REGINA - The Youth Women's Christian Association (YWCA) of Regina is promoting Week Without Violence, an event where women can immerse in a world without violence.
The YWCA marks Week Without Violence on the third week of October with a theme. The theme for 2024 is Centering Connections for a Violence Free World.
Cecilia Rands, education coordinator at YWCA Regina, talked about the theme and the importance of knowing others around you.
“It’s all about sort of reaching out to the people around. You know, introducing yourself to a neighbour, making friends with the other kids at your kid's school. I think particularly in this sort of post-pandemic era. We have forgotten how powerful those connections and that community can be.”
Rands noted people tend to feel guilt, shame or embarrassment when discussing personal matters like domestic violence.
She also points out victims often get questioned by the public on not bringing up their issues sooner or deciding to stay in an abusive relationship.
Rands said it can be difficult for others to be self-aware of sexual violence. The YWCA offers help to educate victims on sexual abuse but also makes them more willing to be open about their issues and connect to the community.
Sexual assault cases are nothing new to the province. According to a police report, Saskatchewan sees 750 reported cases of family violence per 100,000 people, which is double the national average in Canada.
Rands said those numbers could be higher, considering not all cases get reported to the police.
The number of sexual violence cases towards Indigenous people is also higher than the average province, according to Rands.
She added Saskatchewan's rural landscape causes people to have a lack of access to crisis centres or sexual assault centres nearby to get the help they need.
All these issues led to Rands joining the YWCA. She hopes to better educate people on sexual violence and help potential victims be more self-aware of their surroundings to avoid sexual abuse.
Those who want to aid in gender-based violence can look out for others in the community, said Rands.
Recently, the YWCA moved into their new home at 12th Avenue in Regina. The building is called the Kikaskihtânaw Centre. The word Kikaskihtânaw in Cree means “the place we all succeed.”
The grand opening of the new building is Nov. 6, and it features a home base in partnership with the John Howard Society, integrated youth services and more.
