Help is now just a call or text away for survivors of sexual violence in Alberta.
Alberta's One Line for Sexual Violence is a toll-free platform that connects individuals who have been impacted by sexual violence with specialized support. The program launched on Monday, May 6, with a local event hosted by the Dragonfly Counselling and Support Centre at the Centennial Centre.
The line, 1-866-403-8000, was created as a direct result of the demand for services relating to sexual violence across the province.
"We've seen a 500 per cent increase in new clients in the last four years and a 900 per cent increase in serving clientele since 2015," exclaimed Cheryl Bujold, executive director of the Dragonfly Centre.
The local organization, along with 10 others throughout the province, joined the Association of Alberta Sexual Assault Services (AASAS) via a live stream to announce phone lines were officially open.
"Our message to survivors is this: we believe you, it's not your fault, and when you're ready, help is only a call, text, or a chat away," Deb Tomlinson, chief executive officer for AASAS, detailed.
The free talk, text, or chat line provides private, confidential support and information to victims of sexual violence. Those in need can call or text the number between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. seven days a week to speak to trained responders. The service is available in more than 200 languages.
"It's a major step forward for sexual assault services in Alberta," noted Minister of Community and Social Services Rajan Sawhney. "It will encourage more and more women and men to come forward for help. It shouldn't be limited by where you live, or by the language you feel most comfortable speaking in."
The feature is another way for people outside of city centres to access the help they need when they start their healing journey.
"We think the Alberta One Line will be a huge benefit to our rural communities where we live and work, and will help reduce the barriers for support and ensure that all community members have access to quality supports wherever the users live," Bujold stressed. "We know that crisis and trauma left untreated and unsupported causes long-term impacts and consequences to the health and the well-being of individuals."
MD of Bonnyville Reeve Greg Sawchuk, who was on-hand for the local ceremony, said, "It's a concern when we hear the numbers are on the rise. I can't help but believe that's been kind of brought on by our society, and how our young men and women are really attacked day and night by different things that can affect the way they operate and act."
According to Tomlinson, One Line is meant to close the gap between rural residents and the services they need by using "the preferred way of communication."
It's modelled after a similar program originally offered through a sexual assault centre in Red Deer.
With the support of the provincial government, the Sexual Assault Centre for Edmonton, Calgary Communities Against Sexual Abuse, and the University of Alberta Sexual Assault Centre came together to create One Line as it is today.
Town of Bonnyville Coun. Elisa Brosseau said it's the the transformation in society surrounding sexual violence that led to One Line being formed.
"With the implementation of a free tool to talk, text, and chat, victims can no longer be subservient living in shame. They can access the help and support they need to gain their independence once again."
To access One Line, call or text 1-866-403-8000.
