Press Release
April 3, 2024
The Government of Yukon believes that all victims of sexualized assault should have access to the supports they need, when and where they need them.
Following a summer 2023 engagement on expanding Sexualized Assault Response Team (SART) services to rural Yukon communities, the Government of Yukon and partners today released a What We Heard report. This report represents a milestone in the Government of Yukon’s commitment to addressing sexualized violence in rural Yukon.
The What We Heard report brings together the voices of victims, Yukon First Nations peoples, service providers and community stakeholders, offering a comprehensive review of the current landscape of support services and the unique challenges faced in Yukon communities.
During engagements, the Government of Yukon heard of the need for:
SART provides a safe and confidential network of services that focus on a victim’s needs and choices. Currently, SART offers Whitehorse-based victims a range of services that can support them after a sexual assault, including access to support workers, free legal advice, counselling and medical care provided by specially trained physicians. Additionally, SART operates a Yukon-wide confidential support line, staffed by trained professionals 24 hours a day, seven days a week, who can help victims access emotional, medical and legal support.
The expansion of SART to Yukon communities is a milestone in the implementation plan for Changing the Story to Upholding Dignity and Justice: Yukon’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit+ People Strategy. All governments have a role to play in implementing this work.
The What We Heard report on expanding Sexualized Assault Response Team services is about amplifying voices and addressing the need for support in rural Yukon communities. This comprehensive report represents our collective effort to ensure victims of sexualized assault receive timely and culturally sensitive support. By learning from the recommendations outlined in the report, including increasing awareness, enhancing cultural healing supports, and improving infrastructure, we aim to mitigate challenges and foster safer communities for all Yukoners.
Minister of Health and Social Services and Minister of Justice Tracy-Anne McPhee
I deeply appreciate the insights and recommendations from the What We Heard report, especially from victims who shared their experiences getting help. This report represents the voices of those affected by sexual violence in rural areas and shows progress towards better support systems. It is also a step forward in achieving our goals outlined in the Yukon’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit+ People Strategy. Our main aim is to make sure all victims of sexualized assault can access support confidently and respectfully.
Minister responsible for the Women and Gender Equity Directorate Jeanie McLean
Quick facts
Backgrounder
Work has begun to address previously identified issues, including a lack of awareness of what sexualized assault is and of the existing services to address it, transportation and access to training for services providers in communities.
The Government of Yukon and SART partners will use the What We Heard report’s insights and recommendations, along with key findings from the final report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and the Yukon’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit+ People Strategy, to guide the work to refine and extend services. Work has begun to address some items:
Media contact
Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
laura.seeley@yukon.ca
Jasmine Doll
Communications, Justice
867-667-8114
Jus.comms@yukon.ca
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