Nuts’amaat Syaays–Working Together As One
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isclosing sexualized violence to anyone, let alone police or health care professionals often retraumatizes survivors. Rape is a physical assault that is sexualized. It has nothing to do with sexual attraction and it is never the victim’s fault. We live in a culture of silence and victim blaming. Our societal attitudes create barriers for survivors to seek justice, or medical care in order to recover from the trauma. Research shows that when a survivor receives compassionate support during the immediate aftermath of sexualized trauma, it has a significant impact on recovery. Survivors need collaboration amongst service providers. In the spirit of collaboration, Warmland Women’s Support Services Society is dedicated to creating a coordinated crosssectoral response to sexualized violence. Survivors are directly impacted by the relationships service providers have with each other. We are committed to creating response procedures and accountability measures that support survivors and the community at large. “Nuts’amaat Syaays–Working Together As One” is a sexual assault response program grounded in Indigenous values. Guidance from Quw’utsun Elders and Knowledge Keepers ensures cultural safety and cultural competence. Our collaborative partnership with Island Health forensic nurses provides a foundation for responding effectively to survivors of sexual
assault. We are deeply grateful for this partnership and the dedication of medical front line workers. “Nuts’amaat Syaays” provides 24/7 crisis accompaniment to Cowichan Valley hospitals for survivors seeking forensic medical care. Crisis accompaniment includes culturally-informed practical and emotional support, information, response planning, and seamless coordination for wraparound support bridging survivors to community resources. Sexual assault Advocates offer compassionate trauma-informed support while providing inperson accompaniment for survivors to attend medical services, report an offense to RCMP, or attend court so that survivors are not alone during the aftermath of sexualized violence. Moving beyond immediate/ emergency needs “Nuts’amaat Syaays” offers trauma-informed counseling and group programs supporting survivors’ overall post-traumatic recovery. Training begins this spring for our sexual assault Advocate program. Registration is free. Upon successful completion of the training program Advocates can apply for casual positions starting at $26/hr. Contact Kendra Thomas for details: kthomas@warmlandwomen.org 250-710-8177.
Kendra Thomas, Society Coordinator Warmland Women’s Support Services Society
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