May is sexual assault awareness month, an opportunity to speak out against sexual assault and a reminder that it’s always important to talk about sexual violence, its effects and ways we can work towards ending sexual abuse.
Now seems like a particularly important time to talk about this unacceptable form of violence. In the wake of the Jian Ghomeshi scandal and as the federal government gears up for a national Inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women, it’s on a lot of people’s minds.
Sexual violence happens in communities of every income level, background and life experience. But some communities and individuals are more likely to experience violence, as many of us know. Indigenous women are more than eight times more likely to be killed by their intimate partner than non-Indigenous women. They’re also 3.5 times more likely to experience sexual assault or abuse.
These are unsettling statistics that we should always remember, but it’s also important to remember that there are many organizations in Canada working tirelessly to end sexual abuse and assault.
The following are just a few examples of these invaluable organizations:
Women Against Violence Against Women
Ontario Coalition of Rape Crisis Centres
Native Youth Sexual Health Network
Are there any organizations you'd like to addd to this list? Comment below!
Despite the upsetting statistics, there is incredible work being done to support women who have survived violence
Over the coming months, New Journeys will bring you exclusive videos of performances by Joseph Boyden, Leanne Simpson, ATCR and many others
