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HOW SERVICE PROVIDERS CAN HELP
Minimizing/Preventing Secondary Wounding:
Sexual Assault Support and Awareness:
The Role of Elected Officials
Elected officials (Municipal, Provincial, and Federal) can create a safer society for the people they represent. They hear from citizens about many issues, including sexual violence, and represent the interests of those they serve. Sexual violence costs money to governments, and thus to tax payers.
- Sexual Violence is any act of a sexual nature that is unwanted/non consensual (Criminal Code of Canada).
- One in four females and one in six males have experienced some form of sexual violence in their lifetime
(Statistics Canada).
- Nova Scotia has the highest incidences of sexual assault in Canada (per capita) (NSACSW, 2005)
- Nova Scotia has one of the lowest convictions rates for sexual assault crimes in Canada (NSACSW, 2005).
- Halifax has the third highest rate of sexual assault in the country and second highest in the province
(Maclean’s Magazine 2009, Statistics Canada, 2004).
- Halifax has the lowest sexual assault charge rate in Nova Scotia (NSACSW, 2005)
- On average in HRM, there is a sexual assault reported everyday (Halifax Regional Police2006)
- Only 8% of Canadians who have experienced sexual violence have reported it to the police (Statistics Canada, 2004).
Sexual Assault is a social issue
Sexual Assault Survivors Vote
Women’s Reality of Sexual Violence
- Women are sexually assaulted by men whom they know, love, trust
Many women do not fight back during the assault because of fear, social conditioning, or lack of understanding that what they are experiencing is a crime
- Women are preyed upon and victimized because of their life style choices, when they are drinking, as a result of mental health issues, their age, racial/ethnic backgrounds, etc.
- Many sexual assaults do not involve traditional definitions of violence, use of a weapon or physical injury
Assaulters prey on women who are vulnerable, not credible, not believable, i.e. prostituted women, “party girls”, women with mental health issues, young women, women with disabilities, etc.
- Women and the general public are often desensitized to the reality of sexual violence because of how it is portrayed in the media and by the way it is dealt with in the courts.
“When the traumatic events are of human design, those who bear witness are caught in the conflict between the victim and the perpetrator. It is morally impossible to remain neutral in this conflict. The bystander is forced to take sides. It is very tempting to take the side of the perpetrator. All the perpetrator asks is that the bystander do nothing. He appeals to the universal desire to see, hear and speak no evil. The victim, on the other hand, asks the bystander to share the burden or pain. The victim demands actions, engagement and remembering”
– Judith Herman, 1992
Important Legislative Changes in Nova Scotia
As a result of the findings of a research study conducted by the Restorative Justice Women’s Coalition, the Nova Scotia Department of Justice issued a moratorium on violent crimes against women being sent through Restorative Justice programs.
Due to the lobbying efforts of Avalon Sexual Assault Centre, advocating on behalf of a victim of sexual assault involving breach of trust, NS DOJ determined that sexual assault cases should not be put through Adult Diversion.
“Violence is far less likely between equals...therefore, equality and respect of all people is a crucial concept...women have not yet achieved equality, and this must be redressed”.
-Witness at Canadian Panel on Violence Against Women, 1993
Why You Are Important:
Elected officials can…
Be a role model. You can support programs and policies that promote nonviolent relationships and reduce sexual violence in families, relationships, and communities. By participating in anti sexual violence campaigns you demonstrate to your peers and to the public that you do not condone sexual assault.
Educate and Reform. As a community leader, you can raise public awareness of sexual violence.
Take Action. By working with all levels of government, victim support agencies, and both community based and institution based organizations to formalize sexual assault services in HRM and the rest of Nova Scotia.
Be Proactive. By ensuring funding for prevention and services for both victims and offenders and for those who are at risk, you can help prevent future violence and create safer, more respectful communities. By funding and working with community based organizations and antiviolence advocates you demonstrate your commitment to ending violence in all its forms.
Influence policy. You can work for the adoption and enforcement of creative and effective laws and policies that prevent sexual violence. Monitor those policies and consult with community service providers as well as law enforcement and legal professionals to ensure they continue to be effective.
Safeguard Charter Rights of all Canadians, specifically those individuals who fall under
Section 15 of the Charter, i.e. women, people with physical or mental disabilities, ethnically and racially diverse people, etc. Demonstrate your recognition that oppression makes people vulnerable to all forms of violence.
Be informed. Become aware of sexual assault issues in your community. Understanding the effects and impacts of sexual assault on society as well as on individual victims will enable you to make informed and proactive governmental decisions.
Be a political advocate. Strive to ensure that your political allies and opponents keep sexual violence and women’s issues as a priority on the political agenda.
You Will Know You Have Made A Difference When…
- Candidates mention sexual violence in their platforms.
- Elected officials know more about sexual violence
- Sexual violence training for professionals, and education and awareness programs for schools are required and funded.
- Citizens contact their elected officials about sexual assault issues more often.
- Sexual assault legislation and support and funding for sexual violence organizations that provide support and advocacy for sexually assault victims/survivors are government priorities.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
- Margaret Meade
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