By Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre

First ever “Respect Day” in Red Deer happening May 25

May 10, 2018 | 10:36 AM

The Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre (CASASC) continues its support to those affected by sexual violence by promoting Sexual Violence Awareness Month.

The Government of Alberta proclaimed May as Sexual Violence Awareness month on May 1, 2018. Action is being taken provincially to challenge existing attitudes, promote a culture of consent and raise awareness about sexual violence.

To start the month, the province launched a new Commitment to End Sexual Violence. Developed through extensive consultation with front line providers, advocates and survivors, the commitment brings government ministries and community organizations together to deliver a coordinated, province-wide response to address sexual violence in Alberta.

“Every Albertan deserves to live free from sexual harassment and assault,” said Premier Rachel Notley in a media release on May 1. “Sexualized violence is a crime of power and control, and governments have a duty to lead, to offer hope and healing to survivors, to make workplaces and campuses safe and to tackle the inequality at the root of this violence that most impacts women and girls.”

Throughout the month, CASASC will be hosting a variety of events and activities to build on awareness and prevention of sexual harassment and assault.

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Most notably, on Friday May 25, CASASC will be celebrating the first official Respect Day at City Hall Park in Red Deer. This is a free event that will feature music, dancing, information booths and a by donation barbeque. More information for this event will be released to the media next week.

You can also find CASASC at the season opening of the Red Deer Farmer’s Market on Saturday, May 19th, where there will be an information booth and a raffle prize.

This month CASASC celebrates the second anniversary of their unique 24 Hour Sexual Assault Text and Webchat Crisis Line. This service is the first of its kind in the province where those in need can text and be connected with a trained volunteer for immediate crisis support.

Join the conversation for the month by using the hashtag #SVAM for Sexual Violence Awareness Month and participate in the iRespect challenge using the hashtag #iRespect on social media.