SASC Open House

An Update On Our Open House:

Since 2011, SASC (Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region) has recognized the first Friday in May as #NoOneAsksForIt day, which invites folks to wear purple in solidarity with survivors of sexual violence.

This year, #NoOneAsksForIt (and our Open House) falls on the same day as Red Dress Day, a National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and Two-Spirit People held annually on May 5.

​In acknowledging the importance of Red Dress Day, SASC will cancel #NoOneAsksForIt this year, and postpone our May 5th Open House.

Instead, we encourage people to participate in Red Dress Day initiatives in our community and beyond. We apologize for not recognizing sooner that these dates have coincided this year, and for any harm caused. 
​
Moving forward, #NoOneAsksForIt will pause each year that it shares the same date as Red Dress Day, with the next such year occurring in 2028.

Making space to build awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit Peoples is critical.

At SASC, we are aware of the ways that colonial violence and gender-based violence intersect. This truth is reflected in the alarming statistic that 1 in 3 Indigenous women will experience sexual violence in their lifetime. We know that we cannot end sexual violence without decolonization, therefore, we remain deeply committed to improving our Centre’s efforts towards allyship.

With Red Dress Day approaching in two weeks, we encourage our community to donate, support, volunteer and boost the messages from local Indigenous organizations including:
 

• The Healing of The Seven Generations
• White Owl Native Ancestry Association
• KW Urban Native Wigwam Project

• O:se Kenhionhata:tie
• Crow Shield Lodge

 
In Solidarity,
SASC