Sassl
Overview
The Sexual Assault Survivor’s Support (SASSL) is a Pro-Survivor, Pro-Feminist, Pro-Diversity Organization in Canada . It provides unbiased and non-judgemental peer support and referrals to survivors of sexual violence. SASSL provides a 24 hour crisis line, referrals, public education and fund raising.
History
About
York University’s Sexual Harassment Education and Complaint Centre (SHEACC) realized the need to have an emergency service available to survivors of sexual assault. With the support of York University’s administration, SASSL was formed in 1995. SASSL has received funds from the Campus Safety for Women Grant, the Work Study Program and the Graduate Assistant Program.
In March 1999, SASSL was voted by York students to receive a $2.10 tuition levy to maintain the presence of this important organization on campus.
SASSL is:
- Pro-survivor: as a support network for all survivors of sexual assault, both male and female
- Pro-diversity: recognizes and respects the different experiences that survivors from similar and different backgrounds face due to race, religion, ethnicity, sex, ability, and/or sexual orientation.
- Pro-feminist: recognizes that there is a disparity of power in society between men and women. Provides an equally effective and respectful service for survivors.
Sexual Assault
What you should know
Sexual assault can happen to anyone, anywhere regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, education, culture, ability,
socio-economic background, etc.
Sexual Assault is any unwanted advance, phrase, gesture, implied meaning, touch, or any other sexual act to which you have not consented.
It also includes when someone is forced to perform sexual acts against their will. Sexual Assault violates a person’s boundaries, trust and feelings of safety. It is defined by a lack of consent not by the act itself.
Consent is the voluntary agreement of a person to engage in sexual activity. It is expressed permission, agreement and approval that is freely given.
Sexual Harassment is any behaviour, comment, gesture or contact of a sexual nature that could be considered objectionable or offensive. It includes implicit and explicit sexual coercion, sexist comments and/or sexual innuendo.
Volunteers
Volunteers at SASSL are an integral part of our student-run organization. It is only through the countless hours contributed by the many selfless volunteers that this service has achieved some of its original goals.
SASSL volunteers are needed to provide support and referrals over our crisis line, participate in educational outreach seminars at schools in the area and on campus, and help raise funds for valuable services such as the women’s shelter on campus.
By volunteering for SASSL you give yourself the opportunity to make new friends, participate in volunteer social events, and get that warm, fuzzy feeling inside!
Volunteers are only asked to commit 4 hours of their time each week during office hours Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm. Training sessions for volunteers are available in September and January. For more information on training dates and volunteer applications: contact us at 416-736-2100 ext 40345 or drop by our office Room B449 Student Centre.
Outreach
Education and information exchanges are vital components of SASSL’s work and growth, in order to maintain contact with all sectors of public and private organizations. SASSL’s goal is to provide education to York University’s community with regard to the issues surrounding assault on campus. SASSL’s educational teams participate in regular workshops within high schools and throughout the York community. SASSL’s goal is to aid survivors of sexual violence. Through education, referrals and support, SASSL works towards ending sexual violence within York University community.
Referrals
Within the university
- 24H Sexual Assault Survivors’ Support Line (SASSL) 416 650 8056 TTY 416 650 8187
- The Centre for Women and Trans People at York University (Keele) 416 736 2100 x33484http://www.yorku.ca/ywc
- Atkinson Counselling Centre 416 736 5225 http://www.yorku.ca/atkcsc/
Outside the university
- Toronto Rape Crisis Centre Crisis Line 416 597 8808 http://www.trccmwar.ca/index.html
- Women’s College Hospital Sexual Assault Unit 416 324 6040 http://www.sunnybrookandwomens.on.ca
- North York Branson Hospital Emergency Department 416 635 2551
- North York Women’s Shelter 24H Crisis Line 416 635 9630
- Distress Centre:Trained volunteers provide telephone support and counselling. 1-866-863-0511 TTY 1-866-863-7868 Referrals to professional or emergency services. Phones often busy, so keep trying.
- Assaulted Women’s Helpline: Telephone support and counselling available in several languages. (416) 863-0511 TTY (416) 863-7868 #7233 on your Bell Mobility phone http://www.awhl.org/
- Toronto Area Gays Lesbian Phone Line and Crisis Counselling: 416-964-6600 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Mon. – Fri.
- Hassle Free Clinic: Anonymous counselling and medical services including birth control counselling, testing and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases. OHIP not required. Women:416-922-0566 Men:416-922-0603
- Sexual Assault Care Centre, The Scarborough Hospital – Grace Division: Provides individual counselling for MALE and female victims of sexual assault over the age of 12. Able to provide services to the disabled and provide translators when required. Services are free. 416-495-2555 TTY: 416-498-6739
- Barbara Schlifer Clinic Counselling and legal services for women who are survivors of sexual assault, partner assault, incest or child sexual abuse.416.323.9149http://www.schliferclinic.com
- Glendon Women’s Education and Referral Centre 416 736 2100 x88197 http://www.yorku.ca/gwc
- Transgendered, Bisexual Lesbian and Gay Alliance At York (TBLGAY) 416 736 2100 x20494http://www.yorku.ca/tblgay/
- Student Peer Support Centre http://www.yorku.ca/spsc/
- Legal Aid Ontario (CLASP) at York 416 736-5495 416 736-5029
References
Contact details
Crisis Line 416-650-8056
Office Line: 416-736-2100 ext.40345
Fax Line: 416-650-8051
Email: sassl@yorku.ca
Office Located 4th Floor of the Student Room B449
Office Hours Monday-Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm