Program Highlight: Sexual Violence Survivor Support Program (SVSSP)

September 20, 2023

Supporting Survivors of Sexual Violence in their Healing Journey

The Sexual Violence Survivor Support Program (SVSSP) is a new program at Carrier Sekani Family Services, developed to support the healing journey of adult survivors of sexual violence. Sexual violence is an experience that far too many people face and has significantly impacted and continues to impact many of the communities we serve. Through the program, our goal is to support healing from sexual violence, foster a culture of consent by promoting healthy relationships and healthy relationship skills, increase the capacity of communities to be active bystanders, and to interrupt rape culture to generate positive actions by others. 

This past year, we attended and supported at-risk populations through community outreach at the IRSS healing circle, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit awareness walk, Indigenous Peoples Day events, Take Back the Night walk and the Healing Fires in Prince George to support survivors of sexual violence. Leah Healey, the Sexual Violence Survivor Support Worker, also had the opportunity to join the North District Sexual Assault Investigation Review Committee (NDSAIRC) to provide external partner oversight of RCMP sexual assault investigations. This is a great initiative that allows Leah to work collaboratively with the RCMP through a victim/survivor-centered response to sexual assault crimes, and helps to improve the quality of investigations and enhancing community confidence in sexual assault investigations. The NDSAIRC is a positive step towards learning best practice and a trauma-informed approach to supporting survivors of sexual assault. The Sexual Violence Survivor Support Program also supported Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April through the CSFS social media platforms, where sexual assault and program information was distributed. 

In creating more program awareness, there is hope that more survivors will come forward to hold perpetrators accountable for their actions of sexual violence, and to reduce the number of people impacted by sexual violence. We all need to work together to improve safety, and working collaboratively to end violence of all forms. The Sexual Violence Survivor Support Program offers a safe, supportive environment for individuals 19+ to disclose recent or historic sexual violence experiences. We offer confidential emotional support and information to help with the decision-making process and the next steps to take. 

Some of the ways we can support survivors of sexual violence include: 

•       Court accompaniment
•       Liaison between community agencies and law enforcement 
•       Referrals 
•       Advocacy
•       Emotional support 
•       Education
•       Safety planning 

Individuals can self-refer to the program or have a community member or agency support the referral process.

For more information, including the referral form, please visit www.csfs.org 

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