With the help of PACE Grande Prairie and a number of provincial agencies, Alberta’s One Line for Sexual Violence officially launched on Monday.
Provided through the Association of Alberta Sexual Assault Services website, the service will allow for talk, text and chat features for anyone facing a potentially dangerous situation a safe and easy initial point of contact
PACE Grande Prairie Assistant Director Carla Eckstrom says similar phone numbers have been available in the Grande Prairie region for some time, but the reach of the new system could save lives.
“We’re ecstatic. We’ve always been very forefront in working with sexual assault survivors so this is wonderful. We know it’s going to reach such a large part of the province who are struggling.”
Eckstrom says geography should never be a hurdle for someone looking to get help and believes the system could help minimize the feeling of isolation felt by victims.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re living far up north, far down south, or anywhere in between. All you have to do is call that line and you will be believed.”
May is Sexual Violence Awareness Month in Alberta.
