The Sexual Assault Support
Centre of Ottawa
We support all women survivors. This including those from diverse groups, particularly, though not limited to, persons with disabilities, Indigenous people, immigrants and refugees, racialized persons, persons from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, and those with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions. SASC Ottawa strives to be a safe space for survivors of all intersections, and we believe a commitment to end gender-based violence is centred in the foundation of anti-oppressive values.
Feminist Based, Anti-Oppressive & Survivor Centred
-The Sexual Assault Support Centre of Ottawa
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June 3, 2025“No pride for some of us, without liberation for all of us” – Marsha P. Johnson
This quote is a great reminder that there is no Pride without inclusion, no justice without equity, and no liberation without solidarity.
Wishing you a Happy Pride Month, from all of us at SASC! [...]
June 2, 2025At SASC, we stand in solidarity with all survivors of sexual violence and echo the OCRCC’s call to challenge the harmful myths that silence survivors and protect perpetrators.
Read the full statement below:
“Sexual assault has the lowest rate of reporting to police amongst all violent crimes. Despite years of sexual violence advocacy, awareness-raising and the work of community services to support survivors, this rate hasn’t changed: police-reported sexual assaults only represent about 6% of all sexual assaults in Canada.
As sexual assault survivor advocates, we often hear the question: Why don’t sexual violence survivors report? What can we do to get more survivors to report?
The experience of a young woman − a complainant named as “E.M.” in court documents, in which five former World Junior Hockey players were charged with sexual assault − is a case in point of the reasons why survivors hesitate to report. Over the last few weeks and five cross-examinations in court, E.M. has faced almost every harmful and victim-blaming sexual assault myth in existence.
These myths include:
The myth that a person’s behavior or manner of dress signals their agreement to sex
This myth assumes “sexual intent based on a victim/survivor’s behaviours (e.g., drinking alcohol; having several sexual partners) or appearance (e.g., wearing revealing clothing)”, or the way they interacted with the accused: a more traditional read on this myth is that victims ‘ask for it’ (i.e. women provoke sexual violence by their manner of dress or behavior).
E.M.’s cross-examination has been replete with offensive assumptions about her intentions and wishes. For example, one lawyer made crude inferences, such as “As long as it’s a tall guy, you’ll go home with him?”, and put forward that E.M. felt “shame and embarrassment for the choices made”. In response, E.M. clarified her wishes: “I made the choice to dance with them and drink at the bar and not make the choice to have them do what they did to me at the hotel”.
The myth that a person’s sexual intentions are up to the interpretation of others destabilizes everything we know about sexual consent law. In Canadian law, consent must be clearly given, and be present at the time the sexual activity in question takes place—not before, not after, and certainly not assumed. None of us can make a guess at what someone wants sexually, simply because they appeared interested before; we also cannot assume consent for some acts, based on sex that has happened in the past. This myth functions to cast doubt on the victim’s experiences and claims. If we believe it’s okay for others to interpret or assume our wishes, then consent becomes nearly meaningless.
The myth that people lie about sexual violence
The myth that people lie about sexual violence in order to gain favor, to harm the accused, or for revenge persists, “albeit without empirical support”. Rates of false reports of sexual assault are extremely low. Even so, E.M.’s cross-examination has seen repeated tropes about lies and misleading words (i.e. “That was your truth, but not the truth, right?”; “How would anyone know that your truth wasn’t THE truth?”; and “You didn’t say…”).
To be clear, false allegations of sexual assault are not a common social problem. What is a common social problem is that survivors of sexual assault are not believed or supported when they share their stories. Indeed, survivors know all about the struggle that awaits should they dare talk about what has happened to them, or to name names. Survivors cite concerns about perpetrators not being held responsible, feelings of shame and embarrassment, a perception that victims will not be believed, and dishonour as barriers to reporting sexual assault. The reality is that the odds of sexual assault being reported to police are actually about 80% lower than for other violent crimes.
We have mentioned just a few sexual violence myths here. We could cite many more that have been present in the defense’s agendas, as well as others that have been used to attack, humiliate and discredit E.M, and many relying on sexist tropes. These tactics are, unfortunately, both familiar and effective. Labelling survivors who disclose sexual violence “as delusional, vengeful, exploitive, or an attention-seeker” has been the going strategy to diffuse allegations − and relieve those accused of sexual violence of accountability − since time immemorial.
Why don’t sexual violence survivors report? We think this is the wrong question. Instead, under these conditions, sometimes we ask ourselves: why would they?
The impacts of sexual violence myths
When a high-profile sexual assault case makes its way through the criminal justice system, everyone sees and hears the proceedings: the victim, the accused, others involved or witness to the case, the public—and in this, others sexual violence survivors in our communities. The court is a space in which the public expects to see objective truths revealed. In sexual assault cases, like E.M.’s, we often see old and harmful myths instead.
Sexual assault myths are no accident: they exist as part of a larger system in our social culture that aims to keep sexual violence secret, and supress survivors’ voices. Sexual assault myths provide a key yet brutal function: they dismiss, discredit, demean and delegitimize survivors for the purpose of protecting perpetrators − who are often powerful, influential or valued people in our communities − as well as the institutions that shield them.
When they target survivors, myths tend to reflect the worst beliefs out there, leveraging offensive stereotypes about gender, race, ageism and more. For example, Black women are more likely to face physical or sexual objectification than white women, and Indigenous women face degrading racial stereotypes that make them vulnerable to sexualization. In a courtroom, these stereotypes will be reflected back in the form of sexual assault myths that claim to tell a story about the survivor. In a courtroom and the criminal justice system – “processes that are framed within an ideology that emphasizes objectivity and universalism” – these myths and stereotypes are erroneously presented as truth.
In our communities, myths get in the way of justice and healing for sexual violence survivors. They blame the victim-survivor, contribute to the many barriers survivors face in getting support, and minimize the actions of the offender. Many sexual violence survivors know the pain of facing sexual assault myths when they attempt to seek justice. Moreover, many know the pain of hearing myths repeated by those they love: one in five victims experience being made to feel responsible for their own victimization by others close to them.
Seeing these myths out front in a sexual violence case, or reiterated in the news, is harmful. For these reasons, it’s especially important that we speak out against sexual assault myths. It’s also important to know the facts about sexual violence: in Canada, charge and conviction rates for sexual assault remain discouragingly low. More, some survivors face increased barriers in these systems: sexual violence impacting Indigenous and Black women, for example, must be understood “in the broader context of colonialism” and enslavement, in which sexual violence against women of color was not even considered a crime. For all survivors, the realities of sexual assault reporting ‒ and our criminal justice system’s effectiveness in holding offenders accountable ‒ continue to deter survivors from taking part in this difficult process.
The impacts of the criminal justice system on survivors
Testimony in a sexual assault case ‒ and a survivor’s willingness to provide it ‒ has the power to make a usually-hidden and serious incident visible. Yet like most sexual assault cases that see the inside of a courtroom, E.M’s testimony also carries an incredible burden. At once, the survivor’s experience becomes the centre of scrutiny. This scrutiny is evident in the aggressive cross-examination of E.M., the tactics of the defense, the near-constant deployment of sexual violence myths throughout these, and the fact that the accused are not required to testify at all. The victim is required to testify. The justice system sees survivor-victims as witnesses, and witnesses are led through their testimony by the Crown—a lawyer appointed by the state, and not the survivor’s own personal lawyer.
For some sexual violence survivors, this scrutiny is even more ferocious. Black, Indigenous and survivors of color, 2SLGBTQQIA+ survivors, and other marginalized survivors such as those living with a disability or poverty, are less likely to be believed, more likely to be blamed for their own victimization, criminalized, and more likely to see crimes committed against them minimized.
When systems feel punitive or indifferent, victims lose faith in them. Victims also often come to believe they performed poorly as witnesses – or worse, that they were in some way responsible for what happened to them, either by ‘inviting it in’ or not ‘resisting enough’ – when really systemic weaknesses had a role to play.
E.M.’s case has been the site of many system weaknesses and failures. Remember that when E.M.’s story became known, the handling of her case was met with public outrage. Hockey Canada – which is responsible for establishing rules and standards and promoting the sport – settled a lawsuit connected to her experience some time ago; Hockey Canada later revealed that the organization has paid over $8 million in settlements to different sexual assault complainants since 1989, using membership fees. In terms of the criminal justice response, E.M.’s case was closed by London police when she first reported it, however it was re-opened in 2022 in response to the public’s call for action. Now, as the case finally proceeds through the criminal justice system, what stands out to us is an incident of sexual violence that was minimized or suppressed by more than one large, well-funded institution in Canada, and has now finally gone the distance—only to reveal yet more hardships for survivors.
It is our position that the system isn’t just broken. Instead it is, unfortunately, working as intended. OCRCC, others in the sexual assault support sector, and many decades of the anti-rape movement “have long documented the public silencing of women and children, especially as it has related to abuse and exploitation”; many “strategies and ideologies have operated to undermine or dismiss survivors” of all walks of life, and while much progress has been made, these strategies and ideologies, including victim-blaming myths, continue.
Given this, we commend E.M., for finding the courage to continue to speak about her experience. We commend all survivors of sexual violence who choose to tell their stories—whether it be in a court of law, or to their close friends, family and other support people.
Finally, we recognize and commend those who never share or report their experiences—in Canada, this is by far the vast majority of sexual violence survivors. The decision to not talk about or report sexual violence is grounded in fear, and in reality. We wish we could say that E.M.’s experiences with systems were an isolated event; but for sexual violence survivors, we know that, unfortunately, it isn’t.
If you are a survivor of sexual violence
If something has happened to you, please know that there are people who believe and support you.
You can talk to a friend, family member or other person you trust
You can contact a sexual assault centre. All support is free and confidential
If something has happened to you and you are considering reporting, we can help you think through your options. If you are not considering reporting, that’s okay too
Learn more about sexual assault centres in Ontario here
If you are a friend, family member or mentor, there are things you can do too
You can be an ally to sexual violence survivors
You can listen to the person’s story without judgement
You can listen to the person’s story without expectations that they formally report
You can help them to find safe places to get support
If you work with athletes, you can provide access to prevention education about sexual violence: contact your local sexual assault centre, and ask to speak to their Public Educator
If you are with a community-level sports team:
You can connect your team with the violence prevention program OHL Onside, a program for Ontario-based hockey league teams run through local sexual assault centres.
Sport organizations can set an example as leaders in preventing sexual violence, and your local sexual assault centre can help. Community-based sexual assault centres have been providing prevention education since the 1970s. Preventing sexual violence can take many forms. It can mean:
Talking with athletes about sexual violence and about their rights
Talking with athletes about being a good bystander and standing up for survivors of violence
Talking with athletes about preventing sexual violence
Pushing back against offensive sexualized, gendered, transphobic or racist jokes
Making clear what is acceptable behaviour as a team member/athlete and what is not
Withdrawing support for organizations or initiatives that are not safe for young people or athletes.
By connecting athletes with information about sexual violence, we equip them with a clear understanding of their rights and their role in prevention. We can help others to learn about where to go in the community should they ever need support too.
As we have shared before, sport organizations like Hockey Canada must take a leadership role in ending sexual violence. This is a call to action—Hockey Canada and other sport bodies must act now. OCRCC and community-based sexual assault centres are ready to help.
Ontario Coalition of Rape Crisis Centres (OCRCC) stands in solidarity with all survivors of sexual violence. We have been believing and supporting survivors for over 40 years. We stand with E.M.”
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Ontario Coalition of Rape Crisis Centres (OCRCC) is a network of 30+ community-based sexual assault centres in Ontario. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, go to https://sexualassaultsupport.ca/get-help/.
Cotter, A., for Canadian Centre for Justice and Community Safety Statistics. Release date: August 25, 2021. Criminal victimization in Canada, 2019.
Burke, A. for CBC News. Jan 24, 2024. 5 former World Junior Hockey players expected to face sex assault charges: report. Charges allegedly tied to 2018 group sexual assault in London, Ont., hotel room.
The Learning Network on Violence Against Women. Overcoming Barriers and Enhancing Supportive Responses: The Research on Sexual Violence Against Women – A Resource Document. May 2012: 12.
Dubinski. K. for CBC News. May 9, 2025. Woman says defence’s questions in world junior sex assault trial are an attempt to ‘discredit’ her
Government of Canada. Criminal Code (R.S.C., 1985, c. C-46). Meaning of consent, 273.1
The Learning Network on Violence Against Women. Overcoming Barriers and Enhancing Supportive Responses: The Research on Sexual Violence Against Women – A Resource Document. May 2012: 16.
Lonsway, Dr. Kimberly, Archambauly, Sgt. J., and Lisak, Dr. D. for The National Center for the Prosecution of Violence Against Women. N.d. False Reports: Moving Beyond the Issue to Successfully Investigate and Prosecute NonStranger Sexual Assault. In The Voice: Helping Prosecutors Give Victims a Voice, Volume 3, Number 1
Dubinski. K. for CBC News. May 9, 2025. Woman says defence’s questions in world junior sex assault trial are an attempt to ‘discredit’ her
Cotter, A., for Canadian Centre for Justice and Community Safety Statistics. Release date: August 25, 2021. Criminal victimization in Canada, 2019.
Cotter, A., for Canadian Centre for Justice and Community Safety Statistics. Release date: August 25, 2021. Criminal victimization in Canada, 2019.
The Learning Network. Overcoming Barriers and Enhancing Supportive Responses: The Research on Sexual Violence Against Women A Resource Document. May 2012: 17.
Woman Abuse Council of Toronto (WomanACT). (2024). Race and Gender in the Workplace: A Backgrounder: 11, 8.
Pietsch, N. (2010). “I’m Not That Kind of Girl”: White Femininity, the Other and the Legal/Social Sanctioning of Sexualized Violence Against Racialized Women”. Canadian Woman Studies Les Cahiers De La Femme, 28(1)
Marchetti, E. (2008). “Intersectional Race and Gender Analyses: Why Legal Processes Just Don’t Get It”. Social and Legal Studies, Volume 17(2), 155
The Learning Network on Violence Against Women. Overcoming Barriers and Enhancing Supportive Responses: The Research on Sexual Violence Against Women – A Resource Document. May 2012: 14.
Cotter, A., for Canadian Centre for Justice and Community Safety Statistics. Release date: August 25, 2021. Criminal victimization in Canada, 2019.
See The Attrition Pyramid (Sexual Assault), page 2.
Woman Abuse Council of Toronto (WomanACT). (2024). Race and Gender in the Workplace: A Backgrounder: 8, 10.
Many don’t. Even when survivors do report, most sexual assault cases do not proceed through the criminal justice system. Just 36% of sexual assaults reported to police result in charges. Of those, only 61% make it to court. (Statistics Canada, 2024)
This initial stands for “Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex and asexual.” It may also appear as LGBTQ2SIA, or in shortened versions such as LGBTQ2S or LGBT+. Learn More: The 519, Definitions/glossary or Egale Canada’s 2SLGBTQI Terms and Concepts
Pietsch, N. (2010). “I’m Not That Kind of Girl”: White Femininity, the Other and the Legal/Social Sanctioning of Sexualized Violence Against Racialized Women”. Canadian Woman Studies Les Cahiers De La Femme, 28(1)
Gharabaghi, K., Trocmé, N. and Newman, D. (2016). Because Young People Matter: Report of the Residential Services Review Panel.
National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. 2019. Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls: 628.
Benchetrit, B. for CBC News. October 8, 2022. What is Hockey Canada and why does it matter?
Hlavka, H. R. (2014). Normalizing Sexual Violence: Young Women Account for Harassment and Abuse. Gender and Society, 28(3): 340
Using data from Statistics Canada, one researcher estimated the conviction rate for sexual assaults reported on victim surveys to be .3% to 1.6%. See The Attrition Pyramid (Sexual Assault), page 2. [...]
May 26, 2025May is Sexual Violence Prevention Month
Join us on Saturday, May 31 from 11AM–3PM at Minto Park (Elgin & Gilmour) as we honour survivors, remember those we’ve lost, and call for an end to gender-based violence.
How You Can Get Involved:
♥ Show Up: Just come as you are to view the shirts painted by survivors throughout Ottawa – everyone is welcome.
♥ Spread the Word: Share this post and invite others to join us in solidarity.
Let’s turn Minto Park into a powerful display of voices, stories, and change.
What is the Clothesline Project?
The Clothesline Project is a powerful visual display that honours survivors of gender-based violence and commemorates those who have been lost to it.
Survivors—and those who care about them—decorate t-shirts with messages, stories, and artwork that speak to their experiences. These shirts are then hung on a clothesline, transforming public spaces into moving displays of pain, strength, resistance, and healing.
Originating in the 1990s, the project breaks the silence and raises awareness about the prevalence and impact of gender-based violence in our communities.
Each shirt tells a story. Together, they demand change. [...]
May 13, 2025In recognition of Victims and Survivors of Crime Week 2025 (May 11th-May 17th), a variety of events are taking place across Ontario to support survivors and raise awareness. Below is a list of upcoming events this week that you can participate in:
Virtual Events Hosted by Department of Justice – May 11th to May 16th, 2025
Various online panels and workshops throughout Victims and Survivors of Crime Week hosted by Department of Justice Canada (for more information, click here)
“Power of Collaboration” Conference – May 16th, 2025
Hosted by Manitoulin Northshore Victim Services at the Manitoulin Hotel and Conference Centre (for more information, please contact mnvs@vianet.ca)
Different Pathways to Justice – Civil Law Options for Survivors of Sexual Violence – May 22nd, 2025
Hosted by Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis in partnership with Jellinek Ellis Gluckstein Lawyers (sign-up here) [...]
May 8, 2025CLICK HERE to fill out the Google Form to register!
SASC is hosting online Sexual and Gender-Based Workshops during Victims and Survivors of Crime Week 2025!
Join us on:
May 14th (English & Arabic) 6:30-8:00pm via Zoom
May 15th (Spanish & Farsi) 6:30-8:00pm via Zoom
May 16th for a Celebratory Event at Collaburo (499 Preston St)!
[...]
April 23, 2025OCTEVAW- Public Engagement Committee has developed a series of non-partisan, trauma-informed election guides to support survivors, frontline organizations, and communities impacted by gender-based violence in participating in the democratic process with confidence and care.
These tools are grounded in principles of equity, access, and safety—and are designed to make voting easier to understand and more inclusive.
What You’ll Find in the Guides
How GBV Organizations Can Engage in Elections
Understand the dos and don’ts of advocacy during elections—especially for registered charities and nonprofits.
How to Vote: An Equity-Informed Guide
A simple, clear overview of how to register and vote in federal elections, including accessible voting options.
Trauma-Informed Voting Practices
Tips and tools to support survivors and service providers in navigating elections in a way that centers safety and well-being.
Questions to Ask Candidates
A resource to help you assess where candidates stand on issues like gender-based violence, housing, immigration, safety, and economic justice.
Click the link here for the guides!: Election Guides for GBV Advocates & Survivors [...]
April 14, 2025SASC is currently looking for board members with diverse life experiences and identities to fill current vacancies. We are particularly interested in individuals who can bring the following skills or expertise to our board table:
Human resources
Finance
Fundraising
Prior experience with SASC as employee/volunteer
SASC invites applicants who possess any of the above skills or experience, and who have an interest in the mission of SASC to apply. Diversifying the Board to ensure that it is reflective of the different communities that SASC serves will be given special consideration.
To apply, please send your resume and a 1 page motivation letter outlining your interest in SASC and the relevant skills, qualifications and experiences to the Nomination Committee Chair at nominationcommittee@sascottawa.com with the subject line ‘SASC BOARD APPLICATION_applicant’s last name’.
We are accepting applications on a rolling basis until May 31, 2025.
Responsibilities Include:
Contribute consistently and meaningfully to the effective performance of the Board by:
Preparing for and attending at least six Board Meetings per year
Understanding the role of the Board and of SASC Management
Demonstrating commitment to SASC’s organizational values
Applying skills, knowledge and creativity
Working candidly, collaboratively, respectfully and efficiently with colleagues
Maintaining confidentiality
Supporting Board decisions once they are made
Respecting fiduciary obligations, which means:
Acting honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of the corporation; and,
Exercising the care, diligence and skill that a reasonably prudent person would exercise in comparable circumstances.
Participating actively on at least one Board Committee (Nominating Committee, Policy Committee, Finance Committee)
Qualifications:
Demonstration of commitment to, and support for, survivor-directed support services and/or ending gender-based violence
Commitment to exercise accountability to the membership of SASC
Commitment to carry out all work associated with SASC in anti-oppressive framework
Commitment to participate in SASC-led anti-oppression board governance training
Term length for each Board Member is 3 years, renewable 2 times, to a maximum length of service of 9 years [...]
March 28, 2025SASC is honoured and grateful to be named one of the beneficiaries of the 2024 Ottawa Police Gala! Earlier this month, we were proud to receive a generous cheque of $26,000 from Chief Eric Stubbs, alongside fellow beneficiaries, Multifaith Housing Initiative and Beechwood Cemetery. [...]
March 8, 2025Happy International Women’s Day from all of us at SASC! Today, we celebrate the women who inspire us. The women who change the world, push boundaries, and fight for a better future. When we asked our volunteers what IWD means to them, these were the words they shared: Hope. Freedom. Liberation. Solidarity. Resilience. Endurance. Community. Celebration. [...]
January 24, 2025Thanks to the funding provided by the Ontario Trillium Foundation, we have been able to make our centre more accessible to our community members. [...]
December 9, 2024
SASC Ottawa is looking for a Public Education Coordinator! Do you have a passion for supporting survivors in your community Send your resume to admin@sascottawa.com by January 7th 2025 at 5:00pm
Public Education Coordinator(One year Contract)
Summary and Job Description
About the Centre
The Sexual Assault Support Centre of Ottawa is a non-profit organization providing survivor directed services to survivors of sexual violence. We believe that a community free of sexual and gender -based violence is possible and we are committed to doing our part to build it. We serve the Ottawa area.
Position Summary
Within a 35 hour work week, the person in this position will have primary responsibility for Public education, training, volunteer recruitment, outreach and partnerships and Media engagement, related to the services that SASC Ottawa offers.
They will also provide peer support services and participate in the general household responsibilities, shared by all staff members.
The person in this position will report directly to the Executive Director with respect to all aspects of their employment and collaborate with the staff team in carrying out the Centre’s annual priorities.
Detailed duties are outlined in the position job description.
Essential qualifications
It is essential that the person in this position have completed or complete the first available SASC Ottawa volunteer training and have experience with the VAW/GBV sector, public speaking and delivering presentations; Computer and Social media literacy; Excellent verbal and written communication.
Also essential are; successful completion of a vulnerable sector check and the completion of a post secondary diploma OR a minimum of two years of experience providing public education and community outreach services; knowledge and understanding of the issues facing survivors of sexual violence and gender-based violence; ability to work independently and as part of a team; AR/AO understanding.
Assets
Experience working with social and main stream media, providing feminist peer support, understanding of survivor directed feminist perspectives, Group facilitation skills and experience and a Degree or Diploma in a related field.
Compensation
The compensation ranges from a biweekly gross salary of $1960.00 to $2096.50; depending on experience.
Summary of Responsibilities
This position is a contract position, requiring availability, from January 27th 2025 (or as soon as possible thereafter) to January 31st, 2026.
Public Education
Provide effective education and awareness regarding sexual assault and abuse to the community at large, including local primary and secondary schools, colleges, police detachments and other local community agencies
Maintain and update all related education material as required
Public speaking at annual events including Take Back the Night, December 6th vigil and International Women’s Day
Committee work
Deliver volunteer training as required
Media
Promote, represent and publicize the Organization, our programs and services in media spaces.
Maintain and update SACQD’s social media accounts and website
Maintain and update the organizational publications and brochures related to gender-based violence and violence against women
Outreach and Community partnerships
Represent SASC Ottawa in organizing committees for community events such as Take Back the Night, December 6th, International Women’s Day, vigils, Sexual Assault Awareness Month and other relevant staple events.
Participate in and promote fundraising activities
Outreach to the communities prioritized annually with direction from the Executive Director.
Support Work:
Individual support.
Support line.
Group.
Advocacy and accompaniment.
Administrative responsibilities
Quarterly Statistics Reports and Quarterly Staff Reports.
Quarterly Progress Reports (grant related)
Prepare a detailed Q4 final report at the end of this contract.
Coordinate the production of the organization’s public documents, such as pamphlets, business cards, envelopes, letterhead, videos, etc.
General household Responsibilities
Day to day household chores shared with other staff
Bi -weekly staff meetings
Monthly support work meetings
Other responsibilities as directed by the Executive Director
This position contemplates a minimum of three days a week, in-person work.
SASC Ottawa is an intersectional feminist organization. We strive to reflect the diversity in our community. We therefore encourage all who represent the diversity in our community to apply.
Applications will be accepted until January 7th, 2025, 5:00 p.m.
We thank all those who apply, however we will only be contacting candidates selected for an interview
Please address your Resume and cover letter to the Executive Director at admin@sascottawa.com by January 7th, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. [...]
September 10, 2024SASC Ottawa is part of the Women’s Event Network (WEN) that puts on events in the community like The Clothesline Project and The December 6th Vigil. This upcoming event will be Take Back The Night Ottawa on Thursday, September 19th, 2024 from 6-9pm at Minto Park (102 Lewis Street).
Take Back the Night (TBTN) is an annual rally and protest against sexual and gender-based violence. TBTN 2024 is for us to celebrate, support and empower survivors, while creating safer communities and healthier relationships through awareness, activism and advocacy.
Take Back The Night consists of speeches from survivors and community advocates, a rally and march through Downtown Ottawa, followed by an information fair at Ottawa City Hall.
Take Back The Night consists of:
6:00PM: Speeches from survivors and community advocates at Minto Park (ASL & LSQ interpreters available)
6:45PM: Rally & March through Downtown Ottawa (OC Transpo accessibility bus will be available)
8:00-9:00PM: Information fair at Ottawa City Hall (Jean Pigott Hall. 110 Laurier Avenue West, Main Floor)
If you have any questions about TBTN involvement, please reach out to communityevents@wiseottawa.ca [...]
July 16, 2024SASC Ottawa is looking for a Direct Services Coordinator! Do you have a passion for supporting survivors in your community Send your resume to admin@sascottawa.com by Monday, July 29th, 2024
Direct Services Coordinator(7 month Contract)
Summary and Job Description
About the Centre
The Sexual Assault Support Centre of Ottawa is a survivor directed, non-profit organization providing services to survivors of sexual violence. We support all women: cis or trans, immigrant, Indigenous, LGBTQ2++, women with disabilities, women of color, survivors of war and torture. We believe that a community free of sexual and gender -based violence is possible and we are committed to doing our part to build it. We serve the Ottawa area.
Position Summary
The person in this position will have primary responsibility for offering direct services to survivors, using the feminist, survivor directed, anti oppression peer support framework, in Centre and in the community. They will provide program specific and general outreach services. They will maintain direct services records and they will take the lead in meeting the support work needs identified in all Centre Grants. Detailed duties are outlined in the position job description.
It is therefore essential that the person in this position complete the Centre’s volunteer training and maintain availability to provide, in Centre, one on one support services. In addition, the person in this position will report directly to the Executive Director with respect to all aspects of their employment and collaborate with the staff team in carrying out the Centre’s annual priorities
Essential qualifications
SASC Ottawa volunteer training or successful participation in, and completion of the first available training offered; Computer and Social media literacy; Excellent verbal and written communication; Successful completion of a vulnerable sector check. Completion of a post
secondary diploma OR five years of experience providing direct services using a feminist, survivor directed, anti oppression, intersectional approach (It is the responsibility of the Applicant to provide sufficient details in their application, to support this); knowledge and understanding of the issues facing survivors of sexual violence and gender-based violence.
Assets
Experience providing peer support; understanding of survivor directed feminist perspectives, Group facilitation skills and experience and a Degree or Diploma in a related field, experience co.
Compensation
This position anticipates a 35 hour work week. The compensation ranges from a biweekly gross salary of $1960.00 to $2147.60; depending on experience. A prescription/dental benefits plan is offered for this position, following the successful completion of a three month probation period.
Job Description
This position is a contract position, requiring availability, from August 12th, 2024(or as soon as possible thereafter) to March 31st, 2025.
For the duration of the contract, the Direct Services Coordinator will carry out the following job responsibilities:
Support Work:
Weekly advocacy/accompaniment (flexibility required to provide a minimum of two)
A minimum of 5 (five) weekly spots available for long term individual support
A minimum of 2 (two) weekly spots available for short term individual support
A minimum of 1 (One) crisis Line shift weekly
A minimum of 3 (three) general support groups facilitation/co-facilitation per year (Prorated for the duration of this contract) – e manage wait list, facilitate and choose facilitators, ensure Group training runs once per year and support co-facilitators as needed
1 (one) specialized group in the General Program; i.e manage wait list, facilitate and choose facilitators, ensure Group training runs once per year and support co – facilitators as needed
Additional groups and additional individual support as required by the demands on the Centre from time to time and directed by the Executive Director
Administrative Responsibilities:
Calls, intake and correspondence related to direct services
Direct services policy input
General programs records management
Service delivery Statistics
Program funding Applications (collaboration)
Direct Services Wait list coordination
Group support coordination
Support line coordination
Support line promotion and support line visibility initiatives
Continuous coverage initiatives
Social media updates
Training
Training committee
Direct services training sessions (individual support, support line, advocacy, group support, qualities of a support worker)
Training manual
General household Responsibilities
Day to day household chores shared with other staff
Bi -weekly staff meetings
Twice monthly support work meetings
Keep up to date on community events, resources and relevant issues related to peer support work in the Ottawa area (e.g groups at other Centres, etc)
Community events as directed by the Executive Director
Outreach
Weekly attendance at various locations to deliver program support to survivors
Maintaining partnerships through regular outings with specific service providers (according to the annual priorities set)
Collaboration with other members of the staff team in carrying out outreach activities
Other
Compliance with SASC values, politics, basis of solidarity and policies
Participation in Volunteer appreciation initiatives
Quarterly staff reports and an Annual performance evaluation
Other responsibilities as directed by the Executive Director
This position contemplates a minimum of three days a week, in-person work.
SASC Ottawa is an anti-racist, anti-oppression, feminist organization. We strive to reflect the diversity in our community. We therefore encourage all women and non-binary individuals, including women of colour, transwomen, Indigenous women, LGBTQ2++ and women with disabilities to apply.
Applications will be accepted until July 29th, 2024, 5:00 p.m.
We thank all those who apply, however we will only be contacting candidates selected for an interview
Please address your Resume and cover letter to the Executive Director at admin@sascottawa.com by July 29th, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. [...]
June 20, 2024Starting Saturday, August 10th, 2024 , SASC Ottawa will be kicking off our Summer Volunteer training!
PARTICIPANTS WILL LEARN:
Anti-Oppression & Feminist Peer Support framework
Support Line, Individual & Group support skills
Opportunity to work in our specialized programs (Young Women Program/ Women & War Program)
Working from a holistic and survivor-centred framework
Grassroots approaches to supporting survivors of GBV
To Apply, email us at training@sascottawa.com or publiceducation@sascottawa.com [...]
June 11, 2024The Sexual Assault Support Centre of Ottawa is pleased to announce we are one of the beneficiaries for this year’s Hope Volleyball Summerfest 2024! Join us on Saturday, July 13th at Mooney’s Bay to have fun in the sun and support our organization!
For tickets annd information, visit Hope Volleyball’s official website.
For real time updates, follow us @sascottawa on all platforms.
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June 6, 2024Join us in person this summer for SASC Ottawa’s Drop In Group Series offered in collaboration between our general services and young women program!
When: every other Thursday from 6-8pm Starting June 13th until August 22nd⏰
Where: In person at SASC (address will be given after registration) ????
What: Safe & Confidential space for Sharing and Learning around a different topic each session ☕
Who: all folks 16+ ????
How: Register via emailing directservices@sascottawa.com [...]
May 24, 2024Join us on Monday, June 24th, 2024 from 6:00-9pm for The Sexual Assault Support Centre of Ottawa’s Virtual Annual General Meeting.
Join to meet SASC Ottawa’s staff team, board members, members of the corporation and volunteers to highlight the milestones, accomplishments and achievements from our 2023-24 year.
For more information, please reach us at info@sascottawa.com [...]
May 22, 2024The Clothesline Project began in October 1990 in Hyannis, Massachusetts, and has since spread globally as a powerful symbol in the fight against gender-based violence. This initiative allows survivors of sexual violence to express their emotions, healing process, and courageous words for others to see.
By decorating T-shirts, we honour both survivors of violence and those who have tragically lost their lives. These shirts are hung on a clothesline, creating a powerful visual testimony about the pervasiveness and severity of gender-based violence right here in Ottawa.
This year, our event is about more than raising awareness—it’s about celebrating the resilience of survivors and, most importantly, calling for the liberation every person is worthy of. We invite you to be part of this empowering movement.
Join us on Saturday, May 25, from 10 am—2 pm at Minto Park (102 Lewis Street), filled with yoga, painting, music, bubbles, and more. We will use artmaking as a tool to amplify our calls to end violence.
How will you contribute to ending gender-based violence? Come and be part of the change! [...]
May 7, 2024Starting Wednesday May 29th, 2024 , SASC Ottawa will be holding a 10-week in person support group for survivors of gender-based and sexual violence.
Where: In Person (SASC’s centre)
When: Wednesday, May 29th, 2024 from 6-8pm for 10 weeks
If you or someone you know would be interested in attending this support group, please contact directservices@sascottawa.com or give us a call at 613-857-0197. [...]
March 11, 2024Join us on Friday, April 26th to celebrate The Sexual Assault Support Centre of Ottawa (SASC) 40th anniversary! This event is an evening of celebration and recognition of the legacy of SASC Ottawa’s community work. Learn more about SASC Ottawa’s presence in the community, history, meet the folks through the years that made SASC Ottawa and learn how to support SASC Ottawa.
Learn how to become a donor, participate in our silent auction and meet the changemakers of SASC Ottawa!
Where: All Saints Event Space (330 Laurier Ave E, Ottawa, ON K1N 6P9)
When: Friday, April 26th, 2024 fom 6-9pm
Tickets on sale now at Eventbrite. [...]
February 29, 2024The Sexual Assault Support Centre of Ottawa (SASC) would like to thank Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF)
for providing Our organization, with a $60,000 Capital grant over 12 months, this grant will address a community need by repaving our driveway and making accessibility enhancements to our facility for survivors of gender-based violence and youth survivors.
The Sexual Assault Support Centre of Ottawa is committed to preserving this space and ensuring that it remains accessible for many community activities over the course of the year.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF), an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations, celebrates 40 years of grantmaking in Ontario and making a lasting impact in communities. Last year, OTF invested nearly $209M into 2,042 community projects and partnerships, which included funding for the Government of Ontario’s Community Building Fund. Visit otf.ca to learn more. [...]
February 29, 2024This International Women’s Day, SASC Ottawa will be supporting Chorus of Courage, a live event highlighting the stories and voices of survivors through musical performance and poetry. The event centers indigenous artists and survivors healing and we’re honored to support this event!
When: Friday, March 8th, 2024 at 8:00PM
Where: National Arts Centre (NAC) on 1 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON K1P 5W1
Tickets: ticket link
ASL interpretation will be available and a @sascottawa support worker on site for folks looking for support. [...]
February 26, 2024
SASC Ottawa is looking for new board members! Apply Now!
Description
Established in 1983, the Sexual Assault Support Centre of Ottawa (SASC) provides survivor directed peer-support services by women (including cis women, trans women and non-binary people) to women, who have experienced sexual and gender-based violence. SASC is committed to approaching our work with survivors from a feminist, intersectional, anti-oppression, and anti-violence perspective. SASC is currently looking for board members with diverse life experiences and identities to fill current vacancies. We are particularly interested in individuals who can bring the following skills or expertise to our board table:
• Fundraising
• Finance
• Governance
SASC invites applicants who possess any of above skills or experience, and who have an interest in the mission of SASC to apply. Diversifying the Board to ensure that it is reflective of the different communities that SASC serves will be given special consideration.
To apply, please send us your resume and 1 page motivation letter in one document outlining your interest in SASC and the relevant skills, qualifications and experiences to Nomination Committee Chair at board@sascottawa.com with the subject line ‘SASC BOARD APPLICATION_applicant last name’. We are accepting applications on a rolling basis until April 8, 2024.
Sexual Assault Support Centre of Ottawa (SASC)
Board Member – Job Description
The Sexual Assault Support Centre (SASC) is an incorporated non-profit organization and registered charity. The Board of Directors comprises the body that is legally responsible for the governance of the organization. Within this mandate, the Board is charged with the responsibility to collectively develop, implement and monitor policies that will allow SASC to carry out its work as a survivor-directed and survivor-led organization based on feminist and anti-oppression principles.
Responsibilities
Contribute consistently and meaningfully to the effective performance of the Board by:
• Preparing for and attending at least six Board Meetings per year
• Understanding the role of the Board and of SASC Management
• Demonstrating commitment to SASC’s organizational values
• Applying skills, knowledge and creativity
• Working candidly, collaboratively, respectfully and efficiently with colleagues
• Maintaining confidentiality
• Supporting Board decisions once they are made
• Respecting fiduciary obligations, which means:
o Acting honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of the corporation; and,
o Exercising the care, diligence and skill that a reasonably prudent person would exercise in comparable circumstances.
• Participating actively on at least one Board Committee (Nominating Committee, Policy Committee, Finance Committee)
Qualifications
• Demonstration of commitment to, and support for, survivor-directed support services and/or ending gender-based violence
• Commitment to exercise accountability to the membership of SASC
• Commitment to carry out all work associated with SASC in anti-oppressive framework
• Commitment to participate in SASC-led anti-oppression board governance training
• Term length for each Board Member is 3 years, renewable 2 times, to a maximum length of service of 9 years
For more information, visit volunteerottawa,or contact board@sascottawa.com
Application Deadline: April 8th, 2024 [...]
February 16, 2024Starting Monday, March 4th 2024 , SASC Ottawa will be holding a 10-week in person support group for survivors of Ritual Abuse
What is Ritual Abuse?
Ritual abuse is most commonly repetitive abuse, which can be multi & inter-generational
Ritual abuse usually involves repeated abuse over an extended period of time, including physical, emotional, psychological and sexual trauma
Where: In Person
When: Monday, March 4th – Monday, May 6th 2024 – 10 weeks
If you or someone you know would be interested in attending this support group, please contact directservices@sascottawa.com or give us a call at 613-857-0197. [...]
December 8, 2023Starting Wednesday January 24th, 2024 , SASC Ottawa will be holding a 12-week in person support group for survivors of childhood sexual violence.
Where: In Person
When: Wednesday, January 24th, 2024 from 6-8pm for 12 weeks
If you or someone you know would be interested in attending this support group, please contact directservices@sascottawa.com or give us a call at 613-857-0197. [...]
December 8, 2023
Starting Thursday, January 25th, 2024 , SASC Ottawa will be holding a 12-week virtual general support group for survivors.
Where: Virtual (Zoom)
When: Thursday, January 25th, 2024 from 6-8pm for 12 weeks
If you or someone you know would be interested in attending this support group, please contact directservices@sascottawa.com or give us a call at 613-857-0197. [...]
October 6, 2023In collaboration with Telus, The Telus Friendly Future Foundation and SASC Ottawa’s Young Women Program, is a new podcast Young Women Empowerment Podcast Project: Voices Must Be Heard.
This podcast series is for survivors to express their voices, to tell their survivors stories, and to share their thoughts and experiences in order to help other young survivors reclaim their voices and to give insight to service provided to provide better support.
Premieres Friday October 13th, 2023. New Episodes every Friday.
To Listen:
Spotify
Apple Podcast
And anywhere you find podcasts!
For more information, please follow us at @sascottawa or @sascyoungwomenprogram for real time updates and episodes.
[...]
September 12, 2023Starting September 28th, SASC Ottawa will be holding a 11-week virtual Zoom support group for survivors of sexual violence.
Where: Virtual (Zoom)
When: Thursday, September 28th – December 7th 2023 from 6-8pm
If you or someone you know would be interested in attending this virtual support group, please contact directservices@sascottawa.com or give us a call at 613-857-0197. [...]
September 12, 2023Starting September 27th, SASC Ottawa will be holding a 11-week general support group for survivors of sexual violence.
Where: In person (SASC Ottawa’s Centre)
When: Wednesday, September 27th – December 6th 2023 from 6-8pm
If you or someone you know would be interested in attending this support group, please contact directservices@sascottawa.com or give us a call at 613-857-0197. [...]
September 12, 2023Take Back the Night (TBTN) is an annual rally and protest against sexual and gender-based violence. The community comes together to celebrate, support and empower survivors, while creating safer communities and healthier relationships through awareness, activism and advocacy.
#TBTN2023 Ottawa will start with a rally in Minto Park (102 Lewis St) on 6pm. The march will start at 6:45 through Downtown Ottawa and end with an Info fair at Ottawa City Hall (110 Laurier Ave W)
An accessible bus and ASL/LSQ interpreters will be available, so we welcome everyone to join us! [...]
