Let the Truth Talk

Episode 4 - Sexual Violence and the media   The Harmony Project brings together local service providers working towards ending sexual violence in our community. In our fourth season of Let the Truth Talk, we focus on how sexual violence has been presented in the news. In this episode we talk with Cheryl Wallach from the Association of Alberta Sexual Assault Services (AASAS). Our conversation focuses on how the media presents sexual violence and how that can shape societal perceptions, influence public discourse, and ultimately impact the experiences of survivors. We delve into the role of storytelling, representation, and the responsibility of media outlets in fostering a more empathetic and informed understanding of sexual violence. Join us as we explore the potential for media to contribute to positive change and challenge harmful narratives surrounding this sensitive issue.   Below are some resources that we mentioned in the episode:   https://aasas.ca/about-sexual-violence/research-fact-sheets/ https://possibilityseeds.ca/resources/ https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/investigations/unfounded-sexual-assault-canada-main/article33891309/ https://www.vox.com/culture/2023/1/10/23547393/andrew-tate-toxic-masculinity-qa https://www.nextgenmen.ca/ https://momentsmatter.info/   For more information on the Harmony Project check out our website www.harmonyproject.ca   Follow us on social media @ywcabanff     The Harmony Project’s diverse stakeholders through expertise and experience are working together to end sexualized violence in the Bow Valley.  The Harmony Project is funded by the Ministry of Community and Social Services on behalf of the Government of Alberta.    If you have questions, comments or want to talk to us at the YWCA Banff, you can email support@ywcabanff.ca     For more information please check out harmonyproject.ca

Episode 3 - Sexual Violence and the Law   The Harmony Project brings together local service providers working towards ending sexual violence in our community. In our fourth season of Let the Truth Talk, we focus on how sexual violence has been presented in the news. In this episode we talk with Lisa Bell from the Calgary Sexual Assault Response Team.  Our conversation is focused on how certain laws have changed in Canada and how they have been presented in the news.  We hope this episode is informative for all our listeners.   Below are some resources that we mentioned in the episode:   https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/findhealth/service.aspx?id=1962 https://www.alberta.ca/clares-law Understanding the Extreme Intoxication DefenceVAW Learning Networkhttps://gbvlearningnetwork.ca › briefs › briefpdfs https://www.huffpost.com/entry/stealthing-sex-without-condom-consent-canada-supreme-court_n_62e5c771e4b006483a9e1745 https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/rcmp-stealthing-sexual-assault-1.6062324 https://www.huffpost.com/entry/nonconsensual-condom-removal-stealthing-illegal-california_n_6160c608e4b024dc5280fc8d https://www.cnn.com/2021/10/15/opinions/stealthing-california-law-michaela-coel-stewart/index.html https://www.vawlearningnetwork.ca/our-work/briefs/extreme-intoxication-defence-brief.html?utm_source=VAWLN+Mailing+List&utm_campaign=282e65082a-Facebook-Live-Martis_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_4b8703155f-282e65082a-269953555 https://www.vawlearningnetwork.ca/our-work/issuebased_newsletters/issue-38/index.html    For more information on the Harmony Project check out our website www.harmonyproject.ca   Follow us on social media @ywcabanff     The Harmony Project’s diverse stakeholders through expertise and experience are working together to end sexualized violence in the Bow Valley.  The Harmony Project is funded by the Ministry of Community and Social Services on behalf of the Government of Alberta.    If you have questions, comments or want to talk to us at the YWCA Banff, you can email support@ywcabanff.ca    For more information please check out harmonyproject.ca

Episode 2 - Sexual Violence in Sports   ““Abuse is a dirty hidden secret in sports and what people are seeing is the tip of the iceberg,” Kirsty Duncan, the former deputy leader of government in the House of Commons  The Harmony Project brings together local service providers working towards ending sexual violence in our community. In our fourth season of Let the Truth Talk, we focus on how sexual violence has been presented in the news. In this episode we talk with Joe Campbell from The Alberta Council of Womens Shelters and Abby Spadafora from Gymnasts for Change Canada.  This episode highlights the work of these organizations in how they are working towards ending abuse and violence in sports, changing the culture from the inside out.   Below are some resources that we mentioned in the episode:   https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/hockey-canada-house-of-commons-committee-1.6533439 https://www.crave.ca/en/tv-shows/broken-inside-the-toxic-culture-of-canadian-gymnastics https://acws.ca/ https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/hockey-canada-action-plan-combat-abuse-1.6531217 https://www.gymnasts4changecanada.com/ https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/national-judicial-inquiry-athletes-1.6659144     For more information on the Harmony Project check out our website www.harmonyproject.ca   Follow us on social media @ywcabanff     The Harmony Project’s diverse stakeholders through expertise and experience are working together to end sexualized violence in the Bow Valley.  The Harmony Project is funded by the Ministry of Community and Social Services on behalf of the Government of Alberta.    If you have questions, comments or want to talk to us at the YWCA Banff, you can email support@ywcabanff.ca   For more information please check out harmonyproject.ca

Episode 1 - Sexual Violence in the News in the Bow Valley   The Harmony Project brings together local service providers working towards ending sexual violence in our community. In our fourth season of Let the Truth Talk, we focus on how sexual violence has been presented in the news.  In this episode we talk with Staff Sargent Mike Buxton Carr from the RCMP Banff Detachment.    He shares some local stats, concerns felt by many community members and how the RCMP handle sexual violence cases.    Below are some resources that we mentioned in the episode:   https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/national-sexual-assault-rate-highest-since-1996-violent-crimes-up-statistics-canada-1.6538842 https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/rcmp-banff-ywca-sexual-assault-domestic-violence-1.6641255 https://www.facebook.com/RCMPBanff/  For more information on the Harmony Project check out our website www.harmonyproject.ca   Follow us on social media @ywcabanff     The Harmony Project’s diverse stakeholders through expertise and experience are working together to end sexualized violence in the Bow Valley.  The Harmony Project is funded by the Ministry of Community and Social Services on behalf of the Government of Alberta.    If you have questions, comments or want to talk to us at the YWCA Banff, you can email support@ywcabanff.ca   For more information please check out harmonyproject.ca

May is Sexual Violence Awareness Month and the Harmony Project wanted to create an episode for anyone who has experienced or supported someone going through sexual violence.  We sit down to talk about what it could look like seeking legal or medical supports and what your options are. Some of the resources we mentioned in this episode are:YWCA Banff 24 hour crisis line - 403-760-3200Alberta's 1 line 24 hour crisis line (call or text) 1-866-403-8000Our resources: https://ywcabanff.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/survivors_guide-october_2020.pdf https://ywcabanff.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/I-Was-Sexually-Assaulted-Now-What-brochure.pdf https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/rcmp-banff-ywca-sexual-assault-domestic-violence-1.6641255 Mental Health services: https://www.seethesigns.ca/ https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/services/page11443.aspx  Art therapy for those affected by sexual violence – register here  https://forms.gle/fCxA6j8GEqHa69gj8   For more information please check out harmonyproject.ca

The Harmony Project brings together local service providers working towards ending sexual violence in our community.  Our third season follows along with Sexual Violence Awareness Month which happens each May in Alberta.  This year our theme is “Becoming Upstanders”.    An upstander is someone who recognizes actions, attitudes and beliefs that normalize violence and stands up to and challenges them.  We believe everyone has a role in making our community safe. Knowing how to take a stand against violence and harassment is one way we can create change; together, we can create a Bow Valley that is free from sexualized violence.   In this episode Tara & Tandia talk about drink spiking in the community.  We review Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault (DFSA's), being upstanders while out in the community & what the Harmony Project has been doing to stop this from happening in the Bow Valley.   Below are some links that we mentioned in the episode:  Western university centre for violence against women and children  - https://www.learningtoendabuse.ca/  Drink‐Spiking and sexual assault: Innovative approaches to a difficult problem   - https://www.researchgate.net/publication/230021386_Drink-Spiking_and_sexual_assault_Innovative_approaches_to_a_difficult_problem  If you would like to participate in the free bystander training on May 24th use this link to register https://ywcabanff.ca/programs-services/harmony-project/#communitytraining  For more information on the Harmony Project check out our website www.harmonyproject.ca     Follow us on social media @ywcabanff   The Harmony Project’s diverse stakeholders through expertise and experience are working together to end sexualized violence in the Bow Valley.  The Harmony Project is funded by the Ministry of Community and Social Services on behalf of the Government of Alberta.  If you have questions, comments or want to talk to us at the YWCA you can email yps@ywcabanff.ca  For more information please check out harmonyproject.ca

The Harmony Project brings together local service providers working towards ending sexual violence in our community.  Our third season follows along with Sexual Violence Awareness Month which happens each May in Alberta.  This year our theme is “Becoming Upstanders”.    An upstander is someone who recognizes actions, attitudes and beliefs that normalize violence and stands up to and challenges them.  We believe everyone has a role in making our community safe. Knowing how to take a stand against violence and harassment is one way we can create change; together, we can create a Bow Valley that is free from sexualized violence.   In this episode we speak with Corinne Ofstie from the Association of Alberta Sexual Assault Services – or AASAS.  Corine talks to us about the campaign and how respected and effective leaders keep workers healthy and safe and help stop sexual harassment.  To find out more about the #momentsmatter campaign check out their page here https://momentsmatter.info/  For more information on the Harmony Project check out our website www.harmonyproject.ca     Follow us on social media @ywcabanff   The Harmony Project’s diverse stakeholders through expertise and experience are working together to end sexualized violence in the Bow Valley.  The Harmony Project is funded by the Ministry of Community and Social Services on behalf of the Government of Alberta.  If you have questions, comments or want to talk to us at the YWCA you can email yps@ywcabanff.ca For more information please check out harmonyproject.ca

The Harmony Project brings together local service providers working towards ending sexual violence in our community.  Our third season follows along with Sexual Violence Awareness Month which happens each May in Alberta.  This year our theme is “Becoming Upstanders”.   An upstander is someone who recognizes actions, attitudes and beliefs that normalize violence and stands up to and challenges them.  We believe everyone has a role in making our community safe. Knowing how to take a stand against violence and harassment is one way we can create change; together, we can create a Bow Valley that is free from sexualized violence.   In this episode we speak with Rachel Huh from the Centre for Sexuality.  Rachel talks us though what tools someone could use as an active and engaged bystander as well as the prevalence of sexual violence culture and how we can shift it to a culture of nurturing and kindness.  If you would like to sign up for one of the free trainings with the Centre fo Sexuality – you can register using this link. https://ywcabanff.ca/programs-services/harmony-project/#communitytraining  To find out more about the Centre for sexuality and what they offer their website is https://www.centreforsexuality.ca/    For more information on the Harmony Project check out our website www.harmonyproject.ca     Follows us on social media @ywcabanff   The Harmony Project’s diverse stakeholders through expertise and experience are working together to end sexualized violence in the Bow Valley.  The Harmony Project is funded by the Ministry of Community and Social Services on behalf of the Government of Alberta.  If you have questions, comments or want to talk to us at the YWCA you can email yps@ywcabanff.ca  For more information please check out harmonyproject.ca

 Thanks for checking this special episode of Let the Truth Talk.  On this episode, we were lucky to speak with two students from Canmore Collegiate High School, addressing important issues youth are facing today.  We are so grateful for students who are advocating and asking for education to help empower youth in our community.    We did speak about the Pyramid of Violence - which is illustrated here https://socialsciences.exeter.ac.uk/media/universityofexeter/collegeofsocialsciencesandinternationalstudies/research/interventioninitiative/resources/PyramidDiscriminationViolence.pdf We also talked about local resources such as Albertas One Line https://aasas.ca/initiatives/ibelieveyouoneline/ and the services at the YWCA Banff 403 762 3560    The Harmony Project’s diverse stakeholders through expertise and experience are working together to end sexualized violence in the Bow Valley.  The Harmony Project is funded by the Ministry of Community and Social Services on behalf of the Government of Alberta.    Please let us know what you think of this episode in the comments and what you’d like to be featured in future seasons!  Remember to like and subscribe to be notified of future episodes, and If you like what we’re doing please share our podcast.  You can find us at www.harmonyproject.ca or send us an email at YPS@ywcabanff.ca.     Thanks for tuning in!   For more information please check out harmonyproject.ca

Thanks for checking out the second season of Let the Truth Talk. When dismantling the myths around sexual violence, the facts should always come first. This season your hosts Tara and Tandia will be talking about some common misconceptions around sexual violence in our society. These misconceptions can prevent victims from speaking out, seeking help and holding perpetrators responsible for the assault.  Getting the facts and dismantling these myths are an important step in ending sexual violence, and finding ways to best support survivors of sexual violence.    Truth #8 - There are ways that people resist sexual assault other than screaming for help or physically fighting back   The Harmony Project’s diverse stakeholders through expertise and experience are working together to end sexualized violence in the Bow Valley.  The Harmony Project is funded by the Ministry of Community and Social Services on behalf of the Government of Alberta.   Please let us know what you think of this episode in the comments and what you’d like to be featured in future seasons!  remember to like and subscribe to be notified of future episodes, and If you like what we’re doing please share our podcast.  You can find us at www.harmonyproject.ca or send us an email at YPS@ywcabanff.ca.    Thanks for tuning in!    Works sited:  First Responder to Sexual Assault and Abuse Training. AASAS, 2011.  Pain to Power: Using Public Narrative and Community Organizing to Create a More Equitable World. Kathryn Evans, Ja’Nae Bates.  NSAC Conference, 2021.  http://www.nationalsexualassaultconference.org/2021/06/27/pain-to-power-using-public-narrative-and-community-organizing-to-create-a-more-equitable-world/ https://www.calgarywomensshelter.com/images/pdf/cwesResistancebookletfinalweb.pdf For more information please check out harmonyproject.ca

Thanks for checking out the second season of Let the Truth Talk. When dismantling the myths around sexual violence, the facts should always come first. This season your hosts Tara and Tandia will be talking about some common misconceptions around sexual violence in our society. These misconceptions can prevent victims from speaking out, seeking help and holding perpetrators responsible for the assault.  Getting the facts and dismantling these myths are an important step in ending sexual violence, and finding ways to best support survivors of sexual violence.    Truth #7 - Someone incapacitated by alcohol or drugs cannot give consent  The Harmony Project’s diverse stakeholders through expertise and experience are working together to end sexualized violence in the Bow Valley.  The Harmony Project is funded by the Ministry of Community and Social Services on behalf of the Government of Alberta.  Please let us know what you think of this episode in the comments and what you’d like to be featured in future seasons!  remember to like and subscribe to be notified of future episodes, and If you like what we’re doing please share our podcast.  You can find us at www.harmonyproject.ca or send us an email at YPS@ywcabanff.ca.   Thanks for tuning in!  Works Cited https://cfs-fcee.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Sexual-Violence-on-Campus.pdf https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4484270/ Fact Sheet- Sexual Assault and Harassment. Canadian Women’s Foundation. August 2016.  For more information please check out harmonyproject.ca

Thanks for checking out the second season of Let the Truth Talk. When dismantling the myths around sexual violence, the facts should always come first. This season your hosts Tara and Tandia will be talking about some common misconceptions around sexual violence in our society. These misconceptions can prevent victims from speaking out, seeking help and holding perpetrators responsible for the assault.  Getting the facts and dismantling these myths are an important step in ending sexual violence, and finding ways to best support survivors of sexual violence.    Truth #6 - Alcohol is the substance used most frequently to facilitate sexual assault. The Harmony Project’s diverse stakeholders through expertise and experience are working together to end sexualized violence in the Bow Valley.  The Harmony Project is funded by the Ministry of Community and Social Services on behalf of the Government of Alberta.  Please let us know what you think of this episode in the comments and what you’d like to be featured in future seasons!  remember to like and subscribe to be notified of future episodes, and If you like what we’re doing please share our podcast.  You can find us at www.harmonyproject.ca or send us an email at YPS@ywcabanff.ca.   Thanks for tuning in!   Works Cited http://www.vawlearningnetwork.ca/our-work/briefs/brief-20.html Fact Sheet- Sexual Assault and Harassment. Canadian Women’s Foundation. August 2016. For more information please check out harmonyproject.ca

Thanks for checking out the second season of Let the Truth Talk. When dismantling the myths around sexual violence, the facts should always come first. This season your hosts Tara and Tandia will be talking about some common misconceptions around sexual violence in our society. These misconceptions can prevent victims from speaking out, seeking help and holding perpetrators responsible for the assault.  Getting the facts and dismantling these myths are an important step in ending sexual violence, and finding ways to best support survivors of sexual violence.    Truth #5 - A person’s behaviour, attitude or appearance (dress/clothing) never provokes, invites or justifies sexual assault.  The Harmony Project’s diverse stakeholders through expertise and experience are working together to end sexualized violence in the Bow Valley.  The Harmony Project is funded by the Ministry of Community and Social Services on behalf of the Government of Alberta.  Please let us know what you think of this episode in the comments and what you’d like to be featured in future seasons!  remember to like and subscribe to be notified of future episodes, and If you like what we’re doing please share our podcast.  You can find us at www.harmonyproject.ca or send us an email at YPS@ywcabanff.ca.   Thanks for tuning in!  Works Cited https://www.mic.com/articles/141781/here-are-9-times-clothing-was-blamed-for-sexual-assault-rather-than-the-obvious  https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/85-002-x/2019001/article/00017-eng.htm  https://www.sexassault.ca/statistics.htm http://www.consented.ca/myths/provocative-clothing-is-a-risk-factor/  https://www.boredpanda.com/what-were-you-wearing-sexual-assault-art-exhibition/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=organic For more information please check out harmonyproject.ca

Thanks for checking out the second season of Let the Truth Talk. When dismantling the myths around sexual violence, the facts should always come first. This season your hosts Tara and Tandia will be talking about some common misconceptions around sexual violence in our society. These misconceptions can prevent victims from speaking out, seeking help and holding perpetrators responsible for the assault.  Getting the facts and dismantling these myths are an important step in ending sexual violence, and finding ways to best support survivors of sexual violence.    Truth #4 - Sexual assault can happen in a committed relationship   The Harmony Project’s diverse stakeholders through expertise and experience are working together to end sexualized violence in the Bow Valley.  The Harmony Project is funded by the Ministry of Community and Social Services on behalf of the Government of Alberta.  Please let us know what you think of this episode in the comments and what you’d like to be featured in future seasons!  remember to like and subscribe to be notified of future episodes, and If you like what we’re doing please share our podcast.  You can find us at www.harmonyproject.ca or send us an email at YPS@ywcabanff.ca.   Thanks for tuning in!  Works Cited https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/sexual-assault Fact Sheet- Sexual Assault and Harassment. Canadian Women’s Foundation. August 2016. For more information please check out harmonyproject.ca

Thanks for checking out the second season of Let the Truth Talk. When dismantling the myths around sexual violence, the facts should always come first. This season your hosts Tara and Tandia will be talking about some common misconceptions around sexual violence in our society. These misconceptions can prevent victims from speaking out, seeking help and holding perpetrators responsible for the assault.  Getting the facts and dismantling these myths are an important step in ending sexual violence, and finding ways to best support survivors of sexual violence.  Truth #3 - Most victims are sexually assaulted by someone they know.  In more than 80% of sexual assaults, the perpetrator is someone the victim knows.  The Harmony Project’s diverse stakeholders through expertise and experience are working together to end sexualized violence in the Bow Valley.  The Harmony Project is funded by the Ministry of Community and Social Services on behalf of the Government of Alberta. Please let us know what you think of this episode in the comments and what you’d like to be featured in future seasons!  remember to like and subscribe to be notified of future episodes, and If  you like what we’re doing please share our podcast.  You can find us at www.harmonyproject.ca or send us an email at YPS@ywcabanff.ca.  Thanks for tuning in! Works Cited  Sexual Assault Statistics in Canada. SexAssault.ca  https://www.sexassault.ca/statistics.htm Bill C-46: Records Applications Post-Mills, A Caselaw Review. Department of Justice, Government of Canada. July 2015.  https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/rp-pr/csj-sjc/ccs-ajc/rr06_vic2/p3_4.html Gender-based violence and unwanted sexual behavior in Canada, 2018: Initial findings from the Survey of Safety in Public and Private Spaces. Statistics Canada. 2019.  https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/191205/dq191205b-eng.htm  Fact Sheet- Sexual Assault and Harassment. Canadian Women’s Foundation. August 2016. For more information please check out harmonyproject.ca

Thanks for checking out the second season of Let the Truth Talk. When dismantling the myths around sexual violence, the facts should always come first. This season your hosts Tara and Tandia will be talking about some common misconceptions around sexual violence in our society. These misconceptions can prevent victims from speaking out, seeking help and holding perpetrators responsible for the assault.  Getting the facts and dismantling these myths are an important step in ending sexual violence, and finding ways to best support survivors of sexual violence.  Truth # 2- Sexual assault is never an accident. It's an intentional choice.  Our culture has become accustomed to blaming victims for abuse rather than the perpetrators. The Harmony Project’s diverse stakeholders through expertise and experience are working together to end sexualized violence in the Bow Valley.  The Harmony Project is funded by the Ministry of Community and Social Services on behalf of the Government of Alberta. Please let us know what you think of this episode in the comments and what you’d like to be featured in future seasons!  remember to like and subscribe to be notified of future episodes, and If  you like what we’re doing please share our podcast.  You can find us at www.harmonyproject.ca or send us an email at YPS@ywcabanff.ca.  Thanks for tuning in! Works Cited Fact Sheet- Sexual Assault and Harassment. Canadian Women’s Foundation. August 2016.  For more information please check out harmonyproject.ca

Thanks for checking out the second season of Let the Truth Talk. When dismantling the myths around sexual violence, the facts should always come first. This season your hosts Tara and Tandia will be talking about some common misconceptions around sexual violence in our society. These misconceptions can prevent victims from speaking out, seeking help and holding perpetrators responsible for the assault.  Getting the facts and dismantling these myths are an important step in ending sexual violence, and finding ways to best support survivors of sexual violence.  Truth #1 - Anyone can be sexually assaulted.  Sexual assault is not just a women's problem.  Listen in to find out where this myth came from and what the truths are behind it.  The Harmony Project’s diverse stakeholders through expertise and experience are working together to end sexualized violence in the Bow Valley.  The Harmony Project is funded by the Ministry of Community and Social Services on behalf of the Government of Alberta. Please let us know what you think of this episode in the comments and what you’d like to be featured in future seasons!  remember to like and subscribe to be notified of future episodes, and If  you like what we’re doing please share our podcast.  You can find us at www.harmonyproject.ca or send us an email at YPS@ywcabanff.ca.  Thanks for tuning in! Works Cited:When Males Have Been Sexually Abused as Children- A Guide for Men. National Clearinghouse on Family Violence Public Health Agency of Canada, 2008. Ottawa, ON.  Men and Sexual Assault. Association of Alberta Sexual Assault Services. Summary of Key Findings Prevalence of Sexual Assault and Child Sexual Abuse in Alberta. Association of Alberta Sexual Assault Services, 2020.  For more information please check out harmonyproject.ca

In our final episode of season 1, Tara & Tandia talk with Graeme from Sacred Sons.  The Sacred Sons are a group that help men grow and awaken to their true power through circles, workshops, retreats, and online courses.    In our conversation, we talk about what it means to be a male feminist, why its important men find a space to share and connect with other men, the importance of modelling behaviour and what a culture of consent could look like with the male perspective.   For more information on this group please check out https://www.sacredsons.com  After our conversation with Graeme, we reflect on the past month and our key takeaways from Sexual Violence Awareness Month.   For Tandia it was that it’s never too early to teach consent, “no” is a full answer, and the importance of setting personal boundaries.  For Tara it was the importance of modelling this behaviour, calling it out when we see consent not being respected in the media and the impact of practicing everyday consent in daily life.    We are thrilled with the response to our first season and look forward to another in the near future.  If you have ideas or would like to collaborate with us please reach out.   We can be reached through our website www.harmonyproject.ca   The Harmony Project’s diverse stakeholders through expertise and experience are working together to end sexualized violence in the Bow Valley.  The Harmony Project is funded by the Ministry of Community and Social Services on behalf of the Government of Alberta. For more information please check out harmonyproject.ca

In today's episode we have conversations with 4 guests who represent different vulnerable populations in our community.  Within our definition of vulnerable populations, we are including seniors, BIPOC, newcomers & immigrants, LGBTQ+ and individuals with disabilities.  The reason we chose to do an episode on vulnerable populations was that we know these demographics experience higher rates of violence.  We wanted to explore how our we as a community can come together and practice everyday consent while learning about the unique needs of each vulnerable group. Our conversation with Jessia Arsenio brought up the topic of why newcomers or those working in the hospitality sector may be vulnerable based on their circumstances. We talk with River Lachland who helps facilitate a group called Queers and Allies based out of Lake Louise.  Ria-Mae speaks about the importance of consent within the spiritual and indigenous community.    We also had a conversation with Brenda Sutherland who is the Senior & Geriatric Mental Health advisor with AHS and we talked about how we can practice consent with our senior population.  For more information or to get in touch with our guests please see their contact information below   Jessia Arsenio:  https://twitter.com/jessiaarsenio?lang=en @jessiaarsenio on Instagram River Lachland: https://www.lakelouiselife.ca to sign up for Queers and Allies meet-ups @riverlachlan on Instagram Ria-Mae Long: houseofmem.com spiritenergymedicine.com hollowbonehealinglodge.com Brenda Sutherland :AHS Bow Valley Addiction & Mental Health – 403-678-4696  https://albertahealthservices.ca/  The Harmony Project’s diverse stakeholders through expertise and experience are working together to end sexualized violence in the Bow Valley.  The Harmony Project is funded by the Ministry of Community and Social Services on behalf of the Government of Alberta. www.harmonyproject.caFor more information please check out harmonyproject.ca

In this episode of Let the Truth Talk we talk with Dr. Melissa Jay from Canmore Counselling.  Our conversation goes through the importance of learning to set your own personal boundaries, how dating had changed over the last 20 years, healthy relationships and the relationship between land acknowledgments and consent.   For more information about the trainings and services provided by Canmore Counselling please check out https://www.canmorecounselling.com.  If you would like to reach out to Melissa, please email welcome@canmorecounselling.com For more information on the Harmony Project check out our website www.harmonyproject.ca     Follows us on social media @ywcabanff     The Harmony Project’s diverse stakeholders through expertise and experience are working together to end sexualized violence in the Bow Valley.  The Harmony Project is funded by the Ministry of Community and Social Services on behalf of the Government of Alberta.    If you have questions, comments or want to talk to either Tandia or Tara please email us at    Tara@ywcabanff.ca or Tandiay@ywcabanff.ca   These are the sources that we referenced in todays episode:Susanna Barataki https://www.susannabarkataki.com/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGoWLWS4-kUFor more information please check out harmonyproject.ca