Útszan ti Smáwal̓a is a voluntary, self-referred service available to Southern Stl’atl’imx community members living in N’Quatqua, Samahquam, Skatin, Xa’xtsa, and Lílwat Nation. The program is available to people of all ages and genders who need medical or legal support, or access to traditional healing, in the aftermath of a sexual assault.
Sexual assault is defined as any form of sexual contact without a person’s consent, including the threat of sexual contact without consent. Sexual assault can range from unwanted sexual touching to forced sexual intercourse.
Útszan ti Smáwal̓a has two primary focuses: support for survivors of sexual assault, and the prevention of sexual assault.
Útszan ti Smáwal̓a Services
- Útszan ti Smáwal̓a provides:
- support and information to effectively deal with the aftermath of sexual assault
- support and information to recognize and identify sexual assault
- support and information to prevent sexual assault in N’Quatqua, Samahquam Skatin, Xa’xtsa and Líl̓wat Nation
- Transportation to medical facilities for forensic exam (“rape kit”)
- Support during a forensic exam
- Support understanding reporting options
- Support understanding legal aspects of sexual assault
- Connecting survivors of sexual assault with Traditional Healers
- Assists survivors with accessing other supports, including emergency housing and counselling
- Útszan ti Smáwal̓a supports youth initiatives to address issues such as consent
Contact Us
Útszan ti Smáwal̓a Sexual Assault Response Program
Program Lead:
Alana Desorcy