Tag Archive for: SVAM

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

 

iRespect Yoga in the Park

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iRespect Yoga returns, in-person and in the park. Join CASASC staff members Bailey Martineau (trauma-informed certified kids yoga teacher) and Sarah Maetche (registered yoga teacher RYT-200) for an outdoor practice at Coronation Park. Meet us both afternoons by the stone circle in the middle of the park.

We are offering two one-hour sessions designed for everyBody – all abilities, ages and bodies. Join us on May 19 at 5:30 p.m. for a hatha practice. On May 25 at 5:30 p.m. join us for a family-friendly flow.

These two outdoor yoga sessions are hosted by CASASC in celebration of Sexual Violence Awareness Month (SVAM) and bring the focus to the iRespect campaign, creating a culture of respect wherever we go.

Each session is offered by donation to CASASC (suggested donation of $5). As we are outdoors, the practices will run weather dependent. We encourage you to bring your own mat and props.

Pre-registration not required, drop-ins are welcome. Pre-register up to 2 hours before the session to fill out your waiver in advance. Pre-register here on Eventbrite.

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

 

Your 2021 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 Respect. 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 Respect Month and the iRespect Campaign

SVAM is about more than awareness – the ultimate goal is prevention. This year’s theme centres around creating a culture of respect everywhere we go.

CASASC believes the best way to prevent sexual violence is through the concept of respect. The idea for Respect Month is based off of CASASC’s proactive campaign titled iRespect. The goal of iRespect is to encourage everyone to conduct their lives and treat one another with respect. In this, sexual violence, and violence in general, will be eliminated. This campaign focuses on awareness and creating positive changes, dispelling the negative connotations of “rape culture.”

By promoting respect for others, you promote respect for yourself which is the most important. Together, we can create a culture of respect.

Sexual violence needs to be addressed and a message of hope needs to be relayed to survivors. This is why we choose to take action through showing 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 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 creating a culture of respect. Want to get involved? We’ve got you covered. We have an array of events and ways for you to participate in Respect Month. More details about each individual event will be released throughout the month.

 

Calendar of Events:

-May 1 – Launch of Respect Month

We are going to relaunch the iRespect campaign. Find out how you can take action and create a culture of respect wherever you go.

-May 10 and May 31 – iRespect Yoga

Join CASASC staff as they lead two virtual respect-themed yoga classes designed for all bodies and abilities. On May 10 tune in at noon for a 30-minute accessible work-breather session where you are. No mat required. Join us on May 31 at 7 p.m. for a hatha practice. The sessions will be hosted by CASASC on Instagram live. Preregistration is not required.

-May 7 and May 21 – Respect education social media takeover

Tune in to our social media accounts when the education team takes over to talk about creating a culture of respect and other sexual violence issues in our community.

-May 6 and TBA – Coffee Chat with CASASC

Our online coffee chat show will return with two featured guests during the month of May. Our first chat is set for Thursday, May 6 at 10:30 a.m. with Sabrina Samuel, author of She Was. The second chat date and guest will be announced soon.

-May 13 and May 19 – CASASC Services + Intro to Sexual Violence presentation

Curious about what services CASASC offers? Want to enhance your sexual violence education? The CASASC education team will be hosting two virtual presentations via Zoom. on May 13 at 10:30 a.m. and May 19 at 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. The Services + 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 and of course, a birds-eye view of all services and programs available at CASASC.

-May 28 – Respect Day

Day of Action. Wear your #iRespect t-shirt or the colour teal on this day.

-May 29 – IRESPECT scavenger hunt (Postponed)

Hunt for giant letters hidden around Central Alberta. Win prizes, activities and more.

-May 9, May 16, May 23 and May 30 – iRespect Myself, iNourish My Body Recipe Series

Each Sunday watch for a new healthy recipe you can try at home.

 

Available all month long:

-iRespect colouring pages

Join Ressie the Respect unicorn and colour two pages. Ressie wants to know one thing you can do to show respect? Share with us your coloured pictures to be entered to win a special prize. Email education@casasc.ca to be entered into the draw.

-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 throughout the month. 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

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.

 

Checking your social media feeds anyways? 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.

 

Facebook: @CASASCRD

Twitter: @CASASC2

Instagram: @CASASC3

YouTube: Let’s Connect – CASASC

 

Hashtags: #iRespect, #SVAM, #cultureofrespect