Grant provides support for survivors of sexual assault

RDDCF presents $10,445 for Survivor Support Groups through the Fund for Gender Equality 

The Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre’s new Survivor Support Groups gives young females, those who identify as female, gender diverse individuals, and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, who are survivors of sexual violence an opportunity to feel accepted, heard, and understood.  

According to CASASC, support groups have restorative effects by creating safe spaces where survivors feel comfortable expressing their feelings and the impacts sexual violence has had on their lives. Through these groups, young women and those who identify as female, or gender diverse individuals, can begin to grow towards a healthy future through psychoeducation facilitated by the trained counsellors and therapists of CASASC.  

Additionally, these groups will provide connection between survivors through education and discussions regarding the physiological, social, and cultural reactions a survivor may experience. The groups will also create a safe space for participants to learn coping strategies and express the impacts of sexual violence on their lives to help facilitate positive personal growth.  

“Sexual violence can have psychological, emotional, and physical effects on any survivor regardless of race, religion, age, or gender,” Patricia Arango, Executive Director of the Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre said. “Overall, the Survivor Support Groups allow young women and 2SLGBTQ+ individuals affected by sexual violence discover new ways to cope and link with other survivors to develop a sense of community which survivors might be missing in their lives.” 

Arango said the groups are designed to encourage women, Two-Spirit and gender diverse individuals who have been affected by sexual violence to regain their voice in a space of healing. “We are giving them the ability to take back their power.”