The Lloydminster Sexual Assault and Information Centre will be offering training to people helping those who have experienced sexual assaultĀ or abuse. The two-day training workshop is in partnership with the Association of Alberta Sexual Assault Services.
Training andĀ Development Director Heather SinsieldĀ says the sessions teach the most effective way to respond to disclosures of sexual assault from children, youth and adults.
“We give the process of a disclosure, go through skills, key messages and a really deep exploration into the facts surrounding sexual violence. Then we do a lot of exploration into the stereotypes and myths that are commonly believed and how that contributes to sexualĀ violence as well.”
The program is being offered across Alberta and has been offered in the city since 2011. At the end of the two full-day classes, participants receive a certificate.
Sinsield says the initial response someone who discloses receives can have a bigĀ impact on how that person moves forward in their healing.
“If they choose to report, if they choose to access services at the hospital or if they choose to go to counselling. If that response they’ve received has been positive and they’ve been told things like I believe you and I’m here for you, how can I help you they’re more likely to move forward in a healthy way.”
SinsieldĀ says the training is for everyone, not just social workers orĀ frontlineĀ workers. The sessionsĀ are on October 25 and 26 at LSAIC. People can register online.