‘Building connected communities’ theme for Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Apr 7, 2024 | 10:00 AM

The Archway Society for Domestic Peace has offered an update on its services and programs as part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April.

The following is a news release from the society:

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and the theme for 2024 is “Building Connected Communities.”

Building Connected Communities helps us reduce the likelihood of sexual abuse, assault, and harassment in our communities. Any space where people come together is a community, whether in neighborhoods, workplaces, campuses, organizations, or even online spaces.

We are all a part of a community, often many different communities.

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• In 2021, there were 34,242 police-reported sexual assaults in Canada, and 6,065 in BC, both an increase from 2020 (14.1% increase in BC, 18% in Canada).

• The rate of sexual assault cases in Canada was more than five times higher for women than men.

• Only 6% of sexual assault incidents in Canada were brought to the attention of police. • Some populations are at a higher risk of experiencing sexual violence:

• 47% of sexual offences are committed against young women aged 15 to 24;

• The rate of sexual assault is approximately three times higher against Indigenous women than non-Indigenous women;

• People who identify as homosexual or bisexual have a rate of experiencing sexual assault six times higher than those who identify as heterosexual and transgender people report higher rates of both physical and sexual assault compared to cisgender people;

• The rate of sexual assault among those with a disability are approximately two times higher than those with no disability. (We acknowledge that the following data points cannot fully represent the unique experiences and realities of the individuals who are impacted by this type of violence. As reported by: Province of British Columbia’s Public Safety and Emergency Services website, the government of BC’s 2021 Crime Statistics Report and the Canadian Women’s Foundation facts page.)

Sexual violence prevention and education starts with having conversations about what sexual violence is, where it happens, and how we can stop it.

Sexual violence is not just rape or sexual assault. Sexual violence is an act that can be verbal and or physical and is committed against someone’s sexual integrity without consent.

Are these tough conversations to have? Yes, they are some of the harder topics to discuss. Is it easier with the help of other like-minded, trusted adults? It absolutely is. If we are all sharing the same information that information becomes common knowledge. If knowledge is power, we are building powerful communities that are connected and engaged to help fight against sexual violence. Archway Society is here to help provide accurate information and guide those conversations, as well as provide support for survivors of sexual assault.

Sexual assault services are provided through Archway Society for Domestic Peace. We offer free and confidential support to survivors of sexual violence throughout the North Okanagan. We believe that survivors are the experts in their own experience. We aim to empower survivors to make the choices that are right for them. We are a safe space for all, and work to achieve this by respecting each individual’s unique identity and experience. We provide support for all genders and sexualities.

Key messages:

• Archway can provide different services to meet the unique needs of each individual:

– Support accessing medical care and forensic exams, this could include information, transportation and accompaniment

– connection to community resources

– discuss the different options for reporting the assault

– navigation of the justice system o ongoing emotional support

– clinical counselling

• How we speak to survivors of sexual violence dictates how survivors heal. Learning when to speak up and use their story is hard for survivors. They owe no one an explanation, but if they are brave enough to come forward to talk about it, then we should be brave enough to listen and help stop it from happening again.

More Information:

As of July 2023, Archway Society offers a sexual assault clinical counselling program for sexual assault survivors who are 13 years of age and older. All survivors of sexual assault regardless of gender or sexual identity Individuals can now access up to 12 free clinical counselling sessions. This program can help survivors work through post-trauma responses and help them gain a sense of safety after the assault.

“We’re really excited that we’re going to be able to continue not only with the coordination aspect and ensuring that survivors of sexual assault get supported as quickly as possible, but we also have the ability to provide the actual clinical counselling they need as soon as they need it,” Micki Materi, CoExecutive Director of Programs for Archway Society, said.

“Archway Society delivers sexual assault services throughout the North Okanagan using survivor-centred, trauma-informed, inclusive, and culturally safe approaches. Our specialized staff also work in partnership with our other programs, such as Community-Based Victim Services and Oak Child and Youth Advocacy Centre, depending on the age and service needs of the client,” Kelli Sullivan, Community Programs Manager for Archway Society, said.

If you are in crisis and need immediate support you can call our 24-7 number at 250-542-1122. During Business Hours: 250-309-6733.

Everyone deserves to live free from the fear of sexual assault and to live in communities that support their safety. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, please reach out to us.

Sexual Assault Services Contact Person: Taylor Moody Archway Society for Domestic Peace taylor.m@archwaysociety.ca

Media Contact Person: Monica Kriese Community Engagement Coordinator Archway Society for Domestic Peace engagement@archwaysociety.ca

Click here for the Archway Society’s website.

by Vernon Matters Staff

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