Local RCMP show support for Sexual Assault Awareness Month

bc.rcmp.ca/newsroom

2022-04-04 12:16 HAP

 Cropped POLICE vest with teal ribbon

 

Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) is an annual campaign every April to raise public awareness and to educate communities and individuals on how to prevent sexual violence. As well, April 10th-16th is Prevention of Violence against Women Week.

This year the Squamish RCMP is showing support of the campaign by wearing teal coloured ribbons. We encourage those in the community to wear ribbons and participate in community events to support the initiatives and bring forward awareness on these topics.

Sexual violence is not welcome in our community in any form, whether in person or through online interactions. We will continue to do everything we can to prevent sexual violence, educate the public on consent and healthy social norms, and to work with our community partners to support survivors through trauma informed practices states Inspector Robert Dykstra, Officer in Charge of Sea to Sky Regional Police Service.

Our local RCMP Victim Services Unit has created a brochure called What to Expect when filing a Police Report. The brochure is accessible to those who require further information regarding the criminal justice process and what to expect when you file a report specifically pertaining to Domestic Violence or Sexual Assault. Although this is not a preventative measure, it is important to let our community know how we respond and to provide information to those who have already experienced violence says Squamish RCMP Victim Services Coordinator, Shawna Bain.

Squamish Victim Services has also re-created a line of cards. These cards look like ordinary greeting cards, though once opened, they contain Squamish RCMP police statistics for 2021 relating to domestic violence and sexual assault. Also, contained in the cards are provincial statistics of violence against women released by the Ending Violence Association of British Columbia. The launch of these cards stems from Abbotsford Police Department with their campaign to bring awareness to domestic violence in February of 2021. Embedded phrases on the face of the cards such as I love you so much it hurts, and You take my breath away are meant to be thought provoking and conversation starters. These cards have been dispersed to our community partners and are there for those who would like them.

We all have a part in helping support those who experience domestic violence and sexual assault. For those who are experiencing this, you are not alone. We recognize that speaking out against violence is never easy but we are here to support you affirms Shawna Bain.

 

Diffusé par :

Cap. Ashley MacKay

Agente des relations avec les médias
GRC du couloir Sea to Sky (Squamish)
1000, promenade Finch, Squamish (C.-B). V0N 3G0
Bureau : 604-892-6100
Cellulaire : 604-815-3804

Courriel : Ashley.MacKay@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

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