‘Sexual violence doesn’t discriminate’: fundraising run planned to support victims

“It is a systemic issue of violence against women,” Stewart said.

She said a major reason that stops victims from healing is the stigma towards them. She believes people tend to turn a blind eye to victims when they think the assault is their fault.

“What did you say? Well, why did you go there? Well, why did you drink so much? Well, why did you wear a short skirt,” Stewart cited as examples for what people say.

“They (the victims) don’t want to come forward and talk about it as there’s a lot of layers to interpersonal violence. It’s not always as easy as just leaving a situation, and there are a lot of different layers to sexual violence,” she said.

Stewart further explained sexual violence is a situation everybody, regardless of gender, age, race, or sexual preferences, may encounter.

“Sexual violence doesn’t discriminate,” she said. “It’s about power and control and someone having power over somebody.”

She believes the first step people could take to minimize the pain and guilt the victim experiences is to accept and listen. She understands that judgment and comments are futile when tragedy strikes.

“When they come to us and say that this (sexual violence) has happened to them, we need to say, ‘I’m sorry that happened to you. This was not your fault, and I believe you.'”

Battlefords and Area Sexual Assault Centre has been providing a safe place for victims of sexual assault for 44 years. (photo/BASAC)

As one can only do so much, she thinks the government needs to step up and allow organizations like BASAC to educate children and youth about sexual health and prevention education in school. She said this is the second school year they have been barred from teaching that curriculum.

“They say no third parties are allowed in, but really, it’s just sexual assault centres and sexual health organizations that are being kept out. There are other agencies and other speakers in our schools,” Stewart said.

On Aug. 22, 2023, Minister of Education Dustin Duncan announced teachers could no longer invite third-party educators into their classrooms for lessons on sexual health education.

Stewart believes the reason the government did this is because society sees sexual violence as taboo, and it makes them uncomfortable.

“They don’t like to talk about certain things,” she said.

The walk/run will take place at 1211 98th Street on Sept. 28. It also features a barbecue, live band performances and free T-shirt giveaways. Learn more at the BASAC website.

—

Kenneth.Cheung@pattisonmedia.com

by Kenneth Cheung

‘Sexual violence doesn’t discriminate’: fundraising run planned to support victims

What's Trending