The following is a press release CCASA sent out to various media outlets yesterday. Click here for the PDF version of the Press Release
Calgary – For the first time in its history Calgary Communities Against Sexual Abuse (CCASA) is appealing to the public for donations to help address long waitlists for counselling services.
“We have over a 160 people waiting for counselling,” says Danielle Aubry, Executive Director of CCASA. “We’re a small agency and we’re struggling. This is the longest wait for services we have ever had, and it just breaks our hearts to tell people they have to wait months to see a counsellor.”
Sexual abuse is a very difficult issue for people to talk about. It takes some people years to make the decision to reach out. If survivors can’t get the help they need in a reasonable time frame, they may never reach out again. This can mean long-term issues with isolation, depression, alcohol or drug abuse, even poverty and homelessness. CCASA is the only organization in Calgary which specializes in helping girls, boys, men and women who have been affected by sexual abuse and sexual assault.
Even in good times, the stigma around this issue makes it difficult for front line sexual abuse agencies in Canada to fundraise additional dollars. With the recession, what few donations CCASA has had in the past are now drying up. While there has been a recent economic upswing in Canada, not-for-profit agencies like CCASA will not see a benefit from this for some time to come.
Much of the increased demand for services has come as a result of a general increase of awareness about sexual abuse and sexual assault, something that is much needed because survivors have been silenced for a long time.
“There have been so many stories about sexual abuse in the media in the last year, which has inspired many people who have remained silent about their abuse to contact us,” says Aubry. “While we profoundly believe and advocate greater awareness of the issue, it has also meant that many more people than expected are seeking out our services. As a city, we have an obligation to do everything we can to help.”
With the holiday season approaching, many people may be considering donating to worthwhile causes, and Aubry hopes they will help CCASA and these survivors of sexual abuse through this difficult time.
“We know this issue is important to people, and it deeply affects our community in so many ways. It takes a strong community to fight this issue, and this is an opportunity for Calgarians to have a positive impact.”
To make a tax deductible donation to CCASA:
visit http://www.calgarycasa.com, or call our administration line at 403.237.6905 ext 223.
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Media Contact:
Danielle Aubry, Executive Director, CCASA Cell: 403.818.6153 email:daubry@calgarycasa.com
Calgary Communities Against Sexual Abuse is the primary sexual abuse and sexual assault centre for Calgary and surrounding area. We offer free and confidential services to abuse and assault survivors, their support network, and education for professionals.
Click here for the PDF version of the Press Release
