This month, we recognize Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Our work with survivors is complex and grounded in compassion, respect, and choice. The support we offer is shaped by the courage of survivors and by the belief that healing is possible when people are truly heard.
As one of our frontline team members shares, sexual assault does not have a “type,” and it does not happen somewhere else. It happens in every community, on every street, and it impacts each survivor differently. We’re sharing insights from our staff, drawn from years of experience supporting survivors. This Sexual Assault Awareness Month, we invite you to listen, learn, and stand alongside survivors in our Sea to Sky communities.
We’d love to hear your story—what first inspired you to work with survivors of sexual assault, and what keeps you motivated to do this important work every day?
Over the course of my career, I have worked in a variety of fields within the social work profession. When I chose to pursue supporting survivors of sexual assault, I just knew it was a good fit with my experience and awareness of the supports, services and communities. It is such important work that takes into account so many different factors. The survivors and the supportive colleagues keep me motivated and enthusiastic that change can happen and survivors can heal.
There are a lot of myths out there about sexual assault. What’s one misconception you’ve seen challenged through your work, and what surprised you most?
It’s been my experience that most people believe that sexual assaults are rare and only happen to ‘someone else’. This causes survivors to feel alone and isolated in their experience. Unfortunately, it is a common occurrence in our corridor. It presents itself in a vast variety of forms and tends to leave the survivor questioning their experience AND their response.
Many myths exist about who can be affected by sexual assault. How does your work challenge these stereotypes and create a more inclusive understanding of survivors’ experiences?
For survivors of sexual assault, there is no ‘one size fits all’….sexual assault does not have a ‘type’. Throughout the years, every survivor is unique and it is truly remarkable how many courageous people come forward seeking support. My work takes me to four different communities with some different types of people. Nonetheless, sexual assault impacts every town/every street.
Without sharing anything identifying, can you talk about a moment or insight from your work that really shaped how you think about consent, healing, or supporting survivors?
I remember a few years ago, I was supporting a young woman after a sexual assault. Her case ended up having to go to trial. She had moved out of the community by the time it came to court and it was a challenge to meet/connect with her due to distance and other issues. For some time I was not confident that she would be able to attend court; never mind stand the trial/testify.
However, she showed up to the court and presented in a quiet, unsure manner and agreed to proceed. After much support and two days of trial she blossomed into a confident woman who could look her accused in the eye. I swore she wore a cape as she exited that court house. It was a very emotional thing to witness; her finding her strength and inner power.
For someone wanting to better support survivors or learn about sexual assault awareness,what’s one piece of advice or perspective you’d offer from your experience?
We need to listen more to survivors…understand that they have their own pace that things may OR may not move forward. It is unique to everyone and never give up that they too will find their super-hero cape!
If you or someone you know needs support, please contact us at
Tanya Sinnes
STV Counsellor
Pemberton (Monday-Thursday)
604 967 3994
tanya.sinnes@sscs.ca
Bekah Jones
STV Counsellor
Squamish (Monday – Wednesday)
Office: 604 567 9093
Cell: 604 389 9600
bekah.jones@sscs.ca