Sexual Assault Association aims to educate “first responders”
Posted Aug 31, 2015 1:14 pm.
Last Updated Aug 31, 2015 1:31 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Believing is a powerful step towards justice, according to the Association of Alberta Sexual Assault Services.
It launched the #IBelieveYou public awareness campaign with the goal of making sure friends and family know how to speak to survivors. Executive Director Danielle Aubry of Canadian Communities Against Sexual Abuse, suggests some simple words to start.
“I believe you, I’m really sorry this happened to you and it’s even okay to say I’m not really sure what to do next but I’m so glad that you told me, it’s not your fault, let’s figure this out together,” says Aubry.
She says more than 90 per cent of sexual assaults go unreported in Canada, but if survivors get a positive response to the information they disclose to the first people they speak to, they’re more likely to seek justice.
“A lot of people don’t tell anyone. And they could still have really good relationships with people, but it’s such a difficult thing for people to talk about,” says Aubry.
The association posted videos to its YouTube channel, showing friends and family how they can respond. The initiative is funded by the Government of Alberta, and post secondary institutions will be promoting the campaign this fall.
