Submitted by Castlegar & District Community Services
With April being Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Castlegar & District Community Services Society (CDCSS) wants everyone to know that victim supports are available locally.
B.C.’s Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, there are over 1000 physical or sexual assaults against women every week and 60,000 every year in the province, but only 12 per cent are reported to the police.
“We’d like to acknowledge that all genders are affected by sexual assault, one in three women and one in eight men will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime,” says CDCSS.
The Castlegar Sexual Assault Response Team (SART), which is part of CDCSS, is available to assist anyone who may have or is currently experiencing sexual assault or violence.
SART provides emotional and practical support including filling in forms, preparing and accompanying people through the court process, helping report to police if that is the choice, helping with transportation and childcare, providing counselling, and providing any other resources or referrals that are needed.
If you or someone you know are in need of services, call SART at 250-365-2104.
SART is also offering educational presentations for workplaces or schools, call the above number for more information.
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