Sexual Violence Action Committee (SVAC)

The YWCA Lethbridge and District is one of several community agencies, working together to address issues of sexual violence in our community.
The SVAC (Sexual Violence Action Committee) consists of individuals from:
            Alberta Justice - Crown Prosecutors Office
            Lethbridge Family Services
            Lethbridge Regional Police Services
            Sexual Health Centre - Chinook Health Unit
            Southwest Alberta Child and Family Services Authority
            University of Lethbridge
            YWCA Lethbridge and District

As professionals working with victims/survivors/patients, it is important to identify and understand the common reactions to rape and sexual assault. It is extremely empowering and comforting for the survivor to be reminded that they are not alone, and to be allowed to make their own choices with respect to service provision and care. It is also important to continually remind yourself that each individual's experience of the assault is unique and so is their reaction to the assault.

Sexual violence occurs so frequently, yet is so rarely reported that it can be called a silent epidemic. Even if you are not a victim, you are still affected as you may know someone who has experienced sexual violence.

YWCA Harbour House addresses sexual assualt as part of domestice violence.   In 2006/07, women reported 54 recent sexual assaults and 88 historical sexual abuses while seeking services for domestic violence.

"Many victims have learned much in the process of becoming survivors. They have paid dearly, emotionally, financially, by losing years of their lives. Many have survived as stronger, wiser persons. Sharing their testimonials may be helpful to them as yet another step in the helaing process. All their pain and struggle were not for naught if otheres, too, can learn from their experience and thus be in a better position to understand and respond to other victims." Jeanette Hofstee Milgrom

What are you prepared to do to help change lives?
You could;
talk about sexual violence
connect to community resources
help to educate
You can make a difference to create a climate where sexual violence will not be tolerated!

For additional information, check out the fact sheets developed by SVAC. (See the links below.)

YWCA Lethbridge :: Sexual Violence Action Committee (SVAC)

Sexual Violence Action Committee (SVAC)

Listing of Handouts on Sexual Violence