Raising Awareness and Taking Action: Supporting Survivors of Sexual Violence

As October comes to a close, we at the Victoria Sexual Assault Centre (VSAC) want to take a moment to reflect on the importance of raising awareness about sexual violence, supporting survivors, and promoting prevention in our community.

While Sexual Assault Awareness Month is officially observed in April, every day is an opportunity to educate, advocate, and stand in solidarity with survivors. This October, VSAC continued its mission by engaging with the community through events, workshops, and campaigns designed to foster meaningful conversations around consent, support, and safety.

VSAC Table Talk: Elevating BIPOC youth voices to prevent gender-based violence.

Highlights from recent initiatives include:

• Community Workshops & Educational Sessions: We offered sessions for youth, educators, and community members focused on understanding consent, recognizing the signs of sexual violence, and learning how to respond safely and compassionately.

• Collaborative Campaigns: Partnering with local organizations, we shared stories, statistics, and resources online, helping to reach a wider audience and spark dialogue in our community.

• Survivor Voices: Sharing survivor experiences (with consent) reminded us of the courage, strength, and resilience that exists within our community and reinforced the importance of accessible, trauma-informed support services.

Supporting Survivors Year-Round

At VSAC, awareness is only the first step—action matters. We support survivors in a variety of ways, including:

• Integrated sexual assault clinic services

• Counselling programs

• Victim Services

• Sexual Assault Response Team (SART), providing support in hospitals, with police reporting, clinic access, and emotional support over the phone

Every conversation we have, every resource we share, and every program we participate in contributes to a safer, more informed, and supportive community.

As October comes to a close, we invite you to continue this momentum by:

• Learning about and sharing resources for survivors

• Participating in community events and volunteer opportunities

• Advocating for prevention and awareness initiatives in your circles

Together, we can make a meaningful difference. Thank you to everyone who continues to stand with survivors, raise awareness, and promote education. Your engagement truly matters.

Stay informed. Stay involved. Stay compassionate.