Sexual Assault Response Program

The Sage Haven Logo - It is the general shape of a tree with a slender black trunk on a thin slightly sloping hill. There are leaf shapes radiating out like branches larger leaves toward the middle and smaller at the outside of the canopy. The leaves change color in progression from purple on the left to blue, light blue, green in the middle, yellow, orange and red on the right.

Sexual Assault Response (SARP)

T: 250-736-0707
C: 250-206-2687

The Sexual Assault Response Program includes a team of trained volunteers who have dedicated their time to advocate and support survivors of sexual assault.

All volunteers have been trained from a trauma-informed, and Indigenous-based perspective and work in full collaboration with the Forensic Nurse Examiner program.

The program coordinator and volunteers can assist survivors with the following:

  • Emotional support
  • Hospital and/or examination accompaniment
  • Client advocacy
  • Information assistance
  • Safety planning
  • Change of clothing and self-care supplies
  • Safe ride home via cab
  • Referrals to other supportive programs

Interested in Volunteering?

Like other Sexual Assault Response Programs (SARP), the SARP program serves the community of Port Alberni by supporting survivors of sexual assault on a volunteer-based initiative. SARP volunteers will work closely alongside other victim-services, law enforcement, and forensic nurse teams to bridge gaps, offer advocacy, and most importantly – offer emotional support from a trauma-informed perspective.

SARP program training consists of a maximum of 20 hours and is led by the program coordinator through an interactive, online learning platform. Volunteers will then work on an on-call basis, reporting to offer support at the West Coast General Hospital, the RCMP detachment, or at Sage Haven’s main office, should it be requested. Volunteers may also be involved in advocacy roles, event planning, and community education programs.

During the training program, volunteers will…

  • Gain a feminist and trauma-informed perspective on sexual assault in Canada.
  • Learn client-centered communication and active listening skills and how to implement them.
  • Become introduced to other programs, services, and teams that advocate for assault survivors.
  • Gain a better understanding of the legal and ethical aspects of sexual assault.
  • Recognize indicators of burnout and vicarious trauma in the mental health field.
  • Analyze the meaning of self-care and create personal self-care plans.

Training programs are run on a continuous, as-needed basis. Should you be interested or want more information on the SARP program, please contact the SARP coordinator at 250-736-0707 (direct line), 250-206-2687 (cellphone) or email: francesw@sagehavensociety.org 

Contact us now

Transition House 24/7 Help Call:
250-724-2223 or text 250-206-1011

Main Office
3082 3rd Ave.,
Port Alberni, BC
V9Y 2A5
250-724-7111
office@sagehavensociety.org

Monday-Friday
Closed Statutory Holidays

OPEN 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

CLOSED FOR LUNCH
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

DONATE NOW
EXIT NOW