What We Do
Each year, the SACQD helps hundreds of clients deal with the devastating effects of sexual violence. Through its 24-hour crisis line, “Safe Place” drop-in, individual counselling and support groups, and the residential healing program, SACQD staff and volunteers reach out to the victims and their families.
About Sexual Assault:
Sexual assault is a serious, pervasive crime in our community. The deeply wounding effects of sexual assault ripple through our society, taking a toll on physical and mental health and family life, and affecting an inner sense of self.
What is Sexual Assault?
Sexual assault is any unwanted act of a sexual nature imposed by one or more persons upon another, including rape and unwanted touching.
Sexual assault is an act of violence and control.
Sexual assault is a common occurrence. Conservative statistics document that 1 in 2 girls and 1 in 5 boys will be sexually assaulted at some time in their lives.
Most sexual assaults are committed by someone the victim knows. Many victims are assaulted in their own homes by their partners, family members, friends and/or acquaintances.
No one ever asks to be raped. Age, appearance, social standing and marital status are not barriers to being assaulted.
How a person is dressed, where a person goes, what a person does, etc. are not reasons to be sexually assaulted.
Victims are not to blame. Verbal threats or intimidation may cause the victim to submit. Victims are often afraid of being killed or hurt. The abuser is responsible.
“The victim is never to blame for a sexual act.”
Ask yourself:
- Are you a survivor of sexual assault/abuse – 16 years of age or older?
- Have you ever asked yourself “why me?” or “am I to blame?”
- Felt scared or angry and didn’t know why?
- Experienced low self-esteem, anxiety or flashbacks?
- If you answered yes to these questions or have any other issues in relation to your sexual assault or past sexual abuse the Sexual Assault Centre may be able to help you.
