We are grateful to receive the support of the CSAC. Please read their testimonial below and learn more about how ALF supports their work.

Statement from the Chinook Sexual Assault Centre

The Chinook Sexual Assault Centre’s growth and expansion of essential services for vulnerable populations affected by sexual abuse, sexual assault and child abuse have been significantly bolstered by the critical support received from the Alberta Law Foundation. This partnership has enabled the Centre to enhance its reach and effectiveness in addressing the needs of underserved communities.

Funding from the Foundation to the Chinook Sexual Assault Centre and our program the Chinook Child and Youth Advocacy Centre is allowing us to address critical needs in our organization, while ensuring quality service to Albertans across the southwestern part of our province. It has also allowed us to make a real investment in advancing the rights of our clients, helping them find equitable access to the justice system and addressing victim rights in a positive and proactive way. The investment has increased our capacity to provide a trauma-informed, individualized services for children who have experienced sexual abuse, severe physical abuse and/or severe neglect by supporting the child and family throughout the investigative and court process. This expansion has directly benefited individuals and communities who have historically had limited access to specialized support for addressing child abuse.

The Alberta Law Foundation’s support has been instrumental in fostering stronger collaborations between law enforcement, social services and community partners, while simultaneously enabling the exploration of a restorative justice model for sexual assault cases. This innovative approach has the potential to revolutionize victim support and justice across Alberta and even Canada, offering a more holistic and trauma-informed alternative to traditional legal processes. By prioritizing healing, accountability and community involvement, this model could address unique challenges faced by sexual assault survivors, potentially increasing reporting rates while improving overall outcomes for victims. The Alberta Law Foundations investment in this initiative demonstrates a commitment to transforming the justice system, potentially setting a precedent for more compassionate and effective responses to sexual violence nationwide.

Any threat to the Alberta Law Foundation’s capacity to support organizations like the Chinook Sexual Assault Centre jeopardizes the ongoing stability of these programs, leaving vulnerable populations underserved. Eroding the Foundation's resources weakens justice system services and diminishes long-term support for Albertans in need.

For more information, please contact Kristine Cassie, CEO of the Chinook Sexual Assault Centre at [email protected] or 403-694-1094.