April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Rhonda Lemire says it’s more important than ever to start conversations about consent and sexualized violence.
Lemire is the executive director at the Second Story Women’s Centre. She says that they’ve seen increased demand for counselling services related to sexual assault over the past year.
“It’s something that’s happening here locally, and by bringing awareness to it, we’re hoping to destigmatize [having been] sexual assault[ed]”
She says that starting a dialogue is key to stopping rape and encourages people to have open conversations about consent with their children, co workers and friends.
While COVID has restricted how the centre can raise awareness, they’ve taken it upon themselves to share information about sexualized violence on their Facebook page this month.
“If we develop a culture of consent and respect, hopefully we won’t have to worry about sexualized violence in years to come.”
Despite the importance of starting a conversation and normalizing the topic, Lemire acknowledges that the centre needs more support from the provincial government.
The centre is hoping to get funding to add a permanent therapist specializing in trauma informed, sexual assault counselling.
Anyone who’s been sexually assaulted or is looking for resources can drop by the centre. They’re open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday in Lunenburg.
