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By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

volunteers needed

Record number of calls to help line run by Sexual Assault Support Centre

Nov 8, 2022 | 7:00 PM

Demand for help from the Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre (CASASC) has hit record heights the last two months, and officials say there are no signs of slowing.

In September, CASASC’s 24/7 help line received 250 contacts, through text, phone or web chat. That’s an increase of 52 per cent compared to September 2021.

There were 280 contacts in October, or about nine per day. In October 2021, there were just 127 contacts.

The help line is run by over 100 community volunteers and is supported by specifically-trained and trauma-informed CASASC team members.

“We have volunteers take on one shift a month as we are conscious about burn out and vicarious trauma,” said Erin Willmer, Crisis Programs Manager. “To volunteer with us, we are looking for individuals who are empathetic, compassionate and who understand the person on the line needs a space to talk and we are there to listen and support.”

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The help line was established in 1985, and in May 2016 added text and web chat.

It is used by anyone impacted by sexual violence, but can also offer guidance for calls relating to mental health concerns, domestic violence, survivors of human trafficking and children disclosing abuse.

“It’s not just central to sexual violence. We also have callers who are dealing with isolation and were unable to re-establish community connections post pandemic,” Willmer said.

“Before our average call length was around 25 to 30 minutes. Now we have an average call length of 50 to 60 minutes, with some callers calling back multiple times. And with text and webchats, the length can be even longer, spanning over multiple hours. The majority of our calls come in in the evening hours, between 6 p.m. and 2 a.m.”

Prior to March 2020, the line would receive around 60 to 80 calls per month, with the average now being around 200.

The CASASC help line can be reached 24 hours per day by phone, text or web chat at 1-866-956-1099 or by visiting casasc.ca.