Connect Archives | Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre

Introduction to Sexual Violence (60 min)

Tues, Dec 6, 9-10 am MST

Supporting Disclosures (45 min)

Mon, Dec 12, 12-12:45 pm MST

Consent 101 (60 min)

Tues, Dec 20, 9:00-10:00 am MST

Tues, Dec 20, 11:00am-12:00pm MST

https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/central-alberta-sexual-assault-centre/campaign/a-season-of-giving/

A Season of Giving

We’ve launched our first holiday gift giving campaign.

We know that during this holiday time of year community members often reach out and support causes close to their heart.

Sexual violence impacts a large portion of our population. As individuals who have been targeted by the violence or as individuals who know of and support others who have been impacted.

Help give Central Albertans affected by sexual violence a voice and a choice on their healing journey.

Donate to our Season of renewal, empowerment, healing, giving through scanning the QR code or clicking the link

Engagement Strategies Toward Ending Workplace Sexual Harassment workshop

Starting in the new year, CASASC will be offering (by request) an innovative 3-hour online workshop, proven to build the skills that help people understand, respond to, and prevent workplace sexual harassment.

Available for business, workplaces, and organizations.

All staff our encouraged to attend and require their own computer/technology device.

This program is by request only and will open up booking in the new year.

$75 per person or $50 per person if your organization has signed on to the #momentsmatter campaign

Connect with us at education@casasc.ca for more details.

First Responder to Sexual Assault and Abuse Training

January 24 and 25, 2023

9:00 am – 5:00 pm MT

Calgary, Alberta

Join us for FRT training – Facilitated by a member of our CASASC team.

Early bird cost available to those who register by November 15.

Registration Required

$299 after Nov 15, 2022

Register at https://www.tickettailor.com/events/associationofalbertasexualassaultservices/752612/

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.

Monthly update – CASASC Connections – November

November 3, 2022/in News/by Team Member

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 November.

Need for online + virtual volunteers – email ewillmer@casasc.ca

We are in need of volunteers to join the 24/7 help line, with shifts available through the phone and text/webchat.

We are looking for minimum of five volunteers who can take one or two shifts a month with our helpline. Evening and weekend support is a bonus.

Using an eight-hour shift-based schedule the help line volunteers provide a listening ear, supportive conversation and resource referrals to children, youth and adults who are in need of support. Previous education and training are not needed. Seeking respectful, caring and supportive individuals.

Community Connections

If you are aware of any community events or booths (across Central Alberta) that we could attend throughout the year, please share with us at education@casasc.ca

Our presence at events is informative and awareness-based, educational, interactive and applicable for all audiences and ages. We do not talk about sexual health or sex education and can adapt our messaging to need topics or programs and services.

November is Family Violence Prevention Month

In Alberta, November is Family Violence Prevention Month (FVPM). The goal of FVPM is to raise public awareness around family violence and to educate communities on how to prevent it. Use the colour purple to show your support all month long.

Visit our webpage to stay updated on all we have going on all month

Shine Bright – Purple is the colour of choice for Family Violence Prevention Month. Show your support by sporting purple lights and decorations throughout the month. Turn on those purple Christmas lights early, buy a purple light bulb for your porch light or get your workplace to shine purple.

November 25 – Purple Day of Action

Mark your calendar for November 25 and plan to wear purple. Join us as we wear purple and celebrate a Family Violence Prevention Day of Action with our communities.

Re-share Awareness

One of the most impactful and effective ways to show your support this November is to re-share and like messages on social media. Help organizations like CASASC to spread awareness far and wide about preventing family violence.

Start a conversation

There are so many ways to get involved:

-Start conversations with family and friends, let them know you are there to support them, show them you care

-Dispel myths about family violence

-Donate to a family violence prevention organization

Join in the action

Participate in one or more of our suggested social action activities. Complete them on or by November 25 and celebrate your successes with us.

-Kids/Teens – Make a card with a kind message for someone who you are grateful for (bus driver, librarian, teacher, counsellor, family member). Tell them how much you care about them or thank them for something nice they have done.

-Kids/Teens – Do something nice for a family member, sibling, cousin etc.

-Family – Do an activity together, something you’ve never done before or a game you all enjoy

-Family – Do an activity for each letter of the word P-U-R-P-L-E (ex. For the first P – go to the Play ground, U …, R – eat some red candy etc.)

-Adult – Do something fun/spontaneous with a friend – go for coffee, show them you care and are there to support them. Reach out to a friend you haven’t talked to in a while.

-Create a safety plan, just like how we should have a safety plan in place for a natural disaster (even though we may never need it), we should have a safety plan in place for if we ever are in a place of harm/discomfort.

November editions of our online learning series

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

Monday, Nov 28 @ 6-6:45 pm MST

Visit the link for session dates and times and to register:

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/390733202527

Ask the Expert – Parenting and Sexualized Behaviour Support

Wed, Nov 30 @ 4-5 pm MST

Visit the link for session dates and times and to register: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/306744500057

Services + Programs at CASASC (30 min)

Thurs, Nov 10, 9:30-10:00 am MST

Introduction to Sexual Violence (60 min)

Tues, Nov 8, 10-11 am MST

Supporting Disclosures (45 min)

Mon, Nov 21, 11-11:45 am MST

Consent 101 (60 min)

Fri, Nov 18, 3-4 pm MST

Tues, Nov 29, 9-10 am MST

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/390733202527

First Responder to Sexual Assault and Abuse Training

January 24 and 25, 2023

9:00 am – 5:00 pm MT

Calgary, Alberta

Join us for FRT training – Facilitated by a member of our CASASC team.

Early bird cost available to those who register by November 15.

Registration Required

$250 before Nov 15, 2022

$299 after Nov 15, 2022

Register here

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.

Celebrating one year of the Only Yes Mean Yes Consent Campaign

November 4 marks one year of Only Yes Means Yes consent campaign out in the community.

Need a poster refresh or would you like some business card sized information for public? Let us know and we’re happy to share with you.

OYMY changes how we look at and understand consent. It focuses on positive consent in which only affirmative consent matters.

Read more about the poster campaign and how to get involved here

Monthly update – CASASC Connections – October

October 7, 2022/in News/by Team Member

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 October.

Need for online + virtual volunteers – email ewillmer@casasc.ca

We are in need of volunteers to join our 24/7 help line, with shifts on phone call and text/web chat.

We are looking for minimum of five volunteers who can take one or two shifts a month with our helpline. Evening and weekend support is a bonus.

Using an eight-hour shift-based schedule the help line volunteers provide a listening ear, supportive conversation and resource referrals to children, youth and adults who are in need of support. Previous education and training are not needed. Seeking respectful, caring and supportive individuals.

Community Connections

October 20, Consent Booth @ RD Polytech

If you are aware of any community events or booths (across Central Alberta) that we could attend throughout the year please share with us at education@casasc.ca

Our booths and presence at events is informative and awareness based, educational, interactive and applicable for all audiences and ages. We do not talk about sexual health or sex education and can adapt our messaging to need topics or programs and services.

November is Family Violence Prevention Month

In Alberta, November is Family Violence Prevention Month (FVPM). The goal of FVPM is to raise public awareness around family violence and to educate communities on how to prevent it. Use the colour purple to show your support all month long.

Stay tuned as CASASC and many of our partner and like-minded service organizations will be sharing and inviting you to take part in events, campaigns and initiatives throughout the month.

Day of Action – Purple Shirt Day – Mark your calendars for NOVEMBER 25 – as we wear purple and celebrate a Family Violence Prevention Day of Action with our community.

Online Learning Series

Is there a topic you’re interested in learning more about that we don’t currently have available? Let us know what interests you.

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

Tue, Oct 25 @ 6-6:45 p.m. MST

Visit the link for session dates and times and to register:

Ask the Expert – Parenting and Sexualized Behaviour Support Virtual Session (September 26)

Friday, October 28 @ 4 – 5 p.m. MST

Visit the link for session dates and times and to register:

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/306744500057

Services + Programs at CASASC (30 min)

Wednesday, October 19 @ 9 a.m.

Introduction to Sexual Violence (60 min)

Friday, October 14 @ 1p.m.

Supporting Disclosures (45 min)

Wednesday, October 26 @ 2 p.m.

Consent 101 (60 min)

Wednesday, October 12 @ 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/390733202527

Let’s connect

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

TikTok @CASASC5
Twitter @CASASC2
Facebook @CASASCRD
Instagram @CASASC3

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 here

*Community training opportunities available with local facilitators. Can’t make the pre-scheduled training dates, reach out and book a special training for your organization and/or community.

Only Yes Mean Yes Consent Campaign

OYMY changes how we look at and understand consent. It focuses on positive consent in which only affirmative consent matters.

Read more about the poster campaign and how to get involved here

#MomentsMatterAB

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

That’s why we’ve partnered with the #momentsmatterab campaign. Learn more here

Programs + Services

24 Hour Sexual Violence Help Line

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

Available through phone, text or webchat – We provide 24/7 confidential and anonymous support and a friendly conversation with the end goal being information, support and referrals.

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
One-on-one and group counselling
Sexualized Behaviour Support counselling

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)

bdunlop@casasc.ca

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.

KIP information and community connection sessions are available by request. Email us to learn more.

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 counselling 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

Education – Prevention and Awareness

education@casasc.ca

Email education@casasc.ca to inquire or for booking details. Now booking in schools and community groups across Central Alberta.

No Secrets (K-4): Two 35 min sessions. Topics on public vs private, personal body safety, what is safe vs unsafe, and how to ask for help from a student’s personal safety network.

iRespect MYSELF (Recommended Grades 5/6 and deliverable to Grades 4 and 7 upon further discussion): One 60 min session. Topics on personal safety rules, boundaries, self-esteem, communication, permission, labels and stereotypes, and diversity.

iRespect US 1 (Recommended Grades 5-7 and deliverable to Grade 8 upon further discussion): One 60 min session. Topics on communication, healthy peer relationships, healthy schools, conflict resolution, and personal power.

iRespect US 2 (Recommended Grades 5-7 and deliverable to Grade 8 upon further discussion): One 60 min session. Topics on personal power, bullying behaviors, cyberbullying, teasing, empathy, and the impacts of bullying behavior in schools.

Healthy Dating Relationships 101 (Recommended Grades 8-12 and deliverable to Grade 7 upon further discussion): One 60-90 min presentation educates students on healthy relationships, communication, conflict resolution, consent, consent laws, dating violence (physical, emotional, sexual), sexting, and sexting laws.

Monthly update – CASASC Connections – September

September 7, 2022/in News/by Team Member

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 September.

Community Booths

Come visit us at community booths and events.

September 9 @ Golden Circle (Red Deer)

September 15 @ Bowden Community Registration Night (Bowden)

September 29 @ Seniors Information Fair (Collicutt Centre, RD)

October 5 @ Mental Illness Awareness Week (RD Polytech)

October 20, Consent Booth @ RD Polytech

Ride for Respect – Thank you

The first annual CASASC Ride for Respect was held on Saturday, August 27 at Bower Ponds in Red Deer. The day was filled with live music, family activities, vendors, a barbeque and the motorcycle poker rally of course. Close to a hundred volunteers joined us for the day, making it possible to bring awareness to our cause.

A big thanks to volunteers, sponsors and attendees for making the Ride for Respect possible.

Thank you!

Virtual 50/50

Live, virtual 50/50 fundraiser. Get your tickets today for a chance to win up to $10,000.

Tickets available until September 30. Purchase them here

Virtual Silent Auction

Check out our virtual silent auction. Over 70 items available to bid on, guaranteed to have something for everyone in the family.

Bidding open until September 14. Check out the silent auction here

Online Learning Series

Our virtual learning series will be continuing all year long. Please join us for each month as we hosting various free and virtual education lessons for the community.

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

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

Tue, Sept 13 @ 5-6pm MST

Tue, Oct 18 @ 6-7pm MST

Visit the link for session dates and times and to register:

Ask the Expert – Parenting and Sexualized Behaviour Support Virtual Session (September 26)

Monday, September 26 @ 4 – 5 p.m. MST

Visit the link for session dates and times and to register:

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/306744500057

Services + Programs at CASASC (30 min)

Friday, September 16 @ 9 a.m.

Introduction to Sexual Violence (60 min)

Wednesday, September 7 @ 11 a.m.

Supporting Disclosures (45 min)

Thursday, September 8 @ 11 a.m.

Consent 101 (60 min)

Wednesday, September 21 @ 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.