Frequently Asked Questions

As a survivor, you’ve carried these memories with you for a long time. Many individuals keep the abuse hidden for years, sometimes because they tried to tell someone but were not believed, or they felt there was no one they could trust. Because of this, the effects of sexual abuse or assault can last long after it has ended. In Canada, there is no statute of limitations for reporting sexual assault.

If you’re an adult who was sexually abused as a child, know that you are not alone. Often, those who abuse children are people in positions of trust or responsibility for their care. Whatever happened, the abuse was not your fault and it is never too late to start healing and moving forward. Many adults continue to feel the lasting effects of sexual abuse they experienced in their childhood. Traumatic events can alter a person’s sense of safety, trust, self-esteem, and control, which can have an impact on every part of their life long after the abuse has ended.

Our Centre is here to help and answer all of your questions. A phone call can be anonymous, and our staff can help you determine your next steps and actions. Experiencing sexual assault is traumatic and everyone will react to it in their own way. You may feel scared, hurt, exhausted, and confused, among many other emotions. Some people might feel numb or in shock, while others may struggle with strong feelings.

The three most important and necessary words you can say to a survivor are “I believe you” If a friend or loved one confides in you about being sexually assaulted, it is natural to feel unsure about how to help, but your support is what matters most. How a survivor decides to handle their situation is their choice. Be open to their needs and respect that they might not know what they need right away.

Knowing that sexual violence is rooted in power and control, individuals with identities possessing less power or privilege are at a greater risk of experiencing this form of violence. As a result, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, unfortunately, face higher rates of sexual assault compared to those outside this community. 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals may experience sexual violence due to homophobia, transphobia, biphobia, misogyny, or other forms of discrimination. These biases can also make it difficult to get the support they need.

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence and you would like help, here is contact information for community resources available to you Chinook Sexual Assault Centre (8:00 am - 5:00 pm, Monday-Friday): 403-694-1094 Alberta One-Line for Sexual Violence (9am - 9 pm, 365 days): 1-866-403-8000 Alberta Child Abuse Hotline (24/7): 1-800-387-5437 Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline (24/7): 1-833-990-1010 Family Violence Info Line (24/7): 310-1818 (Call or Text) 211 Alberta (24/7): 211 (Call or Text) National Residential School Crisis Line (24/7): 1-866-925-4419 Protection for Persons in Care (8:15 am - 4:30 pm, Monday-Friday): 1-888-357-9339 As always, if you have questions, you can contact our office via telephone at 403-694-1094 or via email at admin@csacleth.