About TBSASA

Mission Statement

The role of this agency is to counteract the damaging effects of violence on individuals, families and the community as a whole.

Philosophy

The general principles on which this agency is governed emphasize the intrinsic worth, dignity and ability of individuals to adapt and grow (humanism).

Values of acceptance, self-determination, empowerment and enhancement of the inherent strength of our clients are paramount.

While violence can be inflicted on all genders in our community, we identify that women and children (female and male) historically, and to the present day are more vulnerable in our society.

Personnel

All staff providing client services have a post secondary education in social services, social work, sociology, psychology, health worker, or education.

The agency employs:

• 2 Counsellors
• 1 Client Advocate
• 5 After Hours Crisis Workers
• Contract/Temp Staff as required
• Office Manager
• Executive Director

During the school year, the agency also provides placement opportunities to Social Services students (Confederation College) and Social Work students (Lakehead University).

Community Involvement

The agency provides public education and in-service training to schools, agencies, and organizations locally and regionally upon request.

We organize special events or provide workshops with project funding; Corporate or Foundation bequests, or donations from the public or organizations.

Client Profile

Persons who have been victimized by sexual assault, sexual abuse and sexual harassment come from all walks of life, backgrounds, cultures, religions, economic status and age groups.

They may have been sexually victimized as recently as a few hours ago, to years ago in their childhood.

A majority of victim/survivors who come to our agency are females; however males can represent 14-20% of our caseload in any given year.

Some clients have expressed that contacting our agency was one of the most difficult things they have done. Often friends, partners or a family member contacted the centre for them.

The reluctance to reach out is a normal reaction that is fed primarily by fear:

• Fear of police, going to court
• Fears of the unknown – what will happen, will they believe me, what will they do with the information I give them?
• Fear that people will find out including family, partner, etc.
• Fear of being judged
• Fear of retribution

These feelings are normal and consistent with trauma experienced by victim/survivors.

Callers are given information and coping skills to help them make healthy choices.