May is Sexual Violence Awareness Month and the Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre is urging people to educate themselves and share information about local resources.
According to Statistics Canada, there were 34,242 police-reported sexual assaults in 2021 across Canada, an 18 per cent increase from 2020 and the highest rate since 1996.
The support centre says reported sexual assault rates in Alberta have also increased, but many survivors do not report their experiences.
Throughout the month the support centre will provide information on social media and their website to help victims.
The theme for the month — Empowering Voices, Creating Change — emphasizes the importance of empowering survivors to share their stories and advocate for change, while also encouraging communities to take action to prevent sexual violence.
“Listening to survivors without judgment and believing their experiences can be incredibly empowering to victims. Empowering survivors is crucial for them to have the courage to step forward and report and begin their healing process,” said Christi Albers-Manicke, communications manager with the support centre, in a statement.
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The community is encouraged to foster environments where survivors feel safe to share their stories, open dialogue and empathy, and challenge harmful stereotypes or victim-blaming attitudes.
“Advocating for change in our communities and workplaces is another way to help survivors and practice prevention. Individuals, community groups and business can raise awareness about sexual violence and advocate for policy changes,” Albers-Manicke said.
She said supporting and donating to organizations like the support centre, which works to improve laws, increase funding for survivor services, and promote prevention education, is also crucial to creating a community of respect.
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The support centre recommends sharing information about local resources such as sexual assault crisis centers, hotlines, and counseling services. Survivors may not be aware of what is available, so connecting them to resources can make a difference.
Central Albertans should also attend awareness events, workshops and rallies to educate themselves and others.
For more information visit casasc.ca.