Disclaimer: In this episode, Carlen will discuss sexual assault and violence. Host Carlen Costa shares her personal experience of sexual assault and discusses the many impacts it can have on victims. She provides statistics, definitions, and examples of different types of sexual assault while providing support for both survivors and their friends and family. She also highlights the need for systemic change and encourages listeners to take action and support organizations that help survivors.
Takeaways for victims:
Your safety is important. Are you in a safe place? If you’re not feeling safe, consider reaching out to someone you trust for support. You don’t have to go through this alone.
What happened was not your fault. Something happened to you that you didn’t want to happen—and that’s not OK.
Call someone you love. Anyone. It is not in your best interest to be alone or carry this alone.
Consider receiving medical attention if needed, including heading to a hospital emergency room.
Consider reporting options. Justice can mean different things to different people, and reporting a crime to law enforcement is an individual decision.
If you’re a friend/family member of someone who has recently experienced this type of assault, some affirmative things you can say are: “I believe you. / It took a lot of courage to tell me about this.” It can be extremely difficult for survivors to come forward and share their story. They may feel ashamed, concerned that they won’t be believed, or worried they’ll be blamed. Leave any “why” questions or investigations to the experts—your job is to support this person.
“It’s not your fault. / You didn’t do anything to deserve this.” Survivors may blame themselves, especially if they know the perpetrator personally. Remind the survivor, maybe even more than once, that they are not to blame.
“You are not alone. / I care about you and am here to listen or help in any way I can.” Let the survivor know that you are there for them and willing to listen to their story if they are comfortable sharing it.
For immediate assistance, please call one of the following 24-hour helplines:
Human Trafficking Helpline: 1-833-900-1010
Assaulted Women’s Helpline: 1-866-863-0511
Anova 24-Hour Crisis and Support Line: 519-642-3000
Resources:
https://canadianwomen.org/the-facts/sexual-assault-harassment/
https://sexualassaultsupport.ca/statistics-sexual-violence-in-canada/
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/scc-condom-use-case-decision-1.6535127
https://bcsth.ca/what-to-do-if-someone-has-shared-or-threatened-to-share-your-intimate-image/
https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/rp-pr/cj-jp/victim/rr14_01/p10.html
https://www.gov.nl.ca/vpi/tips-and-tools/tips-to-help-a-friend-who-has-been-sexually-assaulted/
Find out more about Carlen Costa and her practice: https://www.carlencosta.com/
April is Sexual Assault Awareness month; a month of solidarity dedicated to sexual assault victims. It’s meant to raise awareness about the prevalence of sexual assault and violence while sharing information and resources to foster a great understanding of consent.
Some statistics from www.sexassault.ca:
1 in 4 women in North America will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime. For every 100 incidents in Canada, only 6 are reported to police. Over 80% of sex crime victims in Canada are women.
Resources in Canada for Family and Intimate Partner Violence
A note from the Women in Media Network: The WIMN is proud to support organizations that provide relief and guidance to women and girls who have been subjected to violence, trafficking, and/or homelessness. Proceeds from Women in Media Network launch merchandise will support the London Abused Women's Centre: https://www.womeninmedia.network/. Access the London Abused Women's Centre: https://www.lawc.on.ca/
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