FAQ

Canadian law has a broad definition of sexual assault that includes any unwanted sexual contact without consent and that can range from unwanted sexual touches, kissing, or forced intercourse.   All forms of sexual behavior wherein a person is forced, tricked, or coerced into sexual acts without their consent or is left feeling violated sexually are included within the definition of sexual violence.

If an individual has been sexually assaulted, there are so many different reactions that may occur. Some of those reactions can include:

• Problems with sleeping
• Problems with eating
• Physical symptoms (injuries, nausea, headaches)
• Flashbacks
• Recurring thoughts about the assault or “what if?” scenarios

If an individual has been sexually assaulted, they may feel:

• Guilt
• Shame
• Helpless
• Shock
• Emotional numbness
• Confusion

This is not an exhaustive list; All different types of feelings and reactions can happen. It is important that individuals receivesupport and information to reduce the isolating effects of sexual violence.

If you have experienced sexual assault, be patient with your recovery. You may go through several different emotions after the sexual assault. Give yourself permission to take the time needed to heal. The healing may take days or years.

At CCASA, we provide free emotional support to those who have been sexually abused or assaulted through our Support and Information Line. We’re here to help when and if you need us. We also offer counselling to those who know someone who has been sexually assaulted, as well as referrals to other agencies.

CCASA recognizes that the impacts of sexual violence affects not only the person who experiences it, but also their friends, family and partners. Anyone impacted by sexual violence, including support persons, can access CCASA’s services. 

There are a number of ways you can support someone who has experienced  sexual violence: 

1. Believe them. Believe what they tell you and make sure they know what happened is not their fault. Recognize that the person who was sexually abused is not to blame. Only the person choosing to use sexual violence is responsible.  No matter what, no one asks for it or deserves to be sexually assaulted.  People often feel guilt and shame when they’ve experienced a sexual assault.  Those feelings are attributed to not feeling supported or they can stem from the myths and misinformation that is so pervasive when it comes to sexual assault. [online resources: sexual assault myths and facts pagelink]
   
   
2. Respect their physical and emotional boundaries and acknowledge their fears. Time may be required to build up a healthy sense of safety again. Do not pressure them to make decisions, or make decisions for them. Support what they decide to do after the assault.
   
   
3. Be understanding. Understand that any emotion or lack of emotion is a common response to trauma. It is more important to talk about how they are feeling rather than the details of the assault. You do not need to know all of the details of what happened in order to support someone.
   
   
4. Be encouraging and offer to help connect them to services and resources if needed. Ask them what they need and how you can best support them. Try to avoid pressuring them into doing anything they are not ready to do, even if it is what you think is best for them. Give them choices and let them decide. 

Remember to get help for yourself, too. People who are supporting someone who has experienced any form of sexual violence may also need support. Being understanding of the feelings of the person you are supporting does not mean you have to take responsibility for their feelings. The  person who has experienced assault is not responsible, and neither are you. 

Please contact the CCASA support and information line at 403-237-5888 for more information.

If you have experienced a sexual assault within the past 96 hours, you can access services from the Calgary Sexual Assault Response Team (CSART). The CSART team is a 24-hour service that works in partnership between CCASA, Alberta Health Services – Calgary Region, Calgary Police Service, area RCMP, and the Crown Prosecutor’s office. Anyone seeking the CSART team services gets the option of what services they want to access. This means a person seeking services can choose to only seek medical attention, only seek emotional support, only speak with police, or seek any combination of services. The CSART team provides specialized care to individuals who have been sexually assaulted and is primarily based through the Sheldon M. Chumir Health Centre and can travel to other hospitals when required. For more information, visit our Sexual Assault Response Team page.

If more than 96 hours have passed since the sexual assault, other options for medical attention and emotional support are available. CCASA offers support and counselling to anyone who has been impacted by sexual violence. We also offer police and court support if you are considering or choosing to report to the police.

A child under the age of 18 is sexually abused if they are inappropriately exposed or subjected to sexual contact, activity or behaviour, including prostitution related activities.[1]  Statistics demonstrate that one in three Albertans (34%) experienced sexual abuse while they were under the age of 18.[2]

[1] The Child, Youth, and Family Enhancement Act

[2] AASAS 

Children may or may not tell you directly if they are experiencing child sexual abuse. Often, children don’t tell anyone they are being abused because they don’t have the language or vocabulary, they may be scared, or they may have been threatened not to tell anyone. A child’s first attempt to tell you about abuse may be indirect and vague. They might say that they don’t like when a relative comes over anymore. This in itself does not mean abuse is occurring. But, it is an opportunity to check in with the child to see the reason behind their statement. 

If you suspect that a child is experiencing or has experienced child sexual abuse, consider the following ways to talk to the child: 

1. Try to remain calm and control your reaction. Having an emotional reaction to learning about a child experiencing sexual abuse is normal and understandable. Be transparent with that reaction and explain that you’re not upset with the child, but upset at what happened to the child.  
2. Tell the child that you believe them and that it’s not their fault. Let the child know that you will try to help them.
3. Ask open-ended questions. Let the child tell you the information. For example, “Can you tell me what happened?” or, “Can you tell me who did this?” 
4. Try talking in a space that is private and safe.

Every adult is responsible by law to report a suspected case of child abuse. The exception is if you are the child’s parents and are willing and able to keep your child safe. This exception exists to keep children safe and for the family to have discretion of whether or not they want to go through the reporting process. If you have questions or are unclear on your reporting obligations, call Alberta Family and Social Services or CCASA. 

Alberta Family and Social Services

403-297-2995 (24 hrs.)

Drug facilitated sexual assault is when someone gives “drugs” to another person without their consent in order to make it easier to sexually assault them. “Drugs” refers to any substance that inhibits a person’s ability to understand what is happening to them and to say no. Some drugs commonly referred to as “date rape drugs” are Ketamine (Special K), GHB, Rohypnol, Burundanga (Scopalamine), but the most prevalent date rape drug is alcohol.