The Government of Saskatchewan has proclaimed May 14-18, 2018 as Sexual Assault Awareness Week (SAAW). Saskatchewan has one of the highest rates of sexualized violence in Canada; 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men experience some form of sexual abuse or assault within their lifetime.
“The goal of Sexual Assault Awareness Week is to make sexual violence a topic of conversation, encouraging public dialogue on an issue that many people feel uncomfortable discussing,” says Kerrie Isaac, Executive Director of Sexual Assault Services of Saskatchewan (SASS).
“Statistics show that 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 6 boys are victims of sexual violence before the age of eighteen,” says Isaac. “When you put that into context, these are your friends, your co-workers, your family and your neighbors”. Sexual assault can happen to anyone, at any age, no matter their gender or ethnicity, and at any socioeconomic level. Statistics also show that 85% of perpetrators are known to survivors of sexual violence. Sexual violence is a crime of power and control and individuals in marginalized groups such as individuals with disabilities, racially and ethnically diverse individuals and members of the LGBTQ2S community are at an even greater risk of being sexual assaulted.
Dominant societal myths about sexual assault reinforce the misconception that survivors are responsible for the crime committed against them, further contributing to the incredibly low reporting rates to police, and resulting in victims hesitant or unable to access the physical and mental health supports that are vital to healing and recovery.
“We encourage everyone to wear a teal ribbon and participate in awareness events this week as a demonstration of support for survivors and advocates of sexual assault”, says Mrs. Isaac. “When people and communities understand the problem, they become engaged in the solution. Let us work together to end sexual violence in our communities.”
Please contact the SASS member agencies nearest you to participate in their SAAW events or go to our Website and Facebook page for ideas on how you can celebrate Saskatchewan Sexual Assault Awareness Week in your community. More information is available at SASSK.ca
Teal ribbons, posters, and other information tools are available through SASS and their member agencies.
