Support

Sexual Assault Recovery and Healing (SARAH)

About SARAH

The SARAH (Sexual Assault Recovery and Healing) Program provides support to those affected by sexual violence through the SARAH Crisis Program and SARAH Counselling and Support Program.

SARAH Crisis Program  provides support 24/7 to individuals reporting a historical or recent sexual assault at RCMP detachments and emergency departments in North-Eastern Manitoba.

SARAH Counselling and Support provides individual counselling and support groups to anyone 13 years of age and older, residing in the Interlake-Eastern Region of Manitoba, and has experienced teen or adult sexual violence.

SARAH Crisis Program

provides support 24/7 to individuals reporting a historical or recent sexual assault at RCMP detachments and emergency departments in North-Eastern Manitoba.

SARAH Crisis Workers Provide:

  • hospital accompaniment and support
  • follow-up support
  • referrals to regional service providers

You can ask for a SARAH Worker 24/7 at these RCMP detachments or emergency departments:

  • Selkirk
  • Pine Falls
  • Beausejour
  • Pinawa
  • Oakbank
  • Lac du Bonnet

If you are medical personnel or an RCMP employee at a location within the Interlake-Eastern area not listed above, and would like to be able to access the SARAH Crisis program for survivors you work with, please call 204-753-5353 or e-mail executivedirector@survivors-hope.ca 

How can a SARAH Worker provide support?

It isn’t easy finding emotional support following a sexual assault. It is best to chose someone (family, friend, crisis worker) who can provide the following: confidentiality, unconditional support for decisions, non-judgmental attitude (this was not your fault), dependable and available when needed, advocate with police, social workers, forensic examiners, lawyers.

The SARAH Worker can support a sexual assault survivor by providing the following services:

  • Emotional support for the survivor and those affected by sexual assault. Those affected by sexual violence may be a family member, partner, loved one, friend or acquaintance of the survivor.
  • Options regarding police and medical involvement with emphasis on the right of the survivor to make their own choices
  • Hospital accompaniment and support
  • Forensic examination explanation
  • Support through police statement taking
  • Information on sexual assault trauma and what to expect physically and emotionally following an assault
  • Information on the SARAH program and referrals to other organizations providing follow-up support
  • Report to C.F.S. when children are at risk or need support
  • Clothing to leave the hospital following a forensic examination if clothing was seized for evidence
  • Personal grooming items to use before leaving the hospital
  • Follow-up contact to ensure the survivor’s well-being and safety

All of our SARAH Workers receive 40 hours of training and attend monthly inservices.

The application process involves completing an application form, attending an in-person interview and providing two reference checks. The applicant must also have a valid driver’s license, access to a reliable vehicle, and be willing to travel in eastern Manitoba. A current Criminal Records Check/Vulnerable Sector Check (RCMP) must be presented prior to the start of training. Applicants will also be required to complete applications for a Child Abuse Registry Check and an Adult Abuse Registry Check.

To find out more about becoming a SARAH Worker view our Volunteer page or call our office at 204-753-5353.

SARAH Counselling and Support Program

Counselling

Ongoing counselling is available to anyone in the Interlake Eastern Region of Manitoba who has experience teen or adult sexual violence.

Individual Counselling:

  • Available to those 13 years and older
  • Available to individuals in the Interlake Eastern Region of Manitoba
  • Offered in person, by phone and encrypted Google Meet
  • Free, Confidential and by appointment only

Book an Appointment

If you would like to talk to a counsellor you can book an appointment by either contacting our office via phone or sending an email through our website.

To contact our office via phone – please call our office at 204-753-5353 and leave a message with your contact information. A Counsellor will contact you to set up an appointment.

To contact our office via email – please send an email to support@survivors-hope.ca. A Counsellor will contact you via email to set up an appointment.

Support Group

SARAH Support Groups are a series of educational workshops and healing/support groups. We offer sessions on various themes.
Workshop and healing/support group themes may include:
  • healing/support group for survivors of sexualize violence.
  • educational series for friends, family and community of those impacted by sexual violence
  • education series for service workers

We offer in person sessions at locations within the communities we work in and online sessions free of charge for those 13 and older living in the Interlake Eastern Region of Manitoba. See below for information regarding upcoming sessions.

Upcoming Support Group – Online 

Sexual Assault Recovery and Trauma (SARAH) Healing Group

January 31st – March 21st, 2023
Tuesday, 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Online via Google Meets 

This 8 week support group is open to women and gender non-conforming individuals.
Topics will include:

  • Coping with triggers, teaching about window of tolerance, triggers, and grounding
  • Body, Brain and Trauma
  • What kind of Self-care works for you?
  • Oppression and trauma
  • Trusting Your Truth
  • Mindfulness

If you interested in attending this upcoming group, or for more information, please contact LP@survivors-hope.ca or call 204-753-5353.