It is estimated that 1 in 3 women/girls and 1 in 6 men/boys in their lifetime will experience some form of sexual violence either in childhood or in their adult life. Young adults are generally most at risk, but it can happen at any age, and it’s been going on for many, many years.
A new facility, the Chinook Sexual Assault Centre (CSAC) in Lethbridge at 740-4 Avenue South is now open. It offers services to all people of all ages, no matter how they identify sexually. Some of those services include crisis support, victim advocacy, and counselling. Some forerunners, such as Lethbridge Family Services and the YWCA with its Amethyst Program, has dealt with sexual violence for many years, but CSAC is about having people be able to identify with one source, so they know where to go. The speaker will focus on the current state of sexual violence in our world with particular focus on Canada, the economic impact of the crime and contributing factors that support its existence. We will continue to explore the ways in which each of us, as individuals, communities and as a country, can end sexual violence by reshaping our beliefs/values and by taking action.
Speaker: Kristine Cassie, MSc, RSW
Kristine has worked in the human services sector for over 35 years with substantial experience and advocacy efforts in the areas of youth empowerment, domestic and sexual violence and housing. A graduate of Mount Royal from the Youth Development Program, Kristine started her career working with youth in care. It was while working at the YWCA Lethbridge and District that she reinvested in her education and completed an Applied BA in Human Service Administration (Grant McEwan) and a Master’s of Science in Leadership and Management from Walden University.
Kristine worked at the YWCA for nearly 25 years, serving as its CEO for the last 11 years. Leaving the YWCA in January 2016, she worked as the Director of Operations at Southern Alberta Community Living Association, an agency serving people with developmental disabilities. Currently, Kristine is the CEO for the Chinook Sexual Assault Centre which opened its doors to the public January 7, 2019. Kristine also serves as vice chair on the Board of Governors at Lethbridge College; Trustee for Palliser Regional School Division; maintains registered social worker status in the Province of Alberta and is a certified traumatologist.
Moderator: Mary Shillington
Date: Thursday, May 2, 2019 Time: Doors open 11:30 am, Presentation 12 noon, buffet lunch 12:30 pm, Q&A 1 – 1:30 pm Location: Royal Canadian Legion (north door) 324 Mayor Magrath Dr. S. Lethbridge Cost: $14 buffet lunch with dessert/coffee/tea/juice or $2 coffee/tea/juice. RSVP not required