Tag Archive for: awareness

Your 2023 Guide to Sexual Violence Awareness Month

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The Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre (CASASC) is dedicated to supporting those affected by sexual violence each and every day of the year.

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

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

 

About RISE

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

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

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

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

 

Key Messages: Sexual Violence and Prevention

  • Sexual violence is a serious and widespread problem. Anyone can experience sexual violence in their lifetime, however most incidents occur against women and girls.
  • In their lifetime, 45 per cent of adult Albertans have experienced some type of sexual abuse. That’s two in three adult females and one in three adult males.
  • In Canada, 87 per cent of survivors are women and girls. Ninety-four per cent of offenders are men. Sexual violence is the most underreported crime in Canada. Ninety-five per cent of survivors do not report their assaults to the police.
  • Statistics also show that some groups are more likely to experience sexual violence including: Indigenous women and girls, children and adolescents, people with disabilities, those of the LGBTQ2IA+ community and new Canadians.
  • When we speak about prevention, we mean taking a proactive approach to stopping sexual violence before it even has a chance to happen. This means changing the social norms that allow it to exist in the first place, from individual attitudes, values and behaviors to laws, institutions and widespread social norms. CASASC believes this is achieved through the concept of respect.
  • Prevention is all our responsibility. We can create and promote safe respectful environments through all facets of our lives. We can intervene to stop concerning behavior; promote and model healthy attitudes and relationships; promote the creation of a culture of respect; and believe survivors and assist them in finding the support they need.

View the AASAS 2019/2020 summary of the Prevalence of Sexual Assault and Childhood Sexual Abuse in Alberta HERE

Find additional social media messages and images HERE. For more information and/or additional access to the messages and images email education@casasc.ca

How You Can Stay Involved All Month Long

Each week in May we’re featuring different ways you can get involved by promoting awareness and rising up. Want to get involved? We’ve got you covered. We have an array of events and ways for you to participate in SVAM.

Download the SVAM calendar here complete with session links.

Visit our learning series document for full information on May and June virtual learning series dates and access.

Calendar of Events:

Week 1:

May 1

  • Launch of SVAM

May 5

 

Week 2:

May 12

 

Week 3: Victims and Survivors of Crime Week

May 17

May 18

May 19

 

Week 4:

May 26 – DAY OF ACTION

 

Week 5:

May 29

May 30

 

 

Available all month long:

-SVAM 2023 Community Resource Package

A free document of SVAM activities and information for schools and community. Use all month long to show your contribution to communities without sexual violence. Prevention and awareness are key. Respect, kindness, and healthy relationships are at the foundation of change. Plan to celebrate your activities and share your successes on MAY 26.

-SVAM 2023 colouring pages

Join Ressie the Respect unicorn and share with us your ways you show respect and kindness to others. Being kind and respectful to animals, people and places is an important part in having safe and healthy communities. How do you help to make our communities and school safer?

–I Respect Statement SVAM 2023

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

-iRespect – MADE TO RESPECT t-shirts

Individuals are encouraged to wear the classic CASASC ‘iRespect’ t-shirts on Friday, May 26. T-shirts are available at the main office for a nominal donation. Sizes are limited. Post a selfie of yourself wearing the t-shirt and tag CASASC in social media. Use the #iRespect and #SVAM hashtags.

 

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

 

Checking your social media feeds anyway? Follow CASASC on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube share our posts, tag CASASC and encourage others to do the same.

 

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

 

Facebook: @CASASCRD

Twitter: @CASASC2

Instagram: @CASASC3

YouTube: Let’s Connect – CASASC

 

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

 

Pink Shirt Day 2023

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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

Education Learning Series 2023

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NEW – Foundations of Consent and Healthy Relationships (45 min)
Join us for a 45min workshop – participant conversations and interactions are encouraged – as we explore the foundation of consent for sexual activity through discussions on healthy relationships. A basic overview helping participants connect the dots between how we act in healthy friendships and how we use day-to-day permission to healthy intimate partner relationships and consent for sexual activity.

Consent laws and ages of consent as they apply to Alberta, Canada will be discussed.

FREE, Register here

Dates:

March 1, 11:00 – 11:45am MST

March 1, 3:00 – 3:45pm MST

 

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

Join us for an informal session about operating and volunteering on a 24/7 Sexual Violence Helpline.

Supported by volunteers with the Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre, and available by phone, text and webchat to anyone in Alberta, Canada. The help line provides support to anyone impacted by Sexual Violence (direct or indirect) and is a resourcing and support service.

Use this opportunity to learn about the helpline and how you can utilize it in your community/workplace. Hear what it takes to volunteer on a help line. Help us share this free resource out to our Alberta community. We are here for you, we care!

FREE, Register here

Dates:

Tues, March 14 – 6:00 – 6:45pm MST

Tues, April 18 – 6:00 – 6:45pm MST

 

“Ask an Expert” Parenting + Sexualized Behaviour conversations with our clinical expert (60 min)

Join us for an informal 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 etc.

Use this opportunity to connect with our counsellor for those unique and one-off questions that you may have but don’t want to go through our client wait list process to speak with a counsellor.

FREE, Register here

Dates:

Thurs, March 30 – 4:00 – 5:00pm MST

Thurs, April 27 – 4:00 – 5:00pm MST

 

Supporting Disclosures (45 min)
This session will help to enhance our skills and knowledge around supporting disclosures of sexual violence. An overview of the fundamentals of responding to and supporting disclosure of sexual assault and abuse from children, youth and adults. Learn some key messages and legal obligations when it comes to reporting child abuse.

FREE, Register here

Dates:

Fri, Mar 24 – 12:00 – 12:45pm MST

Wed, Apr 26 – 3:00 – 3:45pm MST

 

Services & Programs at CASASC (30 min)
Join us for a short 30min session overviewing the programs and services available at the Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre.

You’ll never know you need us, until you do!

FREE, Register here

Dates:

Fri, Mar 10 – 11:30-12:00pm MST

Thurs, Apr 6 – 9:30-10:00am MST

 

Introduction to Sexual Violence (60 min)
Do you want to enhance your knowledge around sexual violence education? Join us as we present an Introduction to Sexual Violence. This presentation is a public awareness and education presentation that introduces, and highlights, definitions and concepts related to sexual violence. We will discuss dispelling myths and stereotypes, talk about victim blaming, and the realities of sexual violence.

FREE, Register here

Dates:

Mon, Mar 6, 3:00-4:00pm MST

Fri, Apr 21, 9:00-10:00am MST

What happens on a sexual violence help line?

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What happens on a 24/7 Sexual Violence Helpline? (60 min)

Join us for an informal session about operating and volunteering on a 24/7 sexual violence helpline.

Supported by volunteers with CASASC and available by phone, text and webchat to anyone in Alberta, the help line provides support to anyone impacted by sexual violence (direct or indirect) and is a resourcing and support service.

Use this opportunity to learn about the help line and how you can utilize it in your community/workplace. Hear what it takes to volunteer on a help line. Help us share this free resource out to our community. We are here for you.

Free, register here

Upcoming dates:

Tuesday, November 28 – 6:00 – 7:00 pm MST

Tuesday, December 13 – 6:00 – 7:00 pm MST

Education Learning Series 2022

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Services + Programs at CASASC (30 min)

Join us for a short 30min session overviewing the programs and services available at CASASC.

– Counselling 

– Police, Community + Court Support 

– Kinship Intervention Program (KIP) 

– 24/7 Sexual Violence Help Line 

– Prevention Education, school presentations for K-12 

Free, Register here

Upcoming dates:

Monday, Dec 5 – 12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. MST

 

Introduction to Sexual Violence (60 min)

Do you want to enhance your knowledge around sexual violence education? Join us as we present an Introduction to Sexual Violence. This presentation is a public awareness and education presentation that introduces, and highlights, definitions and concepts related to sexual violence. We will discuss dispelling myths and stereotypes, talk about victim blaming, the realities of sexual violence, and a brief understanding of supporting disclosures. 

Free, Register here

Upcoming dates:

Tuesday, Dec 6 – 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. MST

 

Consent 101 (60 min)

Join us as we overview basics about Consent and Consent to Sexual Activity, key focus on Consent conversations as it relates to our youth and young people. This program can help you talk about consent with youth and can also help us understand the role of consent in healthy relationships. Definitions, laws + ages of consent, sexting and healthy intimate partner relationships will be some of the information covered. 

Free, Register here

Upcoming dates:

Tuesday, Nov 29 – 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. MST

Tuesday, Dec 20 – 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. MST

Tuesday, Dec 20 – 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. MST

 

Supporting Disclosures – (45 min)

This session will help to enhance our skills and knowledge around supporting disclosures of sexual violence. An overview of the fundamentals of responding to and supporting disclosure of sexual assault and abuse from children, youth and adults. Learn some key messages and legal obligations when it comes to reporting child abuse.

Free, Register here

Upcoming dates: 

Monday, Nov 21 – 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. MST

Monday, Dec 12 – 12 p.m. to 12:45 p.m. MST

Your 2022 Guide to Sexual Violence Awareness Month

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The Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre (CASASC) is dedicated to supporting those affected by sexual violence each and every day of the year.

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

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

 

About RISE

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

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

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

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

 

Key Messages: Sexual Violence and Prevention

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

How You Can Stay Involved All Month Long

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

Download the SVAM calendar here

 

Calendar of Events:

Week 1:

May 1

-Launch of SVAM

May 3

-Services + Programs at CASASC virtual presentations

May 4

-Introduction to Sexual Violence virtual presentation

-The Voices virtual presentation

May 5

-Red Dress Day

-Supporting Disclosures virtual presentation

 

Week 2:

May 11

-Consent 101 virtual presentation

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

-The Voices virtual presentation

May 14

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

 

Week 3:

May 16

-Consent 101 virtual presentation

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

May 18

-Services + Programs at CASASC virtual presentations

-The Voices virtual presentation

May 19

-iRespect Yoga in the Park

May 20

-Social media takeover

 

Week 4:

May 24

-Introduction to Sexual Violence virtual presentation

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

May 25

-Supporting Disclosures virtual presentation

-The Voices virtual presentation

-iRespect Yoga in the Park

May 27

-Respect Day

 

Week 5:

May 30

-Consent 101 virtual presentations

 

 

Available all month long:

-SVAM school activity guide

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

-iRespect colouring pages

Join Ressie the Respect unicorn and colour two pages.

-iRespect statement sign

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

-iRespect – MADE TO RESPECT t-shirts

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

-iRespect playlist Vol. 2

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

 

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

 

Your week-to-week guide: RISE

Week 1: Empower (May 1 – May 7)

Week 2: Support (May 8 – May 14)

Week 3: Inspire (May 15 – May 21)

Week 4: Respect (May 22 – May 28)

 

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

 

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

 

Facebook: @CASASCRD

Twitter: @CASASC2

Instagram: @CASASC3

YouTube: Let’s Connect – CASASC

 

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

 

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

iRespect Learning Series – Intro to Sexual Violence

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Want to enhance your sexual violence education?

The CASASC education team will be hosting three virtual presentations via Zoom in August and September. Each session is 90 minutes long and is offered free-of-charge.

The Intro to Sexual Violence presentation is a public awareness and education presentation that introduces and highlights definitions and concepts related to sexual violence. It provides an overview as well as disclosure support.

During the presentations we will discuss:

  • Sexual violence terms and definitions
  • Myths and facts about sexual violence
  • Dispelling victim blaming
  • Supporting disclosures

August Dates:

To register to the August 16 – 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. session, visit the Eventbrite page here

To register to the August 17 – 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. session, visit the Eventbrite page here

September Date:

To register to the September 20 – 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. session, visit the Eventbrite page here

iRespect Learning Series – Services + Programs at CASASC

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Curious about what services CASASC offers?

The CASASC education team will be hosting six virtual presentations via Zoom throughout the months of August and September. Each session is 30 minutes long and is offered free-of-charge.

The Services + Programs at CASASC presentation is a public awareness and education presentation that provides an overview of our agency. Receive a birds-eye view of all of the services and programs available at CASASC including education, prevention, intervention, clinical and the 24 hours help line. Learn about who we serve and what our service area is.

August Dates:

To register to the August 9 – 9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. session, visit the Eventbrite page here

To register to the August 9 – 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. session, visit the Eventbrite page here

To register to the August 9 – 2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. session, visit the Eventbrite page here

September Dates:

To register to the September 10 – 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. session, visit the Eventbrite page here

To register to the September 10 – 12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. session, visit the Eventbrite page here

To register to the September 10 – 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. session, visit the Eventbrite page here

CASASC launches Only Yes Means Yes campaign

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CASASC is excited to soft launch the Only Yes Means Yes Campaign on July 19. Over the past few months the education, community relations and communications teams have collaborated to create an on-going poster and awareness campaign around positive consent conversations.

The Only Yes Means Yes campaign challenges our consent conversations by reinforcing that our bodies are always conveying a lack of consent (always saying ‘no’) and that consent can only happen when a person actively and consciously says “yes” and gives/shows their consent.

Through three simple, relatable posters, CASASC is showing central Albertans what consent can sound and look like. Prompting adults to ask the question “Did I get a yes?” and showing what that “yes” can be. These posters are geared for adult audiences who visit public spaces like bars, restaurants, clinics, services agencies and many more. We will be asking workplaces to place posters in their staff rooms, and places where clients/customers gather like bathrooms, tables, bulleting boards and gathering spaces in our communities.

We have also developed a FAQ for the campaign that can be used to promote the campaign in the communities we serve.

Additionally, over the summer months, the education team will be visiting many of our central Alberta communities to have in-person conversations with organization and business to bring awareness of all our services and to share the campaign and posters.

Please reach out the education team (education@casasc.ca) if you have any questions about the concept behind Only Yes Means Yes or the target audience and use of the campaign.

Stay tuned for the official launch of Only Yes Means Yes in the fall.