New action plan expands work of Sexualized Assault Response Team
Press Release
The Sexualized Assault Response Team (SART) is publishing the SART Expansion Action Plan to strengthen and expand support services in Yukon communities. We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to the What We Heard report: Results of engagement on expanding Sexualized Assault Response Team services to rural Yukon communities. This plan was shaped by the many voices we heard and set the direction for the initiatives we are moving forward together.
The Action Plan is a living document and it includes both immediate actions and long-term goals to help build capacity beyond Whitehorse. As partners continue to work side by side, the plan will evolve and be updated to show progress along the way.
Some key actions include:
- the expansion of forensic care services in Dawson, Watson Lake and rural Yukon;
- supporting culturally relevant mental health and healing programs, including Indigenous-led and land-based options; and
- strengthening rural and Indigenous service networks through training, partnerships and improved coordination.
The Action Plan can be found here: Sexualized Assault Response Team expansion action plan
The SART Expansion Action Plan is a collective effort to address the need for timely and client centred supports for victims of sexualized assault in rural Yukon communities. We heard the voices calling for greater access to services and with this Action Plan we remain committed to advancing this important work for Yukoners.
Minister of Health and Social Services and Minister of Justice Tracy Anne McPhee
Through extensive engagement, we heard clearly that communities want stronger coordination and closer collaboration. The SART expansion Action Plan reflects that feedback. By working hand in hand with community partners, we can ensure supports are responsive, culturally grounded and truly meet the needs of people across the Yukon.
Minister responsible for the Women and Gender Equity Directorate Jeanie McLean
Quick facts
- SART is a network of partner agencies, including the Government of Yukon’s Women and Gender Equity Directorate, Department of Justice and Department of Health and Social Services; Kwanlin Dün First Nation; the RCMP; the Public Prosecution Service of Canada; Yukon Hospital Corporation; and the Yukon Women’s Transition Home.
- SART first launched in 2020. It currently includes a 24-hour, confidential, toll-free, Yukon-wide support line for all victims and survivors of sexualized assault as well as Whitehorse-based services available to all Yukoners.
- SART currently offers services for victims in Whitehorse, including counselling support, connecting victims with physicians who can provide post-assault medical advice or exam, connecting victims with RCMP to report an assault and providing free legal advice. Victims can always choose which services they want to access.
- SART expansion to communities is milestone three under objective 2.5.a. in the implementation plan for the Yukon’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit+ People strategy.
- Victims can confidentially contact SART at 1-844-967-7275 for support and guidance.
Media contact
Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
laura.seeley@yukon.ca
Cecily Dawson
Communications, Justice
jus.comms@yukon.ca
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