As Sir Frances Bacon once said, "Knowledge is power." It is in that spirit, that Making a Difference Canada is committed to providing up-to-the-minute information related to sexual assault as it relates to different disciplines, communities and individuals.
Some of this information is restricted to members only (indicated by the key icon ), so if you see something you would like to read and are not a member, please register now.
Visual assessment of the timing of bruising by forensic experts, Pilling, Vanezis, Perrett, Johnston. Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine. 2010.
This study examines the efficacy with which forensic experts can determine the age of injuries. Forensic experts are often asked to comment on injuries for legal purposes.
Alcohol-involved rapes: are they more violent?, Abbey et al: Psychology of Women Quarterly, 2002
The authors seek to determine the links between alcohol consumption and violence levels of sexual assaults.
Alcohol and Rape in Winnipeg, 1966-1975, Johnson, Gibson, Linden: Journal of Studies on Alcohol, 1978
The authors seek to shed light on the rapes committed by perpetrator under the influence of alcohol. They also provide data on levels of alcohol in victims as well.
Analysis of 418 cases of sexual assault, Grossin, Sibille, Lorin de la Grandmaison, Banasr, Brion, Durigon: Forensic Science International, 2003
This study examines characteristics of victim, perpetrator and assault according to the amount of time between assault and victim’s presentation for examination.
Analysis of 418 cases of sexual assault, Grossin, Sibille, Lorin de la Grandmaison, Banasr, Brion, Durigon: Forensic Science International, 2003
This study examines characteristics of victim, perpetrator and assault according to the amount of time between assault and victim’s presentation for examination.
Adolescent Victims of Sexual Assault, Muram, Hostetler, Jones, Speck: Journal of Adolescent Health, 1995
The authors study the differences between female adolescent victims of sexual assault and their adult counterparts. The study finds that adolescents are more likely to be assaulted by someone they know but are less likely to sustain injury.
Adolescent Victims of Sexual Assault, Muram, Hostetler, Jones, Speck: Journal of Adolescent Health, 1995
The authors study the differences between female adolescent victims of sexual assault and their adult counterparts. The study finds that adolescents are more likely to be assaulted by someone they know but are less likely to sustain injury.
► 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...
►"Don’t be that guy" Campaign Receives National Attention.
June 23&24, 2011: The Edmonton team’s Don’t be that Guy campaign shared centre stage with other North American social marketing campaigns at the Addressing Sexual Violence – Changing Attitudes, Changing Lives conference in Toronto, Ontario...
►June 2011 Making a Difference Canada Webinar Presentation now Available.
Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault: what every service provider needs to know. This session, led by a recognized Canadian drug expert, was offered to augment understanding and assist service providers to respond more effectively to drug facilitated sexual assaults...
►Supreme Court rules against the idea of "advance consent" to sexual assault.
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.
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.
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