Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Among many topics in our society that bring up a visceral response, sexual assault is one of them. It’s a topic that not many feel ready or comfortable to engage, and is also a topic that remains highly polarizing in some ways. We have come a long way in our understanding of consent, responsibility for actions, and recognizing that sexual assault is not a result of many of the things that used to have fingers pointed at victims for causing the assault (like how someone was dressed, whether they were intoxicated, who they were associating with, how late they were out at night, etc.). However, according to Statistics Canada, evidence suggests that this serious issue may be becoming more common, not less. The statistics gathered on sexual assault in the past 6 years have revealed the following:
Sexual assault remains a highly gendered crime, with women and girls making up 90% of assaults reported to police
30% of victims are age 12-17
96% of accused persons were men and boys
74% of victims knew the person accused of the assault
The rate of sexual assaults reported to the police rose by 38% between 2017 and 2022
Between 2017 and 2022, unfounded sexual assault reported to police dropped from 12% to 7%
Although there is much to be interpreted from these numbers, one main thing remains: these are not just numbers. These are people. These numbers represent lives changed, harm done, and power stolen. These numbers matter, and this conversation matters, because people matter.
If you or someone you know is living in the aftermath of sexual assault, I want to leave you with some tools for healing and some resources to support your journey.
Your story belongs to you, not to anyone else. If you are an adult, you get to choose with whom, when, if you talk about your experience, and how much you share. This is one way of regaining power and choice, two things which are removed or greatly compromised when sexual assault occurs
Building a sense of safety and a healing relationship with your body can be slow. Don’t be discouraged! 4 quick ways to reconnect with yourself when you’re feeling overwhelmed or triggered:
Clench and release your fists, or hold something tightly and then release tension
Cuddle with a pet, a pillow, or a soft blanket that can restore a sense of calm
Look around where you are and make a list of things you see, hear, smell, taste, and can touch (shifting awareness to the senses can help bring back a sense of connection to the self)
Give yourself a tight hug! Pressure on the shoulders and arms can both be grounding and can help remind of the body’s natural boundaries
If you are interested to receiving help in your healing journey, here are some resources and things to consider:
The Sexual Assault Centre of Edmonton (SACE) has a 24-hour support line: 780-423-4121
Both SACE and the Saffron Centre (780-449-0900) have therapists specially trained in the area of sexual assault, court processes, and how to heal after assault
Therapists who are trauma informed will provide information, strategies, and space to grieve, heal, and processes in your own time and at your own pace
Many therapists at both the Grief and Trauma Healing Centre and Insight Psychological are trauma-informed and trained to support you in your journey
You don’t need to go through this alone!
Blog Written by Alana Mantai with help from Beth Gallant
Alana is a Registered Psychologist on our Capilano team.
Beth is a Registered Social Worker and Senior Therapist on our Capilano team.