Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region

05/29/2026

When we talk about sexual violence prevention, an understanding of authentic consent and the nuances around consent are critical. In this post, we define the FRIES model and what those criteria of consent are, plus in particular what it means for consent to be reversible. Reversible consent is often misunderstood and misinterpreted, leading to harmful narratives about false reports, what violence actually looks like, and not believing survivors.

You can read more about this in our new blog post: sascwr.org/blog.

If you have questions or need support, never hesitate to reach out to us.

Support is always available. Please call (519) 741-8633 to access our 24-Hour Support Line. You can also text (519) 741-8633 or use the chat function on sascwr.org to access support between 8:00 AM and midnight, 7-days a week.

05/26/2026

Category is... Authentic Consent!

Join SASC public educator, Maddy Kenyon, as she unpacks authentic sexual consent - both what it is, and tools for best practice.

The free, virtual session is especially focused on exploring the practice of nuanced consent in contexts which are sometimes intentionally sexualized, such as drag. Come with your questions and an open-mind, and let’s learn together!

This interactive workshop runs for 90-minutes, and is open to all folks in the q***r community age 16 and over. Visit tr.ee/categoryis to register through Eventbrite!

Make Change Productions

05/22/2026

05/21/2026

This week, the Ministry of the Attorney General confirmed that a notice of appeal has been filed in the Sloka case.

The Crown wants the acquittals to be set aside and are asking for a new trial.

From CTV News:

“I think there’s a sense of relief that there is going to be an appeal in this case,” Sara Casselman, executive director of the Sexual Assault Centre of Waterloo Region, said. “We know that this trial was one of the largest in Waterloo Region’s history and on April 24th, when Sloka was acquitted of 48 charges with 48 women, our community was really concerned that 48 women were either called unreliable or outright lying by the judge, and the expert witness wasn’t treated seriously.”

Casselman acknowledged many of the women who stepped forward with allegations have been dealing with the case for years, and said she hopes all the women make the choice that is best for them when it comes to participating in the appeal process.

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You are not alone. Support is always available. Please call (519) 741-8633 to access our 24-Hour Support Line. You can also text (519) 741-8633 or use the chat function on sascwr.org to access support between 8:00 AM and midnight, 7-days a week.

05/21/2026

05/21/2026

Free, quick-access counselling is now available for anyone in Waterloo Region who has experienced sexual violence.

Appointments are available on Tuesdays & Thursdays from 6pm to 9pm. Confidential support you can access from anywhere, these single sessions are available now - no waitlist!

These sessions offer:
- Emotional support, validation, and empowerment
- Support around the impact of sexual trauma
- Safety planning and referrals
- Short-term goal setting
- Warm referrals to on-going SASC services

If you need to go to the hospital or report to police, volunteer accompaniment is also available.

Book now: sascwr.org/quick-access

05/20/2026

Understanding r**e culture is an important part of sexual violence prevention.

Our culture conditions people to believe that “sexual violence” is only the actions at the top of the pyramid, but these are just the most explicit forms of sexual violence.

In order to actually prevent sexual violence, we need to be challenging and disrupting the practices and beliefs at the bottom of the pyramid. It’s this foundation that enables and normalizes sexual violence.

Everyone can play a role. Consider taking a bystander intervention training (we love Julie S. Lalonde!), bringing a consent educator to your classroom, workplace, or sports team, or volunteering or donating to an organization doing violence prevention work, like us!

05/20/2026

We are seeking a skilled and relationship-focused Development Coordinator to lead our fundraising and donor stewardship efforts.

This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about community impact and enjoys building meaningful relationships with donors, sponsors, volunteers, and community partners. The Development Coordinator will lead fundraising campaigns and special events, grow donor engagement, support sponsorship development, and help strengthen the long-term sustainability of our organization.

Apply now: https://employmenthero.com/en-ca/jobs/position/sexual-assault-support-centre-of-waterloo-region-development-coordinator-wh4gh/

05/15/2026

An afternoon of healing and connection hosted by the Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region and Thrive HIV Prevention & Support.

Join us for a guided wellness session followed by beaded animal keychain and bracelet making.

Food will be provided.

Date: Wednesday, May 27th
Time: 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Location: SASC, 151 Frederick St., Kitchener
RSVP: tr.ee/may27