A million reasons why

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By Sarah Maetche

There are a million reasons why someone who has experienced sexual or family violence won’t come forward.

Sometimes there are threats to safety. Sometimes they are threatened with legal action. Other times, the person who abused the individual holds a position of power over the victim. There are a many valid reasons why someone would not come forward to tell their story or seek justice.

Actress and activist for survivors of domestic and sexual abuse Evan Rachel Wood recently came forward and named her abuser. Following years of speculation of who was her unnamed abuser, Wood released a statement claiming she suffered years of horrific abuse by shock rocker Marilyn Manson.

In her appearance on the daytime TV show The View, Wood detailed some of the reasons why she didn’t come forward or name her abuser for over a decade. She has also recently released a documentary on the subject called Phoenix Rising.

On the talk show Wood stated that there are a million reasons why someone might not come forward such as trauma, intimidation, going up against someone who is powerful with many resources and fear of retaliation.

“Society around this issue is so geared around shame, blame and victim blaming and that is by design,” said Wood. “Even the way we speak about these things. We are still asking victim the question why they didn’t leave. And the fact that we are still asking that question tells me how much work there is to do.

“Nobody ever asks why the abuser didn’t leave,” she added. “We are programmed to ask these questions. We need to start asking different questions.”

“I am sad, because this is how it works,” said Wood who is now being sued by her alleged abuser. “This is what pretty much every survivor that tries to expose someone in a position of power goes though, and this is part of the retaliation that keeps survivors quiet. This is why people don’t want to come forward.”

There are also a million reasons why someone experiencing sexual or family violence didn’t leave an abusive relationship. These are some frequent questions we often hear asked of victims: “Why didn’t you leave?,” “Why did you tolerate the abuse?,” and “Why didn’t you do something?”

We seem to be constantly asking questions to the victim of the abuse. With this “why” narrative played over and over again, we imply some type of responsibility or blame onto the victim. This is a dangerous and slippery slope we should avoid continuing to perpetuate.

English singer-songwriter FKA twigs recently pushed back on this question after an interviewer asked her why she didn’t leave an abusive relationship.

“We have to stop asking that question,” said twigs in the interview. “I’m not going to answer that question any more. Because the question should really be to the abuser: why are you holding someone hostage with abuse? People say it can’t have been that bad, because else you would’ve left. But it’s like, no, it’s because it was that bad, I couldn’t leave.”

To avoid victim blaming and to work towards eliminating violence in our community, we can flip this narrative and start asking questions like “Why are you abusing this person you claim to love?” to the abuser. The first question in our minds should be “why didn’t the abuser stop their behaviour?” The sole responsibility of the abuse and violence should be placed on the abuser.

Like Wood said, let’s start asking different questions.

Sarah Maetche is the communications and administration manager at the Central Alberta Sexual Assault Centre.

Article as published in the Red Deer Advocate on April 1, 2022

 

Monthly update – CASASC Connections – March

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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.

 

Clinical/Counselling

Counselling can be accessed Monday – Friday and does not require a referral or special circumstances. Individuals can call the main office to start their counselling journey anytime at 403-340-1124.

  • Sessions are offered in-person, through secure video chat or by phone
  • Waitlist is approximately two months
  • We have a session cap of 15 sessions

Adult clients: Call the main admin line. An intake appointment will be booked with our Intake Worker, then you will be set up with a counsellor.

Child/youth clients: We will need to ensure consent forms are in place (both parents or legal documentation) and the same process will happen – an intake appointment is booked, followed by appointments with one of the child counsellors.

 

Kinship Intervention Program (KIP)

KIP offers a combination of early intervention practices and a community-based approach, integrating anyone in the youth’s support network or community.

Available to any Indigenous youth (age 6 -17) who exhibits sexualized behaviour concerns or engages in “sexual acting out” or who has experienced sexual violence. The program works collaboratively with the youth’s family and elders.

KIP builds relationships throughout Central Alberta with both Indigenous and non-Indigenous service providers and communities. We can provide in-person mental health services for Indigenous youth and adults, including crisis intervention and remote counselling services.

 

24 Hour Sexual Violence Help Line

1-866-956-1099

www.casasc.ca

Available through 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.

February was the second busiest month on record with 209 contacts. This equals an average of seven contacts per day.

Volunteer Opportunities – email casasc@casasc.ca

Join our team. We continue to accept applications for virtual and remote volunteers on the 24/7 Help Line and an on-site admin/reception volunteer.

 

Police, Community + Court Support

For more info email courtsupport@casasc.ca

The CASASC Police, Community + Court Support program is your safe place. We are dedicated to being that place where you work through your options, navigate the system, and process a traumatic experience. Our support workers are here to listen and support you while you are considering or navigating the criminal justice system. We are advocates and sources of information for you – that safe guiding presence throughout the process.

The Community + Court Support Program is available to anyone (age 16+) who has experienced sexual violence. You’d don’t need to be an existing CASASC client.

No matter where you are in your healing journey, or whether you choose to report, the Police, Community + Court Support Program is here to provide:

  • Support, information, and advocacy. No legal services or advice is provided
  • Can discuss options for legal advice and provide resources and referrals
  • Information about reporting, the court process and court preparation
  • Accompaniment to report and/or court proceedings
  • Assistance with filling out forms and applications

*Ask us about the SUPPORTIVE REPORTING option

Victims of Crime Week is coming in May – stay tuned for more details on our virtual event May 18.

 

Education – Prevention and Awareness

education@casasc.ca

It’s not too late. Our education team has openings for school and community presentations, in-person and/or virtual delivery of any education programs. Get us in before the end of the school year.

Visit https://casasc.ca/education/ for program details. Choose an already developed presentation or let us know a topic of particular interest as we can build a program around your needs.

*Teacher and parent in-services available, prior to student presentations or as an added PD opportunity.

 

Let’s connect

Follow us on our social pages to stay updated with what we are up to

  • Twitter @CASASC2
  • Facebook @CASASCRD
  • Instagram @CASASC3

 

Did You Know?

  • The Police, Community + Court Support program offers a Supportive Reporting option to all community members who’ve experienced sexual violence. Supportive Reporting provides options on meeting victims of sexual violence at a place and time where they feel most comfortable to report what happened to them. This is a collaborative program with Red Deer RCMP and CASASC.
  • Sexual violence remains a problem in Canada. Forty-five per cent of adult Albertans have experienced some type of sexual abuse in their lifetime. That is almost one in every two Albertans.
  • In Alberta, two in three women and one in three men have experienced sexual abuse in their lifetime. In a 2019 study, 67% of Albertans indicated knowing a survivor of sexual abuse, with 53% having personally supported a survivor.
  • We have a selection of support documents including tip sheets, movies and storybooks that can be used to facilitate conversations with children and youth. Connect with us to get these helpful resources.

 

Ask an Expert – Parenting + Sexualized Behaviour Conversations with our clinical expert

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

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

Find more info here

 

Youth Opportunity – Seeking Poster Ideas

Have you seen our Only Yes Means Yes (OYMY) posters around your community? What would you like to see on a consent-related OYMY poster?

We are looking to expand the campaign with new poster variations, and we’d love to hear your ideas. Let us know what you would like to see on a consent poster, your ideas, specific wording or your thoughts on a different target audience.  Or try your hand at designing a new look for our posters.

Poster ideas, designs and messages should focus on what consent can sound & look like? Remember, consent is not just for sexual activity.

Email your ideas and designs to education@casasc.ca

F12.net supports CASASC

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CASASC recently received a donation from F12.net.

CASASC Executive Director Patricia Arango (right) accepted the donation of $3,535 from Wade Bayntun (left) of F12.net Red Deer.

F12.net provides IT support and productivity solutions to help organizations be their best.

The donation to CASASC will be used towards counselling services.

Monthly update – CASASC Connections – February

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Welcome back to CASASC Connections. This is a space where we provide updates on our services, programs and all things CASASC.

 

Clinical/Counselling

Counselling can be accessed Monday – Friday and does not require a referral or special circumstances. Individuals can call the main office to start their counselling journey anytime at 403-340-1124.

  • Sessions are offered in-person, through secure video chat or by phone
  • Masks are required for in-person sessions
  • Masks are required for in-person sessions

Adult clients: Call the main admin line. An intake appointment will be booked with our Intake Worker, then you will be set up with a counsellor. We have a session cap of 15 counselling sessions.

Child/youth clients: We will need to ensure consent forms are in place (both parents or legal documentation) and the same process will happen – an intake appointment is booked, followed by appointments with one of the child counsellors.

 

Kinship Intervention Program (KIP)

KIP offers a combination of early intervention practices and a community-based approach, integrating anyone in the youth’s support network or community.

Available to any Indigenous youth (age 6 -17) who exhibits sexualized behaviour concerns or engages in “sexual acting out” or who has experienced sexual violence. The program works collaboratively with the youth’s family and elders.

KIP builds relationships throughout Central Alberta with both Indigenous and non-Indigenous service providers and communities. We can provide in-person mental health services for Indigenous youth and adults, including crisis intervention and remote counselling services.

 

24 Hour Sexual Violence Help Line

1-866-956-1099 www.casasc.ca

Available through 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.

The month of January saw 186 contacts with the help line. We supported 3 individuals in the hospital.

Volunteer Opportunities – email casasc@casasc.ca

Join our team. We continue to accept applications for virtual and remote volunteers on the 24/7 Help Line and an on-site admin/reception volunteer.

 

Police, Community + Court Support

For more info email courtsupport@casasc.ca

The CASASC Police, Community + Court Support program is your safe place. We are dedicated to being that place where you work through your options, navigate the system, and process a traumatic experience. Our support workers are here to listen and support you while you are considering or navigating the criminal justice system. We are advocates and sources of information for you – that safe guiding presence throughout the process.

The Community + Court Support Program is available to anyone (age 16+) who has experienced sexual violence. You’d don’t need to be an existing CASASC client.

No matter where you are in your healing journey, or whether you choose to report, the Police, Community + Court Support Program is here to provide:

  • Support, information, and advocacy. No legal services or advice is provided
  • Can discuss options for legal advice and provide resources and referrals
  • Information about reporting, the court process and court preparation
  • Accompaniment to report and/or court proceedings
  • Assistance with filling out forms and applications

*Ask us about our SUPPORTIVE REPORTING option

 

Education – Prevention and Awareness

education@casasc.ca

With the ongoing COVID realities, we understand school and community capacity to provide in-person prevention education programming may be very limited. Facilitation from outside organizations and in-person presentations may not be possible.

We have opened our education schedules to provide immediate, no cost, virtual presentations to youth from Grades 5 – 12 covering a variety of prevention education topics. Consider hosting a session for your students and youth.

Visit https://casasc.ca/education/ for program details. Choose an already developed presentation or let us know a topic of particular interest as we can build a program around your needs.

Email us with your interested program/topics, grade/ages, dates and times and one of our team members will get back to you ASAP.

 

Let’s connect

Follow us on our social pages to stay updated with what we are up to

  • Twitter @CASASC2
  • Facebook @CASASCRD
  • Instagram @CASASC3

 

Community Connections

Custom Pink iRespect t-shirt available

A small stock of our limited-edition pink iRespect t-shirts are now available for a $20 cash/credit donation at our main office, located in downtown Red Deer.

First come basis. Stop by today to get your very own pink shirt to wear this coming Pink Shirt Day on February 23.

Limited sizes and a very small number of women’s and men’s shirts available.

 

Pink Shirt Day – February 23

Pink Shirt Day is coming up on February 23rd. 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 link below to access the Pink Shirt Day School Activity Guide 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.

Pink Shirt Day

Did You Know?

  • Our education team provides presentations on bullying behaviour prevention and building healthy interpersonal relationships between peers.
  • To help prevent any form of violence there are many safe, simple, and non-scary conversations, topics and behaviour discussions we need to have with children and youth first. CASASC educators can help.
  • We have a selection of support documents including tip sheets, movies and storybooks that can be used to facilitate conversations with children and youth. Connect with us to get these helpful resources.

 

Ask an Expert – Parenting + Sexualized Behaviour Conversations with our clinical expert

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

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

Find more info here

 

Seeking Poster Ideas – Only Yes Means Yes campaign

Have you seen our Only Yes Means Yes (OYMY) posters around your community? What would you like to see on a consent-related OYMY poster?

We are looking to expand the campaign with new poster variations, and we’d love to hear your ideas. Let us know what you would like to see on a consent poster, your ideas, specific wording or your thoughts on a different target audience.  Or try your hand at designing a new look for our posters.

Poster ideas, designs and messages should focus on what consent can sound & look like? Remember, consent is not just for sexual activity.

Email your ideas and designs to education@casasc.ca

Pink Shirt Day School Activity Guide

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Pink Shirt Day is coming up on February 23rd. 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 link below to access the Pink Shirt Day School Activity Guide 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 School Activity Guide

 

Colouring Pages

 

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

Twitter: @CASASC2

Instagram: @CASASC3

Scotiabank Supports CASASC

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

CASASC Executive Director Patricia Arango (right) accepted the donation of $451 and comfort items from Scotiabank Business Advisor Jennifer Forrest (left) on January 19.

The generous donation, including items like blankets, journals and fuzzy socks, will be used for the CASASC SART 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.

The donations were collected during the month of December 2021. Two Scotiabank locations in Red Deer (Scotiabank – Gaetz Avenue + 45 Street and Scotiabank – Gaetz + 67 Street) chose CASASC as their charity of choice. Throughout the month the two teams collected donations, both cash and items, from staff and customers.

Thank you so much for your support.

Monthly update – CASASC Connections

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This month we are introducing a new monthly update called CASASC Connections. This is a space where we will provide updates on our services, programs and all things CASASC.

 

Clinical/Counselling

Counselling can be accessed Monday – Friday and does not require a referral or special circumstances. Individuals can call the main office to start their counselling journey anytime at 403-340-1124.

  • Sessions are offered in-person, through secure video chat or by phone
  • Masks are required for in-person sessions

Adult clients: Call the main admin line. An intake appointment will be booked with our Intake Worker, then you will be set up with a counsellor. We have a session cap of 15 counselling sessions.

Child/youth clients: We will need to ensure consent forms are in place (both parents or legal documentation) and the same process will happen – an intake appointment is booked, followed by appointments with one of the child counsellors.

 

Kinship Intervention Program (KIP)

KIP offers a combination of early intervention practices and a community-based approach, integrating anyone in the youth’s support network or community.

Available to any Indigenous youth (age 6 -17) who exhibits sexualized behaviour concerns or engages in “sexual acting out” or who has experienced sexual violence. The program works collaboratively with the youth’s family and elders.

KIP builds relationships throughout Central Alberta with both Indigenous and non-Indigenous service providers and communities. We can provide in-person mental health services for Indigenous youth and adults, including crisis intervention and remote counselling services.

 

24 Hour Sexual Violence Help Line

1-866-956-1099 www.casasc.ca

Available through 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.

December saw 191 contacts with the Crisis Line: 145 phone calls and 46 text/webchats.

Volunteer Opportunities – email casasc@casasc.ca

Join our team. We continue to accept applications for virtual and remote volunteers on the 24/7 Help Line and an on-site admin/reception volunteer.

 

Police, Community + Court Support

For more info email courtsupport@casasc.ca

The CASASC Police, Community + Court Support program is your safe place. We are dedicated to being that place where you work through your options, navigate the system, and process a traumatic experience. Our support workers are here to listen and support you while you are considering or navigating the criminal justice system. We are advocates and sources of information for you – that safe guiding presence throughout the process.

The Community + Court Support Program is available to anyone (age 16+) who has experienced sexual violence. You’d don’t need to be an existing CASASC client.

No matter where you are in your healing journey, or whether you choose to report, the Police, Community + Court Support Program is here to provide:

  • Support, information, and advocacy. No legal services or advice is provided
  • Can discuss options for legal advice and provide resources and referrals
  • Information about reporting, the court process and court preparation
  • Accompaniment to report and/or court proceedings
  • Assistance with filling out forms and applications

 

Education – Prevention and Awareness

education@casasc.ca

A well-rounded way to approach prevention education involves adults learning and being engaged, not just the youth. School staff and parents can help to create safer school environments where students can learn and have relationships with others without fear. Having adults who are equally as informed and involved sends a message of support to their students and can impact the school’s wider #cultureofrespect. It says, “we care about what you are going through!”

CASASC offers, at no cost, programs to help educate adults on supporting the youth in their lives. These programs are meant to help teachers, staff, and adults who work with youth feel empowered to know healthy relationship, prevention and support concepts and be able to support the youth in their life.

These presentations fit great within a PD setting or as a whole team discussion and can be offered in person or virtually.

  • Intro. to Sexual Violence: A 60 min presentation focused on introducing definitions and concepts related to sexual violence. The presentation discusses how to respond to and support disclosure and usually ends with a brief overview of all CASASC’s free services.
  • CASASC Services presentation: This is a shorter 30 min presentation geared towards highlighting all of CASASC’s free services.

If you are interested in booking either of these presentations, please reach out to us.

 

Let’s connect

Follow us on our social pages to stay updated with what we are up to

  • Twitter @CASASC2
  • Facebook @CASASCRD
  • Instagram @CASASC3

 

Community Connections

Ask an Expert” Parenting + Sexualized Behaviour conversations with our clinical expert

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

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

We can give a short overview of the sexualized behaviour program and go over frequent concerns and conversations, leaving us with plenty of time for participants to ask questions and join in the discussion with our clinical expert.

Find more info here

 

First Responder to Sexual Assault and Abuse Training

This comprehensive training is intended to build the capacity of professionals, paraprofessionals and community members to respond effectively to disclosure of sexual abuse, assault, and harassment from children and adults. Training covers the full continuum of topics related to sexual violence across the lifespan. Delivered online or in-person.

For more information and current training dates visit https://aasas.ca/initiatives/first-responders-training/

*Community training opportunities are available with a local facilitator. Can’t make a pre-scheduled training date, reach out to book a special training just for your organization and/or community. (Connect with cschwab@casasc.ca)

 

WiseGuyz + CASASC Program Opportunity

The Centre for Sexuality and their WiseGuyz Training Institute is looking for organizations who would like to provide the WiseGuyz program in their own community.

WiseGuyz is an evidence-informed program designed for young men (in grade 9) to promote healthy relationships and prevent adolescent dating violence.

With enough community interest, CASASC is hoping to be one of the applying organizations with the goal of making available the WiseGuyz program to schools and communities across Central Alberta.

For more information or if you feel your organization or a local school would be interested in having the WiseGuyz program please reach out to Carlia (cschwab@casasc.ca). Consider partnering with CASASC and providing a letter of support to our application so together we can bring this program in to your schools and community.

 

#MomentsMatterAB

Has your workplace shown their commitment and support towards preventing Sexual Harassment and creating positive workplace environments? Have you joined the #MomentsMatterAB movement?

If not, consider learning more and signing up

Find out More about Moments Matter here

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

 

Only Yes Means Yes campaign

Have you seen our Only Yes Means Yes (OYMY) posters around your community?

YES – Consider taking a picture and sharing it with us so we can show are appreciation and support!

NO – Well, what are you waiting for? If you know a great place for the posters let us know and we’ll make a connection and start the conversation.

What does consent sound and look like? Can you pinpoint the last time you gave or received an enthusiastic “yes!”?

When it comes to consent, Only Yes Means Yes.

Read more about the campaign here

Ask an Expert Clinical Series – Parenting Conversation March

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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

Now Hiring Educator (Casual)

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CASASC is seeking to fill the position of Educator – Casual

 

The job details are as below:

Position: Educator

Reports to: Education Program and Community Relations Manager

Number of positions: 1

Job Type: Casual

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

Hours per week: As and when required.

Hourly rate: Determined based on education and experience

Anticipated Start Date: ASAP

 

Position Summary

Reporting to the Education Program & Community Relations Manager, the Educator is an integral part of the Education team, responsible to support CASASC’s goal to increase the personal safety awareness through education and empowering them to prevent sexual violence.

Based on CASASC’s mission and vision, the Educator acts as a liaison between CASASC, Community, Schools, and Organizations, focusing on delivering education programs to create awareness and prevention strategies among K-12 students, adults, parents, professionals, and other individuals of the community.

The Educators are also expected to represent CASASC in a professional manner, work according to the missions and vision of CASASC and build community relations including (but not limited to) conducting community visits, attending meetings, staffing booths, and events organized by partner agencies and other organizations within Central Alberta.

The Educator is expected to have full knowledge of, and to follow the Philosophy, the Guidelines for Personnel Policies & Practices, and the Policies & Procedures of the CASASC while upholding our mission, vision, and values.

 

Qualifications and skills:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Education with 1-2 years of related experience. A combination of education and experience may also be considered for the position.
  • Must have knowledge and understanding of sexual violence prevention and intervention strategies. Experience of working in a non-profit would be considered as an asset.
  • Must have excellent communication, interpersonal, and public speaking skills.
  • Experience of working in, facilitating, or teaching in a classroom and/or group settings.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English is essential.
  • Ability to work as a collaborative team member as well as an independent key player with minimum supervision.
  • Ability to build rapport with children and youth from Kindergarten to Grade 12
  • Ability to relate to adults and professionals for the successful delivery of education and awareness information
  • Superior time management skills, and the ability to prioritize tasks with minimal supervision
  • Proficient using computers and presentation equipment (incl. basic troubleshooting) of virtual and presentation platforms (zoom, google meet, projector, and sound setup)
  • Proficient in Windows, MS-Office, Internet, email & social media is essential.
  • Availability to work occasional evenings/weekends for special events, be able to travel within Central Alberta to fulfil job responsibilities.
  • Should have professional, responsive, and positive work attitude
  • Must be able to submit a clear Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening.
  • A valid Driver’s License with a satisfactory Driver’s abstract is essential.
  • Should be able to fulfil the physical demands of the job such as the ability to lift at least 20lbs, climbing the stairs while carrying supplies, above-shoulder lifting, overhead reaching, frequent use of office equipment, sitting for longer periods and other relevant physical tasks.

 

Responsibilities:

  • Plan, prepare and deliver all CASASC education programs by providing interactive and dynamic presentations, and education material by using age-appropriate methods and activities, either in-person or virtual; in schools and communities throughout the CASASC service region.
  • Design and deliver tailored education programs as/if requested by the schools, community and/or other agencies within CASASC’s service region.
  • Participate in community public education forums and/or events to promote the awareness of sexual violence issues & CASASC services. (Attending interagency meeting, staffing booths and events, conducting community visits)
  • Update education programs statistics in the tracking program and submit monthly/quarterly/annual reports to facilitate grants and internal requirements.
  • Conduct regular research and keep education programs’ content up-to-date related to CASASC’s prevention education such as (but not limited to) sexual violence, teen dating, consent, healthy relationships, and any other program that supports CASASC’s mission and vision.
  • Ensure that Education department’s events and programs are posted on CASASC’s social media platforms by submitting relevant and timely information to the Education Program and Community Relations Manager. In the absence of the Manager, work in direct collaboration with the Communications Manager to ensure the same.
  • Keep the schools and community contact list up-to-date. Stay in regular contact with the schools and community through different mediums to ensure the regular delivery of education programs to the target audience.
  • Communicate with internal departments of the organization and share departmental updates on regular basis.
  • Connect with newly hired employees of the organization and briefly introduce them to the operations of Education Department.
  • Design tailored education programs to cater the needs of diverse community including the Indigenous Communities.

 

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.

Email your resume and cover letter to education@casasc.ca by Dec 21, 2021. Mention the position in the subject line.

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

Application deadline: Ongoing

Now seeking new Board members

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Summary

The Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre (CASASC) provides support services for individuals who are affected by sexual violence. We believe that our Board of Directors should be representative of our community and are seeking new Board members to bring their unique voice and experiences to our Board governance.

 

Description

CASASC Seeking New Board Members

The Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre (CASASC) is seeking new Board members to bring their unique voice and experiences to our Board governance. Currently we have excellent skills and a variety of life and work experiences within our Board of Directors. CASASC continues to seek further diversity of our Board in order to better understand our clients’ and the community’s needs. We are currently seeking new Board members with financial experience and legal backgrounds. If you have accounting or law experience, we are looking for you.

New Board members are not required to have previous Board experience, although this is a plus. We consider the desire to be guided in decision-making by CASASC values, the ability to think objectively, to be actively involved in open and curious discussions, and to understand and accept other perspectives as part of the consensus-building process as being highly valued skills for any new Board member.

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 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.

Our Mission: The Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre (CASASC) is committed to ending the culture of sexual violence and helping to build safer communities for all Central Albertans through promoting awareness and healing, education, empowerment and renewal

Our Vision: Central Alberta will be a safer, healthier and more informed community surrounding the issues of sexual assault and sexual abuse.

Our Goal: Individuals will be empowered to make informed choices about personal safety, sexual interactions and/or emotional distress.

 

More information on Board opportunities

As a CASASC volunteer Board Director, you will be one of several who is committed to CASASC values to prevent sexual violence in our community. Board meetings are held regularly on the third Tuesday of each month. You may also participate in committees, working groups and other events.

 

How to Apply:

Tell us about yourself along with any skills and experiences you can bring to CASASC by sending a resume and short email expressing your interest to Lisa Spicer, CASASC Board Member, at lisa.spicer@rdpsd.ab.ca

Volunteer Application deadline: Ongoing