Programs at VSAC
At VSAC, our programs are designed to support, empower, and connect individuals and communities across Vancouver Island. Through a range of initiatives, we provide education, advocacy, and direct services that meet people where they are, help them navigate challenges and build resilience. Each program reflects our commitment to equity, inclusion, and community well-being, while offering opportunities for learning, engagement, and personal growth.
Connecting individuals and communities
Prevention
Our Prevention programs focus on education, empowerment, and community connection. From innovative educational initiatives to programs supporting Black and Indigenous empowerment, we work to foster awareness and prevent harm before it occurs. Through outreach and community engagement, we build partnerships and create spaces where every voice is valued.
The Indigenous Response Network (IRN) was formed in 2019 by Indigenous and community leaders, with support from Elders and partnerships with local organizations and Nations. The IRNʼs intention is to bring together communities, Nations, and individuals to work together to support education, healing and prevention of sexualized and gender-based violence in culturally-grounded and supportive ways. Kʷənéŋətəl iʔ iʔsaət was established on the principles of decentralization, healing, prevention and support with the intention of coming together with compassion, respect, safety and accountability. Through the IRN, we aim to strengthen collective voices in sexualized and gender-based violence work.
The main intention with Outreach at VSAC is to weave connections within the organizationʼs departments, as well as with our community partners and members in a good and collaborative way, to create visibility of VSACʼs services, identify and address gaps, and reduce barriers to survivors accessing support. The Community Outreach Collaboration Group is made up of VSAC staff who each have an element of community outreach in their roles. We meet regularly to coordinate outreach efforts and collaborate on projects, which is an effective way to avoid working in silos. Outreach regularly presents ‘VSAC 101ʼ in community – a presentation that outlines VSACʼs values; history; services; referral pathways; and trans-inclusivity work. Outreach attends community network events and connects with a range of community partners in the Greater Victoria Region, such as Goodnight Out; Peers; Victoria Coalition for Survivors of Torture; University of Victoria; and Victoria Womenʼs Transition House to name a few, to support one another with outreach work, share successes and challenges, and updates of the ongoings and needs within community.
At VSAC, our education programs are designed to create safer, consent-centered spaces in schools and community settings. Through free or donation-based workshops and trainings for youth, educators, and service providers, we center the voices of those impacted by sexualized violence and systemic inequities. Each session is rooted in respect, reflection, and a shared commitment to equity and inclusion. Our prevention education programs support cultural shift towards consent culture within schools and community through the delivery of: 1. Healthy Relations and Consent workshops delivered to students grades 9-12. 2. Safer Spaces and Holding Space workshops for adults on sexual violence prevention and sexual assault disclosure training.
The Black & Indigenous Empowerment (B.I.E) group builds on the work of Project Respect and the Black Youth Empowerment (B.Y.E) initiative, which centered Black youth in preventing teen dating violence through culturally relevant education and advocacy. Expanding this vision, B.I.E creates space for both Black and Indigenous youth to connect, lead, and support one another. Rooted in community and culture, the group empowers youth to grow as leaders, challenge systemic violence, and reimagine school environments that foster safety, accountability, consent, and belonging. For more information you can contact: [email protected].
Direct Client Services
VSAC’s Direct Client Services provide essential support to individuals and families in need. These services are designed to address immediate challenges, offer guidance, and connect clients with resources that promote safety, well-being, and long-term stability.
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Service Access Line
Provides a welcoming first point of contact for survivors, offering intake to VSAC services, immediate emotional support, and referrals to other community programs and resources. -
Sexual Assault Response Team (SART)
Available 24/7 to support recent survivors with medical and/or forensic exams, police interviews, and crisis support at the hospital or police station. -
Clinic
Immediate medical and emotional support for survivors of recent sexual assault, including forensic exams, care planning, and connection to ongoing resources. -
Counselling
Provides 1:1 counselling and in-group support for women, trans, non-binary, Two-Spirit, and gender-diverse adults (16+) on the South Island. Counselling helps survivors process experiences, build coping strategies, and access resources for ongoing healing. -
Victim Services
Offers support and advocacy for survivors navigating the criminal justice system. Staff help clients understand their rights, prepare for legal processes, and connect with community resources, ensuring survivors feel informed, supported, and empowered.
We have secured funding from all levels of government, private foundations, and corporate partners, while fostering a loyal community of individual donors. Our campaigns have reached thousands, building understanding, empathy, and commitment to ending sexualized violence.
Our team brings years of combined experience in:
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Non-profit fundraising and donor care
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Trauma-informed communications
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Media relations and public engagement
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Event planning and community partnerships
CONNECT WITH US
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If you’d like to learn more, share your skills, or partner with us, we’d be honoured to hear from you.
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Email: [email protected]
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Join our newsletter: Subscribe to our newsletters
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Support one of our events: Events at VSAC
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Plan your own fundraiser: Fundraising at VSAC
Follow us on social media:
OUR EXPERIENCE
Resource Development and Communications
At the Victoria Sexual Assault Centre, the Resource Development & Communications team is here to build bridges — between the Centre and our community, between survivors and the support they need, and between hope and action.
We share stories, raise awareness, and invite our community to join us in creating a safer, more compassionate world. Through our work, we ensure the Centre has the resources to provide vital services, and that our message of support and empowerment reaches those who need it most.
COMMUNICATIONS
FUND DEVELOPMENT
Social Media
We create thoughtful, trauma-informed content for our social channels to:
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Share resources and information
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Highlight programs and events
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Build community awareness and support
Website
We maintain and update VSAC’s website to ensure the community has access to accurate, timely, and helpful information about our services, events, and resources.
Media Relations
We engage with the media to help shape the conversation around sexualized violence.
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Provide insight from a sector perspective on news affecting our community
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Inform and educate media to become advocates for prevention
For media inquiries, please contact:
Alicia Sands, Resource Development & Communications Manager: [email protected]
Grants
We identify and apply for funding from government agencies, foundations, and organizations.
Donor Services
We keep our donors informed, engaged, and appreciated through regular updates, impact reports, newsletters, and recognition.
Our Events
We host fundraising and awareness events that connect people to our cause.
You can find out more about our events here.
Host a Fundraiser
We support individuals, groups, and businesses in creating their own events to benefit the Centre.
Want to host a fundraising event for VSAC?
Get in touch with us at [email protected] and let’s chat!
