At Making a Difference Canada our vision is to transform the current paradigm both here and abroad to ensure that sexual assault victims are no longer victimized by the very system that's in place to protect them. We realize this is a monumental task; but it is a task we are committed to seeing through.
Setting the record straight.
As hard as it is to believe, archaic biases still influence the criminal justice systems in Canada, the U.S. and other countries around the globe. Perhaps the most damaging is the fact that these systems are less likely to prosecute incidents of sexual assault if there is a relationship between the victim and the accused, there is no sign of physical injury and the suspect is not otherwise associated with criminal activity.
The truth is, these two characteristics are typical for the majority of adult sexual assaults.
Research shows that:
1. the vast majority of sexual assault crimes are committed by a person who is known to the victim, who is not otherwise associated with criminal activity, and who does not leave any evidence of physical injury on the victim, and
2. that the most frequent type of sexual assault is typically treated with leniency, while atypical sexual assault perpetrators (i.e., those who are strangers, associated with criminal activity, and physically injure their victim) are the ones who are likely to be held accountable for their crimes.
Working together across disciplines, communities and countries.
Our efforts span seven Canadian communities, and integrate the efforts of the community advocacy and support, police and law enforcement, forensic medical and sexual assault examiners and prosecutors. This multi-disciplinary approach is vital to protecting the innocent and bringing the guilty to justice. Making a Difference Canada works closely with Making a Difference USA, and is supported by the Donner Canadian foundation in Canada and the William H. Donner Foundation in the USA. We are extremely grateful for their support.
THE PEOPLE WHO MAKE IT HAPPEN
There are dozens of committed professionals in urban and rural settings, in different disciplines, in offices and out in the field who are helping us bring our vision to life. Here is a brief snapshot of some of the people behind Making a Difference Canada.
David O'Brien, is a Senior Crown Attorney with the Province of Prince Edward Island. He is a member of the P.E.I. Premier's Action Committee on Family Violence and participates in other Provincial and National committees dealing with sexual abuse and domestic violence. More
David O'Brien, is a Senior Crown Attorney with the Province of Prince Edward Island. He is a member of the P.E.I. Premier's Action Committee on Family Violence and participates in other Provincial and National committees dealing with sexual abuse and domestic violence. David is active in the community and is a Past President of the Law Society of Prince Edward Island. He has been awarded the 2009 Humanitarian Award by the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Heads of Prosecutions Committee honoring professional excellence and exemplary service both in the work environment and in the community. Less
Sigrid Rolfe, Coordinator, the PEI Rape and Sexual Assault Centre
Sigrid Rolfe received her Bachelor of Social Work degree from the University of Manitoba in 1976, and is currently a registered social worker in PEI. She has just recently completed her certification in Conflict Resolution Studies at the University of Prince Edward Island. More
Sigrid Rolfe received her Bachelor of Social Work degree from the University of Manitoba in 1976, and is currently a registered social worker in PEI. She has just recently completed her certification in Conflict Resolution Studies at the University of Prince Edward Island.
Sigrid has been working as the Coordinator of the PEI Rape and Sexual Assault Centre since April 2006. The Centre provides: therapeutic services for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse and sexual assault; information and support for friends and family of survivors; education/presentation/workshops about the nature of sexual assault and abuse; and networks with other community organizations involved in raising awareness about family violence, advocating for services for victims, and developing violence prevention initiatives.
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Debbie Jolly has served with the Edmonton Police Service for 21 years. She has experience in Patrol, Recruiting, Serious and Major Crimes Branches, and as as a Detective in Sexual Assault Section and Watch Commander in Southeast Division. She is currently Staff Sergeant in the Sexual Assault Section, managing a team of 8 Detectives and 1 Criminal Analyst. More
Debbie Jolly has served with the Edmonton Police Service for 21 years. She has experience in Patrol, Recruiting, Serious and Major Crimes Branches, and as as a Detective in Sexual Assault Section and Watch Commander in Southeast Division. She is currently Staff Sergeant in the Sexual Assault Section, managing a team of 8 Detectives and 1 Criminal Analyst. Debbie holds a Master of Arts degree in Human Security and Peacebuilding from Royal Roads University. In 2010, she successfully completed the Ontario Police College Sexual Assault Investigator and the Canadian Police College Major Case Management Team Commander courses. Less
Participating in Making a Difference Canada has helped my agency enhance both our prevention and investigative activities. For example, discussions with our US counterparts inspired us to start making presentations about sexual assault and sexual assault prevention with students.... More
Participating in Making a Difference Canada has helped my agency enhance both our prevention and investigative activities. For example, discussions with our US counterparts inspired us to start making presentations about sexual assault and sexual assault prevention with students in our high schools, college and university in partnership with our sexual assault centre. I am constantly amazed at how many of the youths we speak to are shocked about the realities of sexual assault.
Research and information exchanges have enabled us to add one party consents and penile swabs as additional tools. Less
Ruth has over 30 years of experience leading police, justice and public safety development and education initiatives nationally and internationally. Ruth retired as a Superintendent from the Edmonton Police Service after 27 years of service and established a consulting firm. More
Ruth has over 30 years of experience leading police, justice and public safety development and education initiatives nationally and internationally. Ruth retired as a Superintendent from the Edmonton Police Service after 27 years of service and established a consulting firm. She has directed policing and public safety policy and process development initiatives, conducted applied research, and has designed, developed and facilitated educational programmers. Many of her efforts have focused on coordinating multi-disciplinary efforts to improve services and supports for women. Less
Lucie assists the Special Victims Unit by researching databases to make potential linkages that can assist investigators. Lucie is also the originator, with Kim Regehr of the Niagara Region Sexual Assault Centre, of the bad date line initiative. More
Lucie assists the Special Victims Unit by researching databases to make potential linkages that can assist investigators. Lucie is also the originator, with Kim Regehr of the Niagara Region Sexual Assault Centre, of the bad date line initiative. She is also oversees the third party report program and is a member of the Sex Trade Task Force, an organization of community agencies which provides services and resources to sex trade workers. Less
Kim Regehr recently celebrated her 20th year with Niagara Region Sexual Assault Centre, where she is part-time Case Manager and Chair of SART. She is also an online psychology teacher with the Ontario College System. More
Kim Regehr recently celebrated her 20th year with Niagara Region Sexual Assault Centre, where she is part-time Case Manager and Chair of SART. She is also an online psychology teacher with the Ontario College System. By integrating the learning's of the two positions, Kim is able to truly educate others about the impacts of sexual assault—especially in her Developmental Psychology and Human Sexuality classes where there are units on sexual violence. Kim knows that education is a key to prevention, and teaching allows her to more closely observe how information is taken in, interpreted and translated in to behavior or definitions of acceptable behavior. She holds an Honors Bachelor of Arts Degree; a Master of Education in Psychology and Sociology, and is currently working towards a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology. Less
Kathleen Soltys is the Program Manager of the Alberta Health Services Edmonton Zone Immunization and Sexual Assault Response Team (SART), and is a member of the Marking a Difference national strategic planning committee. More
Kathleen Soltys is the Program Manager of the Alberta Health Services Edmonton Zone Immunization and Sexual Assault Response Team (SART), and is a member of the Marking a Difference national strategic planning committee. In addition to working as a sessional instructor with Mount Royal College Forensic Studies, she has worked in a variety of nursing and administrative positions including: ICU, emergency room, sexual assault nurse examiner and community health nursing. Kathleen has been with SART for 12 years, and works with victim of interpersonal violence and with forensic issues. Less
Go to Our Community to see who's engaged at a local level.
12-14 OCT.
Sex Offender Registration and Management Conference:
Niagara Falls, Ontario
This conference will provide an opportunity for attendees whose duties involve working with sex offenders to expand & share
their knowledge as well as collaborate on best practices.
17-18 OCT.
Sexual Assault Centre
of Edmonton 2011 Conference:
Edmonton, Alberta
This conference will provide a learning and networking opportunity for anyone who works for and with marginalized communities affected by sexual violence.
1-2 NOV.
"For Her Own Good,"
A Conference:
Vancouver, BC
Hosted by the BC Women's Hospital and Health Centre's Sexual Assault Service, Aboriginal Health, and Woman Abuse Response Programs.
27-1 FEB.-MAR.
2012
World Conference on
Women's Shelters:
Washington, DC
Highlighting the issue of economic empowerment and justice for women and girls within the context of violence against women.
23-25 APR.
2012
EVAW International Conference 2012
San Diego, CA USA
Registration is Now Open!
Register by December 31, 2011, and save $100.00 off the full conference fee!
MYTH 1: Most rapes are committed by strangers.
FACT: More often than not, sexual assault is perpetrated by a family member, relative, friend or acquaintance. In fact, in 64% of reported cases the victim knew the accused.
MYTH 2: People sometimes say "no", whey they really mean "yes".
FACT: No means NO, regardless of the circumstance. Also, if someone says "yes" under duress it is not consent—consent must be given voluntarily.
MYTH 3: Men can't be raped.
FACT: Many men don't report their sexual assault, so statistics are limited. However, of the assaults that are reported, approximately 15.7% of them involve male victims.
MYTH 4: She must have somehow "asked for it."
FACT: This is often how the attacker justifies his behavior. What ‘type of woman' she is, what her occupation is, or how a woman dresses or acts, are irrelevant. No one asks to be raped.
MYTH 5: Women who feel guilty or vindictive often lie about being raped.
FACT: Rarely are false reports of sexual assault made. The truth is, sexual assault is a greatly under-reported crime, especially if the survivor knows her (or his) attacker.
MYTH 6: Certain types of women are "unrapeable."
FACT: Regardless of a woman's profession or sexual practices, she can still be sexually assaulted. If consent isn't given willingly it is rape. Rape is not about the sex, it is an act of dominance and control.
MYTH 7: Women can't be assaulted by husbands or boyfriends.
FACT: According to the law, a woman has the right to say no to her significant other. Again, it's about willing consent. If it's not given, it's sexual assault.
MYTH 8: Carrying some form of protection can prevent sexual assault.
FACT: Maybe. Maybe not. But telling someone that carrying mace or keys between their fingers, etc could prevent an attack only adds to a survivor's sense of guilt and self-blame.
MYTH 9: Rape is a crime of passion.
FACT: In over 70% of the cases, rape is a premeditated act of VIOLENCE, and has nothing to do with passion. The vast majority of rapists are motivated by power, anger, and control, not sexual gratification.
MYTH 10: People who are intoxicated or on drugs are willing to participate in any kind of sexual activity.
FACT: Drinking or taking drugs does not imply consent. In fact, alcohol and drugs can render a person incapable of consent—and no consent equals assault.
► Bold Initiative Challenges Attitudes Around Drinking and Sexual Assault
After alarming statistics revealed that 70% to 90% of sexual assaults involved alcohol, a diverse group of community organizations joined forces with the Edmonton Police to form a coalition called Sexual Assault Voices of Edmonton (save). When results of a UK study...
►Supreme Court rules against the idea of "advance consent" to sexual assault.
On May 27, 2011 the Supreme Court of Canada issued a decision that ruled
against the idea of "advance consent" to sexual assault. They concluded that there can be no consent in law when a woman is unconscious....
► Canadians Participate in 2011 EVAW International Conference
The 2011 EVAW International Conference on Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, and Stalking was held April 11-13, 2011. Over 800 delegates from 50 U.S. states, several U.S. territories, protectorates, and a number of other countries participated...
► Making a Difference Canada Webinar Held on April 18.
For those who missed it, you can now download the presentation.
► Science Daily:
New technique to help catch sexual offenders: Scientists detect condom lubricant on fingermarks for the first time...
