful individuals to join our organization.

Find the full job descriptions and application details by clicking on the links below.

Police and Court Support

Child Counsellor

Adult Counsellor

 

Congratulations

It is with great pride that we share this great news. Our staff member Erin Wilmer has been awarded the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal. Erin is our Crisis, Support and SART team Manager. She was nominated for demonstrating exceptional qualities and providing outstanding service to our Province as a crisis manager by supporting and responding to all individuals impacted by sexual violence.

Congrats Erin!

 

Prime Boiler Services Supports CASASC

Prime Boiler Services raised funds to support CASASC this past Wednesday, February 22. As part of a Pink Shirt Day initiative Prime Boiler Services choose to share the money raised with CASAC and our respect and bullying prevention work.

A donation of $762 dollars was presented to CASASC by Prime Boiler Services President, Eric Madsen, at the CASASC community booth February 24.

Thank you Prime Boiler Services so much for your support.

Find the full story here.

 

Virtual Learning Series

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

March 14 @ 6:00-6:45 pm MST

April 18 @ 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)

March 30 @ 4:00-5:00 pm MST

April 27 @ 4:00-5:00 pm MST

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

Services & Programs at CASASC (30 min)

March 10 @ 11:30 am-12:00 pm MST

April 6 @ 9:30-10:00 am MST

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

Introduction to Sexual Violence (60 min)

March 6 @ 3:00-4:00 pm MST

April 21 @ 9:00-10:00 am MST

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

Supporting Disclosures (45 min)

March 24 @ 12:00-12:45 pm MST

April 26 @3:00-3:45 pm MST

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

 

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 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

 

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

 

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.

 

Programs + Services

Our programs our available at no cost to all our central Alberta communities and do not require formal medical or legal referrals.  We do our best to help reduce barriers to accessing our services including barriers to those in rural and remote spaces.

For more information about our programs and services email casasc@casasc.ca or call 403-340-1124

 

Social Media

Stay up-to-date on services, community events and updates by following our social media accounts.

  • Twitter @CASASC2
  • Instagram @CASAC3
  • Facebook @CASASCRD
  • TikTok @CASASC5

Prime Boiler Services Supports CASASC

Prime Boiler Services raises funds to support the Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre (CASASC).

This past Wednesday, February 22, Prime Boiler Services raised funds as Part of Pink Shirt Day, a day to support bullying awareness and prevention initiatives, and choose to share those funds with CASASC.

CASASCs school aged prevention education programs, iRespect US 1 and iRespect US 2 provide middle school students with the knowledge and skills to have healthy peer relationships, positively impact their schools and contribute to safe spaces without bullying behaviour. As part of Pink Shirt Day, CASASC had a booth at the Red Deer Rebels community corner during their home game February 24 against the Winnipeg Ice.

The donation accepted on February 24 by Carlia Schwab, CASASC Education and Community Relations Manager, was presented by Eric Madsen, President of Prime Boiler Services at the Red Deer Rebels game.

Thank you so much for your support.

Now Hiring – Police and Court Support Worker

The Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre (CASASC) is seeking to fill the position of Police and Court Support Worker

 

The job details are as below:

Position: Police and Court Support Worker

No. of Positions: 1

Position Type: Permanent- Full Time

Hours per week: 40

Hourly rate: Commensurate with Experience and Credentials

Anticipated Start Date: INACTIVE – POSITION NOT CURRENTLY OPEN

Location: CASASC 203 4820 50 Avenue Red Deer, AB

 

About Us:

The Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre (CASASC) is a voluntary, non-profit organization serving the Central Alberta region under the direction of a community-based Board of Directors.

We specialize in healing sexual trauma so you can talk freely about the hard stuff with no judgement. We provide a range of support services for individuals who are affected by sexual violence including counselling, play therapy, police and court support, crisis support and education.

 

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to the Clinical Manager, the Police and Court Support Worker is primarily responsible for helping individuals navigate the criminal justice process including police investigations, preliminary hearings and trials and other supports as well as building relationships with local law enforcement, VA, Crown and health stakeholders.

The Police and Court Support Worker advocates for victims/survivors of sexual assault, their families and significant others through the court system and follow up as well as debrief and counselling referrals.

 

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

  • Diploma in Social Work, Psychology, Justice Studies and/or a related degree.
  • 2 years minimum working experience in Human Services sector. Experience in the areas of sexual violence and/or justice system is preferred.
  • Working knowledge of sexual violence and the criminal justice system.
  • Knowledge of community supports and resources to better support clients.
  • Work experience with Indigenous communities, including protocol, to be able to develop and implement worksite initiatives.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with professionals from other legal disciplines.
  • Crisis Intervention Training and working proficiency of other languages will be considered an asset.
  • Must produce an approved Police Record Check including Vulnerable sector and screening.
  • Must have a valid Driver’s License, a Driver’s Abstract completed results of which must be satisfactory, access to a reliable vehicle with full cover insurance.
  • Ability to travel to outlying communities within Central Alberta.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Provide information regarding victim’s/survivor’s rights and options regarding legal and medical issues.
  • Provide supports to victims/survivors of sexual assault such as court preparation, court support including accompaniment.
  • Preparation of reports for legal or therapeutic purposes.
  • Provide advocacy services to victims/survivors of sexual assault.
  • Provide follow up and debrief meetings with clients.
  • Provide referrals to other services if necessary.
  • Provide crisis care services for recent victims/survivors.
  • Provide community based presentations regarding the program.
  • Participate in case conferences with the Clinical Team.
  • Participate in program evaluation as required.

 

TEAM RESPONSIBILITIES/ STAFF DEVELOPMENT:

  • Adheres to the values and guiding principles, policies, and procedures of CASASC and supports the strategic direction of the organization.
  • Participates in staff meetings and offered trainings.
  • Acts as a responsible team member by demonstrating initiative, completing work duties, and by maintaining clear, direct, and respectful communication with everyone in the work environment.
  • Proactively stays current with best and emerging practices in the field. Participates regularly in the staff development activities according to a learning and development plan identified through supervision and the on-going performance review process.
  • Provides back-up coverage to CASASC as required in response to the needs and priorities of the organization which includes other duties as and when assigned.

 

ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES: 

  • Maintains agency confidence and protects operations by keeping information confidential.
  • Represents CASASC in a professional manner.
  • Maintains on-going positive public relations with external agencies, groups, and individuals (if required).
  • Uses appropriate mechanisms for resolving internal agency problems.

 

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.

Please send your resume and cover letter to: Kristine Bugayong, Human Resources Coordinator at hr@casasc.ca. Mention the position in the subject line. Review of resumes will begin by the end of February. Position will remain open until filled.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interview.

Now Hiring – Child Counsellor

The Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre (CASASC) is seeking to fill the position of Child Counsellor.

 

The job details are as below: 

Position: Child Counsellor

No. of Positions: 1

Position Type: Permanent- Full Time

Hours per week: 40

Hourly rate: Commensurate with Experience and Credentials

Anticipated Start Date: – INACTIVE – POSITION NOT CURRENTLY OPEN

Location: CASASC, 203 4820 50 Avenue Red Deer, AB

 

About Us:

The Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre (CASASC) is a voluntary, non-profit organization serving the Central Alberta region under the direction of a community-based Board of Directors.

We specialize in healing sexual trauma so you can talk freely about the hard stuff with no judgement. We provide a range of support services for individuals who are affected by sexual violence including counselling, play therapy, police and court support, crisis support and education.

 

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to the Clinical Manager, the Child Counsellor will provide crisis, short-term and long-term counselling services to those affected by sexual violence, regardless of the length of time since the trauma incident.

The role of the child counsellor is to provide individual or group sessions to support personal coping skills and accelerate recovery in those who are experiencing the effects of trauma.

 

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

  • Degree in Psychology, Social Work, and Sociology; or related diploma required. Preference given to those with professional registration, clinical experience and/or currently enrolled in a Master’s degree or Post-Graduate program in Counselling.
  • Superior organizational & computer skills.
  • Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of counselling skills and clinical practice as it relates to children and youth.
  • Minimum 1 year experience in related field.
  • Experience with Case Management and Caseload Planning.
  • Experience working with survivors of sexual abuse, sexual violence, domestic violence, and/or mental health will be considered an asset.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Provide play therapy and other modalities of therapy to children aged 3 to 18 years old dealing with a variety of issues including sexual trauma and sexualized behaviour concerns.
  • Work with parents and families providing support, counselling, and education to best meet the needs of the children.
  • Provide goal directive supportive counselling in the client’s preferred format (face-to-face, by telephone, or by video chat).
  • Ensure safety planning is provided to according to agency standards
  • Provide community information, referrals, and services by accompaniment, in accordance with agency and professional standards.
  • Adhere to the code of ethics and standards of practice of both the agency and the applicable professional regulatory body.
  • Maintain digital records of topics covered and results of individual and/or group counselling activities in accordance with agency standards.
  • Maintain up-to-date records in computer-based system.
  • Assist with crisis calls/webchats/texts, intakes, walk-ins, and/or visitor inquiries.

 

TEAM RESPONSIBILITIES/ STAFF DEVELOPMENT:

  • Adheres to the values and guiding principles, policies, and procedures of CASASC and supports the strategic direction of the organization.
  • Participates in staff meetings and offered trainings.
  • Acts as a responsible team member by demonstrating initiative, completing work duties, and by maintaining clear, direct, and respectful communication with everyone in the work environment.
  • Proactively stays current with best and emerging practices in the field. Participates regularly in the staff development activities according to a learning and development plan identified through supervision and the on-going performance review process.
  • Provides back-up coverage to CASASC as required in response to the needs and priorities of the organization which includes other duties as and when assigned.

 

ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES: 

  • Maintains agency confidence and protects operations by keeping information confidential.
  • Represents CASASC in a professional manner
  • Maintains on-going positive public relations with external agencies, groups, and individuals (if required).
  • Uses appropriate mechanisms for resolving internal agency problems.
  • Maintain professional relationship with internal and external stakeholders.

 

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.

Please send your resume and cover letter to: Kristine Bugayong, Human Resources Coordinator at hr@casasc.ca. Mention the position in the subject line. Review of resumes will begin by the end of February. Position will remain open until filled.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interview.

Why is bullying a topic we are still talking about?

By Carlia Schwab

Why is bullying a topic we are still talking about?

On February 22 many communities across Alberta will celebrate Pink Shirt Day, a day to create awareness and show your support for anti-bullying.

Here at the Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre (CASASC) we like to talk about bullying prevention all month long. We seek to help change the narrative surrounding bullying – where bullying is about what you do (the behaviour), not about who you are, a bully. Bullying behaviour is intentional, meaning it often involves one person repeatedly misusing their power/privilege to negatively impact the actions and feelings of another person or influence peers to join in.

Changing the narrative involves understanding bullying behaviour and talking about respectful relationships and positive use of power. This is something you can do at any age.

 

Children

Bullying behaviour for children can be seen in a breakdown of respectful interactions with siblings and peers. Examples include pushing and shoving, throwing toys at others, not allowing others to join in a game or activity, hurting others due to strong emotional reactions (ex. hurting others who won’t share), and prioritizing their wants no matter the impact on others (ex. laughing at others for attention or pushing someone out of line because they want to be first).

Children are at an ideal age for adults to reinforce healthy relationship skills. We can teach children about the impacts of our words and actions and how to understand emotions. Use teachable moments to empower children to make more respectful decisions when interacting with others. Adults can role model healthy behaviours, show how to use respectful language to communicate with others, and reinforce strategies for calming down and re-directing our emotions so we don’t make choices to harm others.

Youth

Bullying behaviour for youth can be seen in a school or team context, by peers, friends or teammates. It is a misuse of power directed at others for personal or social gain and can be verbal or physical, involve our peers and emotions (social), and can occur using technology (cyber). Exclusion, fights, degrading comments, gossiping and rumor spreading, are all common examples of bullying behaviour that youth experience.

We can have an impact on youth bullying behaviour by reinforcing peer-to-peer relationship skills. Empowering youth to develop and use positive life skills like assertive communication, conflict resolution, empathy, understanding diversity, and challenging harmful labels and stereotypes.

We can keep digital literacy and bystander intervention top of mind when supporting youth. Encourage youth to take their digital realities seriously, understand both the positive and negative aspects of living within a technology focused world and be able to problem solve helpful solutions when technology is used to harm others. Encourage respectful bystander interventions, practice helping others, ensure youth understand the impacts of harmful behaviours and brainstorm intervention solutions and responses.

Adults

Bullying behaviour for adults often occurs within family groups or in the workplace. It can consist of gossiping and rumor spreading, exclusion and targeted cruel and hurtful comments.

We can challenge adult bullying behaviour by practicing conflict resolution or assertive statements that can be used to interrupt the harmful behaviours we encounter or are a part of. We can be aware of workplace policies and processes, connect in with Human Resources about reporting and resolution steps. From a prevention lens, we can build rapport with others, get to know the similarities and difference we have with others, intervene when we see harmful behaviours, find ways to treat everyone with respect and don’t participate in gossip.

 

We can see bullying is a relationship problem that requires relationship solutions at all stages. When we don’t encourage relationship solutions as a prevention tool or a response measure, our ability to build resiliency and respond to the impacts of bullying behaviour are less developed.

The impacts of bullying behaviour are wide and don’t just hurt in the moment, it can hurt for a very long time. Impacts can be felt by everyone involved – the person targeted, the person doing the bullying behaviour, the people who witnesses it, family, friends, our school, workplace and community.

 

Short-term impacts of bullying behaviour can include:

Feeling anxious, feeling depressed, low self-esteem, trouble concentrating, trouble sleeping, poor body image, headaches, body pains, missing school/work, isolation, loneliness, few social relationships, withdrawal from family/friends, lying.

Long-term impacts of bullying behaviour can include:

Anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, mental health issues/poor mental health, poor physical health, increased used of drugs and/or alcohol, harmful coping mechanisms, self-harm, lack of social relationships, dropping out of school, lower level of employment.

 

Having empathy and understanding how others feel and how they are impacted by bullying behaviour can motivate us to step in and help others. We all have the power to help or hurt others.

Bullying behaviour doesn’t go away and hasn’t become less prevalent just because we have exhausted the conversation. Bullying behaviour requires real and healthy relationship solutions and until we can make relationship solutions and education consistent, we will always need a platform to talk about the issue. Be part of a relationship solution, not a contributor to a bullying reality.

If you or someone you know would like support in working through a bullying situation and its’ impacts, please reach out to trusted adults, human resources, school counsellors, online resources, or help lines.

Don’t excuse the behaviour as normal or “something everyone goes though.” Instead validate the feelings and impacts caused by harmful bullying experiences and seek to change the narrative. It doesn’t just have to be physically harmful, violent or a mental health issue to warrant support.

We are all worthy and deserving of having relationships, living, and interacting in spaces free from bullying behaviour.

Carlia Schwab is the Education and Community Awareness Manager at the Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre.

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.