Sexual Assault & Abuse Support Services

24/7 Sexual Trauma Support Line: 780-791-6708

For individuals who are experiencing or have experienced sexual trauma, we provide expert dedicated supports and services.

The Waypoints Sexual Assault Services & Support team provides a variety of services to assist individuals who have experienced a form of sexual violence, such as: childhood sexual abuse, sexual assault, and/or sexual harassment. We also recognize that when an individual experiences sexual violence, their support systems are also impacted; therefore our services are available to family members, partners, and friends.

24/7 Sexual Trauma Support Line: 1 (780) 791-6708.

For more information about Sexual Assault & Abuse Support Services available, please contact the System Navigator at 1 (780) 750-8650.

What Can I Expect When Calling the Sexual Trauma Support Line?

When reaching out to the Sexual Trauma Support Line, here's what you can expect:

  • The calls are answered 24/7 by Crisis Intervention Workers (CIWs)

  • Upon greeting, staff will inquire about your needs and provide assistance accordingly.

  • All requests for information, referrals, and support will be addressed while ensuring your safety and confidentiality.

  • If calling the Sexual Trauma Support Line during a crisis, staff will assess your safety and offer support accordingly.

  • If safe, they will address your questions and concerns; if not, they'll help you explore safety options promptly.

  • You can call just to gather information for yourself, your friend or family member

Sexual Assault & Abuse Support Services Counselling

During the first counselling appointment, you and your counsellor will:

  • Review the intake information previously provided

  • Collaborate to determine the most suitable therapy approach for your concerns

  • Develop a counseling plan tailored to your needs

    Our counsellors offer:

  • Free individual counseling for all genders, aged 5 years and older

  • Free group counseling sessions focusing on enhancing skills to manage trauma-related symptoms

  • Various techniques to assist in managing and resolving trauma experiences

  • Short-term individual counseling for individuals supporting those who have experienced sexual trauma, including family members, partners, and friends

What Can I Expect When I’m First Accessing the Sexual Assault & Abuse Support Services?

Our Waypoints Systems Navigator will:

  • Conduct a brief assessment to better understand your support needs

  • Provide an opportunity for you to share any challenges you've been facing

  • Discuss your support and counselling goals

  • Evaluate if Waypoints' services align with your goals

  • Assist you with resources and referrals and connect you with the appropriate service

Our advocacy program provides a variety of specialized services including:

  • Answering questions about reporting assault

  • Accompaniment to police, medical and legal services

  • Providing emotional support throughout court processes

  • Providing post-court follow-up

  • Connection to other support services as requested or needed

Sexual Assault & Abuse Support Services Public Awareness and Training

The Public Awareness and Training team organize an array of presentations and workshops conducted in schools and communities, focusing on topics surrounding sexual violence.

We also lead various community workshops addressing childhood trauma and guiding responses to disclosures of sexual violence.

If you have a specific topic in mind or wish to request a presentation, feel free to reach out to a Public Educator directly.

You can contact us by calling (780) 743-4691 ext. 337 or 339 or emailing sap.educator2@waypointswb.ca.

Here are some of the topics we cover:

  • Victim-Blaming & Bystanders: Teaching youth to recognize and intervene in harmful situations safely.

  • Consent & Boundaries: Enhancing understanding of consent, boundaries, and communication.

  • Healthy Relationships: Exploring different relationship dynamics and recognizing signs of unhealthy relationships.

  • Sexting & Sextortion: Raising awareness about risks associated with sexting and social media.

  • Who Do You Tell?™: A body safety education program for elementary school children, their teachers and parents/caregivers.

  • Healthy Friendships: Educating children on boundaries and signs of unhealthy friendships.

  • Tailoring presentations to specific ages and time frames available

Victim-Blaming & Bystanders

Grade Level: 7-12
Time Commitment: 1-2 Hours

In this presentation, youth explore responses to sexual assault in a supportive and non-judgmental way. They will also learn how to identify warning signs in potentially harmful situations and how to intervene in ways that keep themselves and the survivor safe. Components include: harmful effects of victim-blaming and how it occurs at the individual, communal and societal level; alternative ways of responding to sexual violence; strategies to become “active bystanders” if witnessing harassment or assault.

Sexting & Sextortion

Grade Level: 7-12
Time Commitment: 1-2 Hours

This presentation raises awareness of reducing the risks associated with sexting and using social media outlets such as Snapchat etc. Youth become familiar with terms and concepts of sextortion such as: defining sextortion; child pornography laws in Canada; the process of grooming; and what to do if you or a friend is experiencing this.

1 – 4 can be offered as single presentations, or as a 4-part series.

Consent & Boundaries

Grade Level: 7-12
Time Commitment: 1-2 Hours

In this presentation, youths’ understanding of consent and boundaries is enhanced by allowing them to explore areas of consent that they may not be aware of. Components include: defining boundaries; consent law in Canada; communication styles; situations where individuals are unable to give consent; and looking for signs that someone is not comfortable