Second Story Women's Centre Statement on Sexual Assault

Second Story Women’s Centre believes and stands with survivors of sexual assault.

It is a shameful fact that sexual violence is not only a common experience in our communities, but that we allow it to continue by denying the experiences of those who come forward, and by engaging in bad faith, victim-blaming arguments against them.

That shame does not belong to the victims of sexual violence, but to those who commit acts of sexual violence and a society that looks away and refuses to hold perpetrators of sexual violence to account for their actions. To be clear: Sexual violence is caused solely by the decisions and actions of the perpetrator, not the victim’s dress, conduct, lifestyle, location, level of intoxication, relationship to the perpetrator, prior sexual history or prior consent... READ OUR FULL STATEMENT.

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Content/Trigger Warning: This is where Second Story addresses issues in the news, responds to events that happen in our community and otherwise clarifies our position as an organization that serves the community. This page addresses heavy topics that could be upsetting or triggering to some. Please read on with care.