Association of Alberta Sexual Assault Services
Suite 650, 910 7th Avenue SW T2P 3N8 Calgary, AB, Canada

The Unpacking Masculinity Speaker Series presents their second event.

A course - provided by folks from our member agency in Calgary - that is suitable for professionals providing psychotherapy or supportive counselling to individuals who have experienced sexual violence, or for students enrolled in programs of study to provide these services: Counselling After an Experience of Sexual Violence Presented by the Alberta Society for the Promotion of Sexual Health.... https://www.aspsh.ca//counselling-after-an-experience-of-s

Moosehide Day is February 11th. A day of action to end violence against women and children in Canada. "Whilst hunting a moose in their traditional territory alongside the highway back in 2011, Paul and Raven Lacerte decided to use the moose hide to inspire positive change, particularly as a way for men and boys to stand up and say no to this violence. The campaign has gained momentum and is now a nationally recognized movement, established in over 2,000 communities with over... two million pins distributed. We encourage men, boys, and everyone on Turtle Island to join us and take action in their communities, in their workplaces, at school or on university campuses." Watch the livestream, take workshops, join the #FastToEndViolence. https://events.moosehidecampaign.ca/ #endgenderbasedviolence

An exciting project - Advancing Gender Equity for Black Women and Girls in Canada to Respond to COVID-19. The project will undertake community-based research activities to address gaps related to gender-based violence in the lives of Black women and girls. It will also engage with Black women’s community organizations and experts by convening a National Steering Committee by and for diverse Black women and girls, and develop and deploy a comprehensive national gender equity s...trategy to address systemic factors contributing to anti-Black racism. https://www.globalcitizen.org//gender-based-violence-blac/ #anti-racism #gbv #endgenderbasedviolence #antiblackracism #equity

2 more days until Barry O'Donnell kicks off the Unpacking Masculinity Speaker Series with his event: Redefining Your World and Determining How to Move Forward! ...For more information please visit: https://fb.me/e/3hQbK4Gfg or https://www.eventbrite.ca/.../barry-odonnell-redefining... All genders welcome!

This article addresses so many doubts, questions and victim-blaming statements that come up when an individual discloses abuse. An important read. "Name one woman who got famous or rich from making accusations? Name someone in the Weinstein case who wasn’t famous before but now is? R Kelly? Bill Cosby? There are, to our knowledge, zero examples of previously anonymous women who are now rich, famous and swimming in clout for naming their abuser. The reality is often just more trauma for the accuser. They lose work, they get hounded on Twitter, they get doxxed, and they have to face accusations that they only opened up about their trauma for non-existent clout. " http://ow.ly/6wVd50DsJXX

Our latest newsletter includes information about events planned throughout Alberta for Family Violence Prevention Month and training opportunities including our upcoming Counselling Adult Survivors of Sexual Violence 12-week online course. http://ow.ly/wcJl50C9CQf

Join Lethbridge Family Services tonight for an online event - Caring for Yourself. It's the last in a series of events they hosted for Family Violence Prevention Month. https://www.lfsfamily.ca/content.php?n=305 #GoPurpleAB #WheretoTurn #FVPM

Sean McCann sound check time! We are getting ready and looking forward to seeing you in a few short hours! If you haven’t got your tickets yet, there is still t...ime! Get some friends together. Support great outcomes for kids. Have fun. Share and learn. Sing along! https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/theres-a-place-online-fundraise #lookinggreatsoundinggreat #albertacacs #keepkidssafe

We know that in order to prevent, reduce and eventually eliminate sexual violence, we need to make cultural and systemic change. This new initiative by the Canadian Military is a step in the right direction to address sexual violence within their organization. "To achieve our goal, we must cultivate a command climate across the institution where sexual misconduct is never minimized, ignored or excused. This is how we build a safer work environment and ensure trust in each other and in the chain of command." https://www.msn.com//canadian-forces-targetin/ar-BB1atTFm

For the month of November please join us for the "Light in the Window" Campaign. We invite you to light a candle in your windows wherever you may be and take... a few minutes to reflect on the harm domestic violence has done to our communities and to honour those lives lost to domestic violence. Light in the Window Campaign provides an opportunity for friends, families and communities to discuss the context in which domestic violence occurs. Domestic violence is not limited to physical abuse; it encompasses numerous tactics that may include coercive behaviors to establish and maintain power and control, emotional and physiological manipulation, financial abuse, sexual assault and threatening to harm children, other loved ones or the family pet. Many injuries may not be easily visible. Wear purple during November for Family Violence Prevention Month to show survivors you are there for them. We all play a role in maintaining happy and healthy relationships. Learn #WhereToTurn if you see someone affected by family violence. Show you care through your actions; Attend events; Share awareness resources; Help people discover services and supports available. Together we are Lighting the Way to Peace in Our Hearts, Our Homes, and the World. #WhereToTurn #IBelieveYou #domesticviolence #domesticabuse #emotionalabuse #domesticviolenceawareness #narcissisticabuse #abuse #narcissist #gaslighting #toxicrelationships #survivor #ptsd #selflove #narcissisticabusesurvivor #sociopath #healing #love #narcissism #trauma #domesticviolencesurvivor #divorce #psychologicalabuse #traumabonding #empowerment #covid #mentalhealth #abusiverelationship #toxicpeople See more

November 20 is Transgender Day of Remembrance. Trans and gender-diverse folks experience violence disproportionately, and Black, Indigenous, people of colour, ...and sex workers experience even higher rates. Today, we remember the lives that have been lost due to anti-trans violence. We also honour the strength and resilience of the trans and gender-diverse community and vow to continue to fight for a world free of transphobia. Image description: A light blue and light pink circle with a white background with text that says Transgender Day of Remembrance November 20 in dark blue font. #TransDayOfRemembrance #TDoR2020

Sign up for Family Yoga Flow with our member agency in Red Deer. Family Violence Prevention Month #GoPurpleAB #WhereToTurn

People are experiencing high levels of stress because of increased COVID cases in Alberta and the election results south of the border. This may be especially true for those who have experienced trauma, like sexual violence. Today is a good day for self care and to practice some grounding techniques. If you've experienced sexual violence or are supporting someone who has, Alberta's One Line for Sexual Violence is available through talk, text and chat for support and referral...s to specialized services. 1-866-403-8000 www.aasas.ca https://www.healthline.com/health/grounding-techniques

Lloydminster Sexual Assault Services is providing a free online workshop tomorrow on Adult Sexual Assault. Email them for more information: publiced.lsaicSaskTel #workshop #sexualassault #supportsurvivors #Ibelieveyou

The AASAS team is going purple for Family Violence Prevention Month! Our member agencies have events and learning opportunities throughout November. Today:... Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre and their local partners are going purple. Waypoints is offering a webinar called Healing Rooted Pain - Loving Yourself and Retraining the Mind presented by Stephanie Harpe, the Program Coordinator at The Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women. https://www.facebook.com/events/375329540190089 #GoPurpleAB #wheretoturn #FVPM

The best way to respond to a disclosure of sexual assault or abuse is to be supportive. Individuals who receive a supportive response and are believed are more likely to seek help. This video shows just how you can do that. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IV8BBHE1OuQ

Stay up to date on the latest initiatives, resources, issues and education opportunities around sexual violence in Alberta by subscribing to the AASAS monthly E-News Flash. Check out the October issue which includes new data from Statistics Canada, conferences and programs for adults and children, and information about child abuse prevention month as well as from ACT Alberta about child trafficking: http://ow.ly/fIaD50BGNEl

It's Bullying Awareness Week. Join our member agency today for their lunch and learn session on bullying.

Taking care of your mind and your body is important. Remember that it is OK to feel worried and anxious and that everyone reacts differently. It is also OK to reach out and seek help. There are many resources available. We are here for you. #WednesdayWisdom

Take the Alberta Nonprofit Network nonprofit survey: From Response to Recovery. A lot can happen in a few months what nonprofits were dealing with in the spring is vastly different than the struggles of today. To help build an understanding of the current state of Alberta’s nonprofits and charities, Alberta Nonprofit Network (ABNN) is conducting a fall sector survey. What are your funding, operating and staffing challenges? What support and policy decisions do you need on t...he road to recovery? The data and results from this survey will be shared with the sector, government partners and funders to support ongoing dialogue. The information gathered in their last two surveys was used by Alberta organizations in grant applications, resource development, programming direction and as part of advocacy and media outreach. Numerous funders, including the Government of Alberta and Alberta community foundations, also used the survey data to inform their funding decisions. http://ow.ly/ec0R50C9cfG #nonprofit #alberta #survey #covid19

Today is #OrangeShirtDay2020. Orange Shirt Day is a day we create meaningful discussion about the effects of Residential Schools and the legacy they have left b...ehind. In order to imagine a future free of sexual violence, we must recognize and acknowledge how the non-consensual and violent displacement of Indigenous Peoples across this land directly connects to issues of sexual violence. Residential Schools run by Anglican, Presbyterian, United, and Roman Catholic institutions, as well as the Canadian government, have been directly implicated in the ongoing cycle of sexual violence experienced by generations of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit. We must also acknowledge that, though the last Residential School closed its doors in 1996, Indigenous children continue to be forcibly taken from their homes, and consequently account for a hugely disproportionate number of children in care. Today, we wear orange to honour the resilience of Residential School survivors. We wear orange to remember those who did not survive. We wear orange to stand up, and speak out about those who continue to be impacted by colonialism and white supremacy. We wear orange because #EveryChildMatters. To learn more about Orange Shirt Day, visit orangeshirtday.org. Image description: A dark blue background with an orange shirt with white text that reads "Orange Shirt Day #EveryChildMatters September 30."

Throughout November we will be sharing information about Family Violence Prevention Month. #GoPurpleAB

Wear an orange shirt today to: . commemorate the residential school experience, . witness and honour the healing journey of the survivors and their families . commit to the ongoing process of reconciliation.... https://www.orangeshirtday.org/ #OrangeShirtDay2020 #healing #trauma #reconciliation

Halloween is a bit different this year and people may not be at parties and other gatherings, but it's still a good time for a reminder about consent and the fact that sexual assault is never about what a person is wearing. "There’s never a time when a victim of harassment or assault is asking for it, and Halloween is no exception." https://www.teenvogue.com//halloween-costume-sexual-harass... #halloween #consent #endsexualviolence #supportsurvivors #notyourfault #IBelieveYou

"It just triggered a lot of widespread resentment, this idea that women should have to be responsible for managing the behaviour of men." Clothing is not responsible for sexual harassment. The individual is responsible for their choice to harass and hurt another person. Real change won’t happen until people challenge attitudes and behaviours that put down and degrade others. Everyone has a right to live in a society where they feel safe - a world where sexual harassment is no...t acceptable. http://ow.ly/s0iu50BErSm

Our member agency in Fort McMurray is hiring....

There’s a correlation between trauma and chronic pain. Trauma can cause the brain structure to change and the body’s nervous system to become wired for stressful or scary situations. "For sexual violence survivors who experience physical pain and chronic illness, a combination of therapy and medical treatment seems to be a big help in improving symptoms." https://www.teenvogue.com//ptsd-physical-symptoms-sexual-a

#childabusepreventionmonth

Registration is now open for the 20th Annual Diverse Voices Family Violence Conference. The registration fee of $175 offers two days of live streaming presentations from leading experts on diverse topics related to family violence on November 12-13, including a film screening of India’s Daughter on November 11. This year’s keynote speakers are: Samra Zafar Family Violence and Mental Health During COVID-19 Michael Flood Engaging Men and Boys in Violence Prevention: Tow...ards an Intersectional Feminist Social Justice Approach Patricia Makokis The Indigenous Perspective on Family Violence Mark Wynn Making the Law Keep its Promise: Law Enforcement Challenges and Changes in Response to Violence Against Women Karen Mason and Paul Van Donkelaar Invisible Wounds: Understanding IPV-Related Brain Injury https://diverse-voices.com/

Reminder: Registration for November's Information for Partners and Supporters online workshop closes October 31. Participants will learn about consent, sexual v...iolence, trauma impacts, and support skills. This course is available on a sliding scale of $0 to $30 to ensure that cost is not a barrier to participation. Learn more at https://education.sace.ca/courses/38/about

Today, Captain & Triggs are wearing blue for #GoBlueAB to spread awareness of child abuse intervention & prevention #KidsCanTell #ChildAbusePreventionMonth #YEG Dogs with Wings Assistance Dog Society

Gender-based violence awareness webinars for Canadian service providers working with newcomers immigrants and refugees are available through the fall. Attend these sessions to increase practical skills and knowledge about gender-based violence. Register: http://ow.ly/j8Py50By0Ww

Join us as the team at AASAS #GoBlueAB for Child Abuse Prevention Month. Get your blue on today and learn more about child abuse prevention by visiting the websites or social media pages of Alberta's child and youth advocacy centres. Share their social media posts and help others gain a better understanding of this important issue. https://www.albertacacs.ca/... #ChildAbusePreventionMonth #childabuse #endchildabuse

Our CEO, Deb Tomlinson, was happy to participate in Minister Aheer's Engaging Men and Boys Roundtable today, along with many other leaders of organizations involved in reducing gender based violence in Alberta. She spoke about the importance of involving men in the issue of sexual violence not just as allies, but also as survivors of sexual assault and abuse. Leela Sharon Aheer YourAlberta (Government of Alberta)

New research finds that rape culture bias is not only real, but it shapes how people determine what a believable rape case looks like, who is most likely a rape victim, and in which circumstances rape is less likely to take place. One of my hopes for the implications of this research is just to make people aware that there is an undercurrent of bias about how seriously we take these crimes and how much we believe [rape] to be deserving of punishment or how much we kind of blame the victim for putting himself or herself into the situation that resulted in the attack. http://ow.ly/jWxG50Bx6XX

We posted this story a while ago, but it's worth a re-post during #ChildAbusePreventionMonth

How to set limits with children while also communicating that body curiosity is healthy and normal. As talks about the body become a habit, it becomes easier to talk with kids about body behaviour that’s not appropriate - such as appropriate and inappropriate touch by adults. http://ow.ly/6WVL50BrEfh

"If a lack of clarity around consent is normalized, rape can be excused as an accident merely a misunderstanding." Consent is informed, enthusiastic, and ongoing. This article by Everyday Feminism discusses the myth of the 'grey area' and explains why distancing ourselves from this harmful misconception is critical when it comes to developing a healthy idea of consent.

Did you know there are many benefits to having a facility dog? Check out this infographic of the mental and physical health benefits and help us get a Bernedood...le by buying tickets to One Good Reason to Support SACE: A Night of Singing, Sharing, and Surviving with Séan McCann and Andrea Aragon on September 18, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. Learn more and purchase tickets at sace.ca/one-good-reason/ See more

Alberta's One Line for Sexual Violence is here for you. Seven days a week, 9am - 9pm with translation services in over 200 languages including Cree. Reach out for support and referral to specialized services. #IBelieveYou #SupportSurvivors... #WSPD2020 #WorldSuicidePreventionDay

People who have experienced the trauma of sexual assault are at higher risk of suicide. Just one reason why a supportive response to a disclosure of sexual violence is so important. #IBelieveYou Learn more about suicide prevention and where to find help: http://ow.ly/rrlt50BnbJU #WorldSuicidePreventionDay #WSPD2020

The title says it all - Things Not to Say to Someone Who Has Been Sexually Assaulted. A great discussion about common things that are said and why they are so wrong. Language warning. http://ow.ly/m4zs50BmeY0

Watch this great video - it will make you laugh and will make you think. And hopefully, anyone who watches will never ask "what were you wearing" ever again. One step towards ending victim blaming around sexual assault. http://ow.ly/vfso50BiuqA

Did you know that September is Suicide Prevention Month (aka Suicide Prevention Awareness month)? It is such an important topic to talk about, but it can be dif...ficult to start conversations about it. That's why every Thursday this month we will be posting information about suicide awareness to educate others and hopefully spark some conversations or even make people think. #SPM20 #NotAlone #SuicidePreventionMonth #SuicidePreventionAwarenessMonth #YouMatter #hereforyou #SaffronCentre See more

We currently have a few positions open which you can find by searching for Waypoints on www.indeed.com. Today we want to feature the Outreach Counsellor positio...n. The Outreach Counsellor provides culturally appropriate, inclusive and flexible treatment and, at times, case management services to individuals that are referred to the Outreach Program. This position will support individuals within the Region, including Fort McMurray, Fort McKay, Fort Chipewyan, Anzac, Janvier and Conklin. The Outreach Counsellor will not only provide clients with one-on-one counselling supports but will facilitate group therapy sessions, build capacity and collaborative relationships throughout the region. It is imperative that this role operate from both a trauma informed and an Indigenous informed framework. This role will be required at times, to assist in the facilitation of public education and capacity building efforts throughout the region. For more information or to apply please visit: https://indeedhi.re/30V8uz1

Sexual assault is associated with a higher risk for PTSD, depression, anxiety, substance abuse and suicidality. AASAS member agencies offer in-depth processing of sexual assault trauma using a range of therapeutic modalities depending on the needs of the clients and the skills and style of the therapist. These might include an eclectic mix of : EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing); Hakomi; Narrative therapy; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Integrative Body Psychotherapy; or Sensory Motor Therapy. http://ow.ly/VqEH50Bg1Yf

A study from Statistics Canada showed nearly half of women (48%) and nearly one-third of men (32%) experienced unwanted or inappropriate sexual behaviour in a public space, in the workplace or online in Canada's territories. http://ow.ly/pM6k50Bf5xj