Provincial commitment to end sexual violence makes sense, says local support centre

The announcement from the province includes three pillars, one of which is to shift the culture towards believing survivors and challenging harmful myths while building a culture of consent. Another is to provide more support to individuals by funding frontline services.

The third speaks about improving the way Alberta’s social, health, justice and education systems respond to sexual violence. With respect to education, it was announced that sexual consent lessons will now start in kindergarten and be taught all the way to graduation.

“In Red Deer, we do have the ‘No Secrets’ program which covers consent. It runs from kindergarten to grade four,” says Arango, noting the program has been around for a decade in all local schools. “What the premier said that’s important is that it’s key to start talking about consent early.”

During what is now Sexual Violence Awareness Month, CASASC will have a booth set up at the local farmer’s market starting May 19. There is also ‘Respect Day’ happening May 25 at City Hall Park from 3-6 p.m. It will include family activities, live music and a charity BBQ.

“For our centre here, we want to work in prevention and keep working on a culture of respect because we definitely don’t want to have to say ‘I believe you,’” Arango goes on. “We want to work before and make sure there are no more victims of sexual assault.”

According to the Government of Alberta, sexual violence is the most under-reported crime in Canada, with 95 per cent of survivors opting not to report their assaults to police.

In 2014, 83,000 Albertans reported sexual assaults.

by Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

Provincial commitment to end sexual violence makes sense, says local support centre

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