What is Sexual Violence Prevention Month
Every May, Sexual Assault Services of Saskatchewan (SASS), its member agencies, community partners and the Government of Saskatchewan recognize Sexual Violence Awareness Week (SVAW) to raise awareness of issues relating to sexual violence in Saskatchewan.
This year marks the first time Saskatchewan has proclaimed the month of May as Sexual Violence Prevention Month. This transformation, led by SASS, represents the shift from awareness-raising to proactive prevention strategies in addressing the pervasive issue of sexual violence within our province.
For over a decade, Sexual Violence Awareness Week has served as a platform for raising awareness and fostering dialogue around the prevalence of sexual violence. However, recognizing the pressing need for more action, SASS has moved beyond awareness and into exploring strategies to stopping violence before it begins.
Sexual Violence Prevention Month is a collaborative approach that unites communities, government agencies, and advocacy groups in a shared mission to end sexual violence in Saskatchewan. SASS extends an open invitation to all residents, institutions, and businesses of Saskatchewan to actively participate in Sexual Violence Prevention Month (SVPM). Whether through attendance at SASS SVPM events, sharing messages on social media, or taking part in local initiatives, everyone is encouraged to join forces to embrace the vision of a violence-free Saskatchewan.
Download the SVPM 2024 Digital Toolkit here.
SASS invites residents, institutions, and businesses of Saskatchewan to act on the following truths:
- Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit individuals are disproportionally impacted by sexual violence, and this must end. We all must take steps to ensure that Indigenous people are supported and believed.
- Education is the first step to preventing sexual violence – and we all have a role to play. It’s essential that we educate ourselves and those around us about the issue.
- Anyone can experience sexual violence in the workplace. It is up to all of us to ensure our workplaces are healthy and safe.
It is possible to create a Saskatchewan where every person is free from threat, fear, or experience of sexual violence – and it will take all of us working together.
Sexual Violence Prevention Month: The Lotus
The logo for Sexual Violence Prevention Month features the Lotus Flower, a symbol of strength and resilience that came to us through a survivor of sexual violence. The Lotus Flower grows through murky, muddy waters, and still turns out beautiful. This beauty despite adversity is a symbol of hope along the survivor’s journey of healing.
SASS recognizes the enormous energy that survivors must spend navigating the conditions and challenges, the murky mud, that allows for violence to occur in our communities. Sexual Violence Prevention Month 2024 and onwards, is our commitment to addressing the societal and systemic conditions necessary to stopping violence before it begins. The Lotus symbol is a reinforcement that survivors’ courageous spirits are at the centre of sexual violence prevention.
If you want to show your support for survivors and your commitment to preventing sexual violence, you can have free SVPM lotus pins sent to your workplaces, educational institutions, sports organizations, and religious organizations by contacting tal@sassk.ca .
The funding for the SVPM Lotus design was from the generous donation of an anonymous survivor. Thank you for your donation, courage, and incredible spirit.
Get involved
You can be involved in ending sexual violence in Saskatchewan by participating in a SASS SVPM event, sharing our social media posts, downloading the digital toolkit or by engaging with local initiatives in your community.
May 1 – SASS SVPM Digital Toolkit Launch
May 2 – Spirit Talker Painting Event – Society for the Involvement of Good Neighbours (SASS Member)
345 Broadway Street, Yorkton – 7 to 9pm
Registration required
May 5 to 7 – The Power of Her Story, MMIWG Conference
Piwapan Wellness Centre – La Ronge
May 8 – MMIWG2S Gathering: otahcahkowâwa-kistêyimikawicik “Honouring Their Spirits”
Hosted by the Newo-Yotina Friendship Centre. Events starting at 8am
Mitakuyé Owâs’ā Centre, 1770 Halifax Street, Regina
May 13 – SVPM Gathering and Media Event
10am to 12pm
SASS Office, 200-2080 Broad St., Regina
May 14 & 15 – Safe Space Gathering
Aboriginal Friendship Centres’ Safe Space Gathering
SASS will present on creating safety for survivors of sexual violence
May 15 – Compensation Institute 2024
Saskatchewan Workers Compensation Board – Conexus Arts Centre, 200A Lakeshore Dr., Regina
May 16 – Moose Hide Campaign
May 16 – SASS presents: Data For Good – Saskatchewan Sexual Violence Dashboard
12-1pm – Online Webinar
May 17 – SASS presents: Saskatchewan Sexual Violence Education Initiative
12-1pm – Online Webinar
May 23 – SASS presents: Enough Already
12-1pm – Online Webinar
May 28 – EVENT TBD
Presented by Black in Saskatchewan and SASS
May 29 – SASS presents: Can’t Buy My Silence – NDAs
12pm – 3pm – Online
For More Information on SVPM:
Tal Marsolais, Communications and Community Outreach Specialist, SASS
306.757.1941 tal@sassk.ca