NL Sexual Assault Crisis and Prevention Centre
15 Hallett Cres Suite 101 A1E 1W6 St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, NL, Canada

This week marks the completion of our fall Support Line Volunteer Training. Thank you to VOCM Cares Foundation for funding the training which included ensuring 30 of our volunteers and staff were ASIST certified.

The Journey Project - NL is seeking a dynamic, survivor-centred individual to join the Journey Project team on a short-term maternity leave replacement contract as a Legal Support Navigator! Read more details here: https://publiclegalinfo.com//job-posting-journey-project/

Our Annual General Meeting will be held via Zoom tomorrow (Tuesday, November 17) evening at 7pm. RSVP to Dawn at [email protected]

We're very pleased to share that we are expanding our support line to include text and chat. Beginning today, text and chat will be available Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 2pm-8pm. You can access this support by texting 1-800-726-2743 or visiting our website www.endsexualviolence.com. Our phone line will continue to be available 24/7.

Please join us on Tuesday, November 17th, 2020 7pm-8pm for our Annual General Meeting and Virtual Grand Opening. The meeting will be held virtually this year. Guests are asked to RSVP to: [email protected]

This week has felt especially heavy in our community as we grapple with the ways in which the legal system continues to fail survivors. As we advocate for change and support one another it is important that we take the time to care for ourselves as well. If you can, take some time this weekend to practice self care and recharge yourself. If your self care is connecting with others, please reach out to our Support Line 1-800-746-2743.

A reminder that the first of our Community Support sessions is happening tomorrow afternoon. All are welcome. Please contact Mary to register.

To everyone impacted by sexual violence know that our Centre is here to support you. We would like to invite you to a Community Support at our office. This will be a safe space to connect, chat, and find support from Centre staff and other individuals in an informal setting. This will take place at our office on October 2nd from 1pm-4pm and October 6th from 6pm-9pm. Due to public health guidelines there are limited spaces available. Please contact Mary at 747-7757 or [email protected] to register. Transportation and child care cost coverage are available. We recognize that everyone copes in their own unique way. For anyone not able to come, know that we believe you and our volunteers are available 24/7 to support you 1-800-726-2743.

Like so many in our community, we are overwhelmed. Overwhelmed with grief, with anger, with disbelief. We know that you are hurting. We know that this month, this week, this day, has highlighted once again that so many people who experience sexual violence do not have access to justice. Without change, our systems will continue to retraumatize survivors Survivors who have been denied justice by a perpetrator, by a community, by law makers, by leaders, and by the courts. To s...urvivors all survivors know that you are not alone. We believe you. We see you. We’re with you. And know that, no matter what someone might have told you, no matter how the legal system has failed you, no matter where you were or what you did what happened to you was not your fault. You are not to blame. You did not deserve it. You were not asking for it. You deserve better. You are strong. You are resilient. You are more than your trauma. You are not invisible. You are not defined by a label or by a system that has shut you down and shut you out. You deserve safety. You deserve respect. Trauma has ripple effects - for individuals and for communities. Our community will continue to feel the impacts of these traumas for a long time. Our confidential Support Line continues to be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-726-2743. The Journey Project - NL Monday - Friday 9am - 4pm 1-833-722-2805 [email protected]

The schedule of events for the Sisters in Sprit hosted by First Light and St. John's Status of Women Council/Women's Centre has been announced. The vigil will be October 4th with community events happening throughout the week. If you are a family member of a missing or murdered woman or girl, and you would like to participate in any of the events, or speak during the vigil, please reach out to Amy at [email protected] or (709) 725-2290 to register.

While so many things look different this year, our commitment to supporting individuals who have experienced sexual violence remains the same. For survivors throughout the province: Wherever you are this evening know that you are not alone. We believe you. We see you. We’re with you. No matter what someone might have told you, no matter how systems may have failed you, no matter where you were or what you did what happened to you was not your fault. You are not to blame. Yo...u did not deserve it. You were not asking for it. We hear you and we’re here for you. For our followers in and around St. John’s: We may not be gathering at Bannerman Park on this rainy evening, or rallying at the Supreme Court to protest injustices in the legal system, or gathering by candlelight at St. John’s City Hall to hold space for each other but we do remain steadfast in our commitment to support individuals of all genders who have been impacted by sexualized violence in Newfoundland and Labrador. Tonight, and every night, our 24/7 Support and Information Line is available at 1-800-726-2743. Here is a link to a short, collaborative video featuring submissions from community partners and members to commemorate TBTN St. John's 2020 and highlight some of the incredible support that is offered: https://youtu.be/lWq_RrF9M8s Video Description: This six minute video features a series of audio/video submissions from the St. John’s Women’s Centre, Violence Prevention Avalon East, the Office for the Status of Women, the Neighbourhood Strays, and images from previous Take Back the Night events.

Our Labrador-based Sexual Violence Prevention Coordinator, Deirdre, will be standing in solidarity with the Mokami Status of Women Council/Women's Centre this evening. Our St. John's based staff will be participating remotely by watching the Mokami Facebook Live. Tonight, and every night, we stand with survivors. Know that you are not alone.

Thank you to Quadrangle NL for this thoughtful message for SVA Week 2020.

The Bay St. George Status of Women Council/ Women's Centre is also hosting a virtual TBTN event this evening that folks in the Bay St. George area can participate in by adding lights to the windows, walkways, and entrances of your homes and businesses to show your support. Follow them on social media for more information on their virtual event!

Corner Brook Followers - The Corner Brook Status of Women Council is hosting a socially distanced Take Back the Night rally at the Corner Brook City Hall this evening at 7:30pm!

In 2018 Richard Wagner, Chief Justice of Canada remarked that, ‘Access to justice can mean many things. Having the financial ability to get legal assistance when you need it. Being informed of your right to counsel when your liberty is at stake. Having courts that can resolve your problem on time. But it also means knowing what tools and services are available, and how to get to them. It means knowing your rights and knowing how our legal systems work. It can even mean seei...ng people like yourself represented in all parts of the legal system. And it means having confidence that the system will come to a just result knowing you can respect it, and accept it, even if you don’t agree with it. Ultimately, it is about getting good justice for everyone, not perfect justice for a lucky few. It’s a democratic issue. It’s a human rights issue.’ Access to justice can feel out of reach for the majority of people who have experienced sexual violence, those from marginalized groups, and those with intersecting identities. Sex workers, people who have been criminalized, 2SLGBTQ+ people, the BIPOC community, those with disabilities, people living in poverty, people with mental health and addictions issues, and those with low literacy levels are some of the folks who have the most difficulty and face the most barriers in accessing justice. If you’re a survivor that has gone through the legal system and feel that justice wasn’t served, know that it doesn’t erase what happened to you and it doesn’t mean you are not believed. We believe you, and we support you. The Journey Project - NL is here to support you before, during, and after your experience with the legal system. To access our Sexual Violence Legal Support Service call 1-833-722-2805, email [email protected], or text 709-986-2801 In our province, the Public Legal Information Association of Newfoundland and Labrador works to enhance access to justice for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, through free legal clinics, plain language presentations and publications, and through a Lawyer Referral Service and Legal Information Line. If you need help with a legal issue, contact PLIAN at 1-866-660-7788 or [email protected]. Image description: An overhead shot of a large group of people forming the outline of the 'scales of justice.'

The town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Labrador was ranked as having the 6th highest rate of violence against women from data collected from 600 communities across Canada by journalist Emma Jones and Statistics Canada. The NL Sexual Assault Crisis Prevention Centre’s Labrador office, in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, is now open and deeply committed to further establishing Labrador-specific resources to better support individuals who have experienced sexual violence in Happy Valley-Goo...se Bay and surrounding communities across Labrador. You can join our Sexual Violence Prevention Coordinator, Deirdre Connolly, at 7pm at the annual Happy Valley-Goose Bay Take Back the Night 2020, hosted by Mokami Status of Women Council/Women's Centre. Deirdre is excited to meet marchers and community partners at a safe, physically distanced event. You can follow the link below for more details on the March itself and how Mokami will be streaming the event on Facebook Live! You can contact Deirdre at our Labrador Office at 709-896-6758 or [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/events/652298512339022 Image Description: A pink postcard with a picture of Deirdre Connolly in the upper left hand corner. Deirdre is smiling and has dark hair against a blurred background. The NLSACPC logo is on the bottom right hand corner. The postcard reads, Hello! I’m Deirdre. I am the Sexual Violence Prevention Coordinator for the NL Sexual Assault Crisis & Prevention Centre, based in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. The Newfoundland and Labrador Sexual Assault Crisis and Prevention Centre (NLSACPC) is committed to listening to, believing and supporting individuals who have experienced sexual violence through empowerment, advocacy and awareness. We deliver trauma-informed support, training and programs which help survivors of sexual violence; we promote healthy and respectful relationships and interactions. We offer a 24 hour, toll-free, province-wide support and information line: 1-800-726-2743 Callers can access non-judgmental, empathetic support and information regarding issues related to sexual violence. Our line is confidential and you do not need to be in crisis to call.

Sexual Harassment in the Workplace: Sexual harassment is happening in workplaces, across all industries in Canada. Types of harassment experienced included verbal abuse, humiliating behaviour, threats to persons, physical violence, and unwanted sexual attention or sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is largely underreported and can take many forms, including:... - unwelcome comments or intrusive comments about a person’s body, gender identity, sexuality or sex life - sexual propositions/requesting sex in exchange for a favour - sexist jokes and language - demanding dates or sexual favours - the display of sexual images (such as pornography) where others can see it (may include calendars, posters, pictures, messages, or e-mails) - actual and/or threatened physical contact (note: this may be a criminal offence, whether sexual or not) - demeaning and sexually explicit bragging (‘locker room talk’) - sexually aggressive gestures or looks - sending someone unwanted sexual images, text messages, or e-mails - using sexist, transphobic, biphobic, or homophobic language, or any other behaviour that targets someone’s gender or sexuality - spreading rumours or gossiping about a person’s sexuality, gender identity, body, or sex life - requiring employees to dress in a sexualized way - stalking, following, and/or watching a person If you or somebody you know has experienced sexual harassment, know that it is never ok. You can contact The Journey Project for support, information, and free legal advice by calling 1-833-722-2805, texting 709-986-2811, or emailing [email protected]

Our Sexual Violence Prevention Coordinator, Deirdre, has partnered with LFC Shield Project, Violence Prevention Labrador, and Nunatsiavut Department of Health & Social Development to launch the #RaiseYourVoice campaign geared toward young people throughout Labrador!

Today marks the beginning of Sexual Violence Awareness Week 2020. During SVA Week and throughout the year, individuals and communities work hard to heal from sexual violence and work towards its eradication. This individual and collective healing can be exhausting, and we need to ensure we’re taking care of ourselves in the process. We often reference the importance of self-care, but the healing and advocacy process can at times require a more coordinated and connected appro...ach. Community organizer Nakita Valerio defines Community Care as People committed to leveraging their privilege to be there for one another in various ways. When we care for one another, we create connections that can reduce isolation and remind others that they are not alone. Community care can help share the burdens and struggles that an individual is facing. This type of care can be as diverse as the communities we live in from texting a friend to check-in, making donations to survivor-focused initiatives, organizing a rally/protest or confronting harmful content online or in-person. Today, if you have any extra capacity - emotionally, mentally, physically, or financially consider an act of Community Care for survivors of sexual violence. If you are someone who needs Community Care today, please reach out to a friend, a loved one, or a volunteer on our line at 1-800-726-2743. Our community is here for you this week, and every week. Image Description: "Community Care" is written above six hands joined together to form a heart.

For over three decades, Take Back the Night St. John’s stood as an annual event to raise awareness about the impacts of gender inequality and sexualized violence in our communities. In September, the NL Sexual Assault Crisis & Prevention Centre would collaborate with incredible community members and partners to hold an empowering event that protested against the significant inequities faced by individuals and communities who are experiencing higher levels of sexual violence, ...discrimination, and secondary wounding. Due to ongoing concerns about COVID-19 and with great consideration given to public health guidelines, a decision has been made by staff at the NLSACPC to cancel St. John’s TBTN 2020 in its traditional format. Instead, TBTN St. John’s will be recognized virtually this year. This year, the NLSACPC is reaching out to our community - we want to hear from you: What inspirational words do you have for those who may be suffering in silence? What would you want a survivor to know about the community support and options that are available? If you would like to participate and contribute to our project, which will be shared on Friday, September 18th on our social media, we invite you to send us a quick email, picture, or short video with your contribution to Mary at [email protected] We will be accepting submissions until Thursday, September 17 at 9am. We can’t promise to use everyone’s contributions, but we will certainly try! If you have any questions please contact us at [email protected] or 709-747-7757. Additionally, we know that many other communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador are adapting their own SVA Week/TBTN events. Should you or your organization be planning an SVA Week/TBTN event (virtually or otherwise) we’d love to help promote it so please let us know! We look forward to hearing from you! Image Description: Purple and blue poster with three raised fists. Image content reads: We want your input for a virtual Take Back the Night. Due to COVID-19, TBTN St. John’s will be recognized virtually this year we want to hear from you: -What inspirational words do you have for those who may be suffering in silence? -What would you want a survivor to know about the community support and options that are available? We invite you to contribute to our project which will be shared on Friday, September 18th at 7pm. Send a quick email, picture, or short video to [email protected] Submissions accepted until 9am on Thursday, Sept. 17

We want to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to our summer students Ashley, Sam, and Dana. They offered tremendous support to our team over the past several months. We wish them the best in their future endeavors!

We're moving! Effective September 1st, you can find us at 15 Hallett Crescent. Phone and email contact details will remain the same, however there may be an interruption in our phone services. During this time you can reach the office at 709-689-9109. Our 24 Hour Crisis Support and Information Line will be in service throughout the move and available at 1-800-726-2743.... This move will enable us to enhance our support services and allow our organization to grow. We appreciate your patience while we get settled into our new space! Image description: a blue truck with moving boxes on the back. text reads, were moving.

For more information or to join the planning committee please contact [email protected]

Our next session of Volunteer Training is scheduled and we are now accepting applications! Our Crisis, Support, and Information Line continues to be our most utilized service and we need empathetic and dedicated volunteers to listen, believe, and support the people who reach out to us. Volunteers gain experience, knowledge, and skills in many areas, including crisis intervention, active listening, and issues related to sexual violence. To receive more information about volunt...eering contact Mary at [email protected] or 689-9109. Our volunteers are available 24/7 at 1-800-726-2743 to support adults impacted by sexual violence.

Applications for our Legal Support Navigator position are due on Wednesday afternoon! Join The Journey Project - NL team, in collaboration with Public Legal Information Association of Newfoundland and Labrador, in providing trauma-informed, survivor centered legal support to individuals who have experienced sexual violence. See below for more information and instructions on how to apply.

The Journey Project - NL is hiring! Join us and Public Legal Information Association of Newfoundland and Labrador in providing supports for survivors of sexual violence in Newfoundland and Labrador within the justice system. See link for full job posting. https://publiclegalinfo.com//job-posting-journey-project/

Thank you for joining us to officially open our Labrador office along with our partners at the Public Legal Information Association of Newfoundland and Labrador For more information on the Labrador Office, please contact our Sexual Violence Prevention Coordinator, Deirdre Connolly, at [email protected].

We are excited to invite you to the official opening of the NL Sexual Assault Crisis and Prevention Centre's Labrador Office, shared with our friends at Public Legal Information Association of Newfoundland and Labrador. The grand opening will be held virtually and streamed live to our Facebook pages on Tuesday, July 28 at 2 PM Atlantic time, 2:30 PM in Newfoundland. Please join us to meet our new staff and see the office space in Happy Valley-Goose Bay!

The Journey Project - NL's Sexual Violence Legal Support Service remains operational as does our 24/7 Support & Information Line. We're here when you're ready. We will believe you. You are not alone. ... NL Sexual Assault Crisis and Prevention Centre 24/7 Support & Information Line: phone: 1-800-726-2743 The Journey Project - NL: phone: 1-833-722-2805 email: [email protected] text: 709-986-2801

Over the past few weeks the ongoing pandemic has drastically shifted the way in which we interact with one another. While social distancing will help keep us safe from the virus, it can have a negative impact on vulnerable folks. Survivors may be feeling isolated from family, friends or community supports. We also know that home is not always a safe place, especially for those experiencing intimate partner violence. During these challenging times it is so important to connect... with and support people impacted by sexual violence in our communities. One way we do this is through our 24 Hour Support Line. Thanks to United Way of Newfoundland and Labrador and their generous donation of $5000 from the Atlantic Compassion fund, our line now has increased capacity to support the anticipated higher call volumes in the coming months. This money allowed us to hire temporary workers for additional coverage on the line and offset volunteers who had to step back from the line due to the pandemic. Please know that if you have been impacted by sexual violence we are here to listen. 1-800-726-2743

This week is National Volunteer Week! We want to thank our incredible team of volunteers for the time and support they offer to our Centre and those who reach out to us. In this time of social distancing we are especially grateful for the connections you create with the survivor community. You are truly the heart of our Centre!

The NL Sexual Assault Crisis and Prevention Centre would like to express our sympathies to the victims, families, first responders, and everyone impacted by the tragic events in Nova Scotia. Our Centre recognizes and acknowledges the link between gender-based violence and sexual violence, and how this violence can stir up many complicated emotions and thoughts for survivors. Survivors of violence may be feeling isolated from family, friends, and community supports, which creates a greater need within our community for a safe space to connect, grieve, and find support. We are here to offer support. If you would like to connect with us for support, please call our toll-free 24-Hour Support and Information Line at 1-800-726-2743.

Please see the message below from Angela Crockwell, Executive Director of Thrive regarding additional supports for women in NL during the pandemic.

Thanks to funding from VOCM Cares Foundation, our Centre is able to proceed with our volunteer training online. In our last session, we had Danielle from The St. John's Native Friendship Centre facilitate Indigenous Cultural Diversity Training for our trainees. Thank you, Danielle, for accommodating our new online format!

This week we had our first online volunteer meeting. It may have looked different but it certainly felt the same. The connections and support for one another were stronger than ever. Thank you to all of our volunteers who are available 24/7 even during these challenging times. Our Centre could not function without you. To anyone who’s been impacted by sexual violence know that these, and many more, volunteers are here to support you. 1-800-726-2743