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By rdnewsNOW Staff

MINISTER STATEMENTS

Sexual Violence Awareness Month promotes shared responsibility, culture of consent

May 2, 2025 | 2:59 PM

In Alberta, the month of May is Sexual Violence Awareness Month, a government initiative to raise awareness, challenge attitudes and promote a culture of consent.

Both Tanya Fir, Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women, and Searle Turton, Minister of Children and Family Services, issued statements regarding this occasion.

Fir reminded residents this month should serve as a reminder that it’s our shared responsibility to support survivors, challenge harmful norms and prevent violence, adding that 45 per cent of Albertans have experienced sexual violence in their lifetime.

“Through my ministry, we will finalize a comprehensive 10-year strategy to end gender-based violence that will guide long-term, province-wide action to address these underreported crimes,” she stated. “Our strategy will provide a clear roadmap to close service gaps, improve collaboration among partners and strengthen prevention and response efforts.”

The strategy builds on work already underway in government, front-line agencies and community organizations, Fir said, and will be released soon.

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“This month and every month, we stand firmly – in solidarity, in action and in hope – determined to stop sexual violence in all its forms,” she commented. “Ending gender-based violence is possible – and it begins with all of us.”

According to Turton, data collected by the Association of Alberta Sexual Assault Services shows that almost 1.8 million Albertans have experienced some form of sexual violence in their lifetime.

He reminded Albertans that if you or someone you know is experiencing sexual violence, you can call or text the Alberta One Line for Sexual Violence at 1-866-403-8000 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. or visit your local sexual assault centre for support.

The Government of Alberta also has a webpage featuring downloadable tips for recognizing, reporting and preventing sexual violence.

“Alberta’s government continues to support survivors by providing more than $88 million through Budget 2025 to prevent family and sexual violence – including an additional $1.5 million to sexual assault centres across the province and the Association of Alberta Sexual Assault Services,” he said.”

The government also invests almost $3.4 million annually in child and youth advocacy centres that help survivors access crisis intervention, supports, counselling, police and court support, outreach and advocacy.

“Together, we can keep our communities safe from sexual violence and let survivors know they are believed and supported,” Turton concluded.

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