Frequently Asked Questions

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence and you would like help, here is contact information for community resources available to you

• Chinook Sexual Assault Centre (8:00 am - 5:00 pm, Monday-Friday): 403-694-1094.
• Alberta One-Line for Sexual Violence (9am - 9 pm, 365 days): 1-866-403-8000.
• Alberta Child Abuse Hotline (24/7): 1-800-387-5437.
• Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline (24/7): 1-833-990-1010.
• Family Violence Info Line (24/7): 310-1818 (Call or Text).
• 211 Alberta (24/7): 211 (Call or Text).
• National Residential School Crisis Line (24/7): 1-866-925-4419.
• Protection for Persons in Care (8:15 am - 4:30 pm, Monday-Friday): 1-888-357-9339.

As always, if you have questions, you can contact our office via telephone at 403-694-1094 or via email at admin@csacleth.ca

Knowing that sexual violence is rooted in power and control, individuals with identities possessing less power or privilege are at a greater risk of experiencing this form of violence. As a result, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, unfortunately, face higher rates of sexual assault compared to those outside this community.

2SLGBTQIA+ individuals may experience sexual violence due to homophobia, transphobia, biphobia, misogyny, or other forms of discrimination. These biases can also make it difficult to get the support they need. In particular, non-gender conforming individuals may face extra challenges when accessing support services, especially when services are divided by gender or when professionals lack knowledge about gender affirming care. At the Chinook Sexual Assault Centre we support anyone impacted by sexual violence, no matter how they identify. You are safe here.

Our Centre is proud to welcome, support, and create a safe space for individuals of all backgrounds and identities. We offer our services to anyone in the community who needs them.

Our Centre is here to help and answer all of your questions. A phone call can be anonymous, and our staff can help you determine your next steps and actions.

Experiencing sexual assault can be traumatic and everyone will react to it in their own way. You may feel scared, hurt, exhausted, and confused, among many other emotions. Some people might feel numb or in shock, while others may struggle with strong feelings. Whatever you feel is valid and that support is available.

Your safety is most important – do you live with the person who hurt you? Do you want to talk? Do you need medical attention?

It is important to remember that while reporting to police is a valid option, it is not a requirement to report. There are many factors to consider and there is no right or wrong answer to whatever decision you make. Our Centre has more information about the legal system and what you can expect, and we are happy to help you make the right decision for your journey and healing process.

Our Centre is open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday-Friday, and we can be reached via phone at 403-694-1094 or via email at admin@csacleth.ca. If you need help outside of these hours, the Alberta One-Line for Sexual Violence is available everyday from 9 am - 9:00 pm. They can be reached via call or text at 1-866-403-8000

If you’re an adult who was sexually abused as a child, know that you are not alone. Often, those who abuse children are people in positions of trust or responsibility for their care. Whatever happened, the abuse was not your fault, and it is never too late to start healing and moving forward.

Many adults continue to feel the lasting effects of childhood sexual abuse in adulthood. Traumatic events can alter a person’s sense of safety, trust, self-esteem, and control, which can have an impact on every part of their life, even long after the abuse has ended.

Our Centre is here to help you whenever you are ready. You can reach us by phone at 403-694-1094 or email us at admin@csacleth.ca. We also accept walk in’s during our business hours.

As someone that has been impacted by sexual violence, you’ve carried these memories with you for a long time. Many individuals keep the abuse hidden for years; sometimes because they tried to tell someone but were not believed, or they felt there was no one they could trust. Because of this, the effects of sexual abuse or assault can last long after it has ended.

In Canada, there is no statute of limitations for reporting sexual assault to law enforcement. People may not report right away for many reasons, like fear of not being believed, feeling guilty or ashamed, thinking they were to blame, or not realizing it was abuse. If you decide that reporting is the right choice for you, you can do so at any time. It’s never too late.

There is no specific timeline for healing, and everyone processes and recovers in their own way and at their own pace. If you are ready to reach out for support, our Centre happy to meet you wherever you are on your healing journey.

The three most important and necessary words you can say to those that have been impacted by sexual violence are, “I believe you.”

If a friend or loved one confides in you about being sexually assaulted, it is natural to feel unsure about how to help, but your support is what matters most.

How a survivor decides to handle their situation is their choice. Be open to their needs and respect that they might not know what they need right away. Some tips for supporting include:

• Let them lead the conversation - create a safe space, do not ask questions, and ensure you listen with intent and kindness
• Be patient and remember that healing takes time and looks different for everyone
• Avoid making threats against or confronting the perpetrator.
• Support unconditionally. How someone decides to cope is up to them, but how you respond will play a role in their healing.
• Maintain confidentiality. They came to you because they trust you. It is not your story to share.
• Offer physical support (with consent!). Ask before hugging/touching.
• Do not make promises that you cannot keep.
• Ensure you take care of yourself too.

Contact the Chinook Sexual Assault Centre for a safe and confidential place to discuss your feelings if you find yourself supporting someone who has experienced sexual violence