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As we come to the end of this article series we hope this project has provided insight into the roles of some members of the Medicine Hat Sexual Assault Response Team (SART). Meeting with various team members has shown that we all have the same goal, to help survivors of sexual assault and sexual abuse…

Part 6 of this series will explore the role of the Southeastern Alberta Sexual Assault Response Committee (SARC). Executive Director, Christina Johnson, sits on the Medicine Hat Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) and offers her insight specific to sexual violence in the region. “SARC offers sexual trauma counselling and education programs to work towards ending…

The fifth part of this series will look at the role of Dr. Lena Derie-Gillespie, Medical Officer of Health for Alberta Health Services, South Zone. The Medical Officer of Health provides direction and guidelines on public health policy to Alberta Health Services, and delivers information to the public about communicable diseases and public health programs. With this…

For Part 4 of this series, we spoke to Ramona Robins, Chief Crown Prosecutor with the Government of Alberta, Justice and Solicitor General. As stated on the Government of Alberta website, the Crown Prosecutor’s responsibilities include determining appropriate charges, discussions with defense counsel, preparing witnesses for court, examination and cross-examination of witnesses, and presenting arguments…

In Part 1 of this series, we spoke to the Medicine Hat Police Service, Major Crimes Section. Part 3 of this series will explore the role of the Redcliff Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Speaking with S/Sgt. Sean Maxwell, we learn about another law enforcement perspective of sexual violence response. When a complaint of sexual…

The second part of this series will explore the role of Victim Assistance (VA) in instances of sexual assault and child sexual abuse. This can be a confusing and emotional process for victims, and VA acts as a guide to help them navigate the system and services available. “Most sexual assault survivors tell a friend…

It’s probably happened to someone you know. A friend, a coworker, a family member. 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men are sexually assaulted in their lifetime, often before the age of 18 (Badgley, 1984). Help and support is available, but many people don’t know what to expect when they reach out for…