January is Sexual Assault Awareness Month but due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions on gatherings, events usually hosted to promote the message have had to go virtual.
But that doesn91裸聊视频檛 mean the events, which focus on violence faced at home, will go unnoticed.
Organizers with the Central Okanagan Elizabeth Fry Society (COEFS) and UBCO91裸聊视频檚 Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office (SVPRO) said this is especially important now, as calls for service have increased.
COEFS victim services worker and team lead Samantha said since the pandemic started and more people have had to stay home, the number of people calling in to ask for help and those using their services have skyrocketed.
91裸聊视频淛ust this past summer, especially in July, we91裸聊视频檝e seen some of our highest numbers ever,91裸聊视频� she said.
91裸聊视频淥ur numbers are skyrocketing and have pretty much stayed consistent since then91裸聊视频� we also see an increase during the holidays, especially in January, and we91裸聊视频檙e seeing that now.91裸聊视频�
She said that overall, they91裸聊视频檝e seen at least a 30% increase in new clients coming to COEFS for help.
Samantha said now more than ever, it is important to highlight issues of sexual assault especially as many people aren91裸聊视频檛 able to physically check in on their friends and family because of the pandemic.
91裸聊视频淲e need to shed a light on this91裸聊视频� because sometimes, those in your bubble, those you91裸聊视频檙e isolating with, they91裸聊视频檙e the ones who are abusing you.91裸聊视频�
She added this is why it91裸聊视频檚 important to make sure you have a select group of trusted people with who you know you can talk about your situation. Another tip she gave is having a code word with your safe group that will let them know what you need when you need it.
91裸聊视频淏ut it91裸聊视频檚 just all so individualized so it91裸聊视频檚 hard to say that there91裸聊视频檚 a one-size-fits-all way to get out of an abusive situation.91裸聊视频�
91裸聊视频淎nother big thing is to get connected to resources like us, the Kelowna Women91裸聊视频檚 Shelter, Mamas for Mamas, and other places like this. We will listen to your specific situation and come up with a unique plan that would be safe for you,91裸聊视频� Samantha said.
And if you suspect that your friend or loved one may have been assaulted or may be in an abusive relationship, Samantha said the best thing you can do is be there for them, listen to their story, and help them connect to resources.
Another important thing to do is to learn ways on how to prevent sexual violence as well.
For more information on sexual violence and UBCO91裸聊视频檚 virtual events, visit.
To access help through the Central Okanagan Elizabeth Fry Society, you can call them at 250-763-4613. More information can be found on .
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