Mission Statement

Mission Statement

Kamloops Sexual Assault Counselling Centre is a feminist organization that supports individuals who have experienced sexualized violence. We provide counselling, support services, advocacy, education and prevention.

Definitions

Sexualized violence is an umbrella term, used by KSACC, to encompass all forms of violence including: intimate partner violence (IPV), domestic violence, gender-based violence, sexual assault, and sexual abuse. 

Our Values:

1. As a feminist organization, KSACC practices from an anti-oppressive lens. As such, we believe that each person who accesses our services has the right to determine the best ways for us to work with them.
2. KSACC works hard to ensure that our services are accessible to all members of the community. We listen and advocate for minimizing barriers to accessing services.
3. KSACC works from a collaborative perspective. We practice collaboration within our staff team, with other local agencies, and with the people who access our services.
4. Confidentiality is the cornerstone of the services that we provide at KSACC.
5. KSACC strives to ensure that clients receive timely services.
6. KSACC prioritizes and encourages the self-care of our members, employees, volunteers, board directors, the community, and people who access our services.
7. As much as possible, KSACC ensures that our processes are transparent to our membership, the community, within our organization, and for the people we support.
8. KSACC values reflective practice. We consistently and intentionally review our policies and practices to ensure that they align with our values and beliefs.

Our Beliefs:

1. Sexualized violence is never justifiable.
2. Fear of sexualized violence is a factor in the development and behaviour of women, girls, 2SLGBTQIAP+, and individuals whose identity may increase their risk of sexualized violence.
3. The intersectionality of all aspects of an individual’s social and political identities overlap and contribute to their experiences with oppression and violence.
4. Community, family, relationships, and natural support systems are important factors in healing.
5. Sexualized violence is a gendered issue. It is rooted in patriarchy and colonialism.
6. Violence is a community issue, not a personal issue.
7. Sexualized violence is about power and control that is expressed in a sexually violent way.
8. Those who are victimized are never responsible for the violence that is perpetrated against them.

A Healthy Sexual Relationship is:

• Consensual. Consent is a mutual, verbal, physical, and emotional agreement that must happen naturally and enthusiastically, without manipulation, threats, or coercion.
• Respectful. The people involved are committed to preserving the dignity of all parties.
• Reciprocal. The people involved are equally invested in each other’s pleasure, enjoyment, and experience.
• Sex Positive. Consensual Sexuality is experienced as pleasurable and free from shame.