Our
Purpose
KWSASC Statement of Purpose
The Kitchener-Waterloo Sexual Assault Support Centre (KWSASC) supports, in a non-judgemental way, women who have been sexually assaulted as children or as adults by providing free of charge:
- a 24-hour crisis line maintained by volunteers trained to respond to the needs of women who have been sexually assaulted and/or those who support them (i.e., friends/relatives)
- feminist counselling and advocacy (individual and group support)
- information and referrals which assist women in accessing counsellors, physicians, lawyers, dentists, non-traditional practitioners and other resource people who are sensitive to the issues of sexual assault
- accompaniments to court, hospital, police station and other hearings or appointments needed to support women who have been sexually assaulted
- subsidies for childcare and transportation to ensure accessibility to the above services
- emergency practical assistance
KWSASC encourages dialogue among survivors of sexual violence to diminish feelings of isolation and to reaffirm the survivor’s feelings of strength and self-worth.
KWSASC educates people in Waterloo region about issues related to sexual violence and the oppression of women and children.
KWSASC networks, educates and establishes protocol with relevant community groups and individuals to help them to respond appropriately to survivors of sexual violence.
KWSASC actively challenges and works to change behaviors and attitudes, systemic in the structures and institutions of our society that are oppressive to women and children.
KWSASC actively seeks, encourages and supports the participation of women from diverse racial, cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
KWSASC supports its own members as they respond to the issue of sexual violence.