The Sexual Assault Support Centre of Ottawa (SASC) is proud to announce the launch of “Access to Justice,” a groundbreaking initiative aimed at revolutionizing the way survivors of sexual assault access support services. This comprehensive hub offers survivors a streamlined and efficient pathway to multiple services, minimizing the vetting process, expanding options, and supporting their overall healing journey. Access to Justice serves as a pivotal resource in dismantling barriers and providing survivors with a centralized platform to navigate the vast array of services available.
Survivors of sexual assault often face numerous barriers when seeking justice and support due to a lack of accessible information. According to Statistics Canada, 1 in 3 women will experience some form of sexual assault in her lifetime, yet fewer than 1 in 10 survivors report these incidents to the police. Institutional and cultural barriers further hinder survivors’ access to crucial services. Recognizing the urgent need for a solution, SASC has developed the Access to Justice hub to tackle these challenges head-on.
Taking a survivor-directed approach allows survivors to address their unique needs and regain control of their healing journey. By utilizing keywords, tags, or categories, survivors can easily search for the specific services they require. The innovative “Add to My Personal Resources” feature enables survivors to curate their access to justice support plan, ensuring they have a comprehensive list of services at their fingertips. This user-friendly platform equips survivors with the necessary tools to navigate the system and access vital support.
“This Access to Justice Hub was informed by the real barriers and gaps survivors face in the pursuit of healing and moving forward. We are proud to say this hub is a comprehensive tool for survivors to regain the agency to create a pathway for justice that reflects their needs” says Amina Doreh, the Public Education & Media Coordinator of The Sexual Assault Support Center of Ottawa
Survivors can conveniently access the Access to Justice hub by visiting SASC’s official website at https://sascottawa.com. The hub offers a user-friendly interface where survivors can discover an extensive range of services and compile their personalized resource list. Once completed, survivors have the flexibility to download, save, print, or email their resource list, enabling them to take proactive steps towards accessing the vital services they need.
For more information about the Access to Justice hub and to access this invaluable resource, please visit www.sascottawa.com/access-to-justice-hub
