Sexual Assault Services of Saskatchewan (SASS) is a provincial non-profit organization that works collectively with frontline agencies, community partners, and governments that provide support and advocacy for those affected by sexual violence in Saskatchewan.
SASS was established in 1984 as a coalition of ten agencies that supported survivors of sexual assault across the province, and worked together to increase awareness and education aimed at reducing victimization rates. Over the last 25 plus years, SASS has facilitated opportunities to share best practices; collect statistics and disseminate information; build capacity for front-line agencies, and expand intersectoral collaborations.
Today, SASS continues to create opportunities for members and communities to work together by providing a collective voice both provincially and nationally for all front-line agencies working to end sexual violence in Saskatchewan. We provide resources, training, and specialized education to advance public awareness on issues related to sexual violence.
We amplify survivors’ voices through research, policy development, consultation, and informed advocacy. We work in partnership with provincial and national anti-violence organizations to advance gender equality in Saskatchewan, and across Canada.
Our expertise lies within our specialized understanding of the multifaceted forms of sexual violence, and how it relates with other forms of interpersonal violence and abuse. We are committed to action against sexual violence through initiatives, strategic partnerships, and evidence-informed advocacy that advances systemic change from the front lines to the legislative.
In the past five years, SASS has taken on a leadership role to develop and advance an inclusive and collaborative approach to addressing sexual violence in Saskatchewan. As such, SASS has successfully carried out several multisectoral initiatives that are aimed at building a community of practice, strengthening the interpersonal violence sector, and fostering collaborative leadership and accountability. These initiatives include but not limited to:
- The Saskatchewan Sexual Violence Action Plan: Working Together: Your Voice, Your Story, Your Action (2019);
- Sexual Violence in Saskatchewan: Voices, Stories, Insights and Actions from The Front Lines Research Report (2020);
- Violence Against Women Advocate Case Review (VACR) (2019-2021);
- First Responder to Sexual Assault and Abuse Training (2017-ongoing);
- Learning is Healing “When We Know Better, We Do Better”: Saskatchewan Sexual Violence Education Initiative (2023); and
- Saskatchewan Sexual Violence Education Framework (2023)
SASS operates with a staffing team of five core employees supporting our various operations including management and human resources, education, awareness and training programs, research and consultations, advocacy, and community capacity building. Our team works closely with contract staff that provide additional expertise as needed in various areas including communications and digital marketing, community outreach, research assistance and governmental relations.
Each initiative we embark on is supported by a robust framework that includes a multisectoral advisory network, an evaluation process, and direct engagement from those in the front lines. This provides us with consultation feedback from those with lived experiences, meaningful support for successful implementation, and a process for accountability and sustainability