A partnership between the Battlefords & Area Sexual Assault Centre and the Battlefords RCMP means a less daunting environment for sexual assault victims to give their statement to police.
Executive director of the Centre, Amber Stewart, says previously the victims had to go to the Detachment, which can be scary for some people, plus for a parent with no childcare, they may not want to take their children along.  Instead, they can now have their official statement taken at the Sexual Assault Centre, which is a former home in the Battlefords.

Stewart says they are already set up as a warm, safe, inviting place and it’s a friendly space for children who could have a snack and a juice box while waiting for their parent.
The Centre also has someone trained in trauma to talk to the victim before and after the police statement.  Stewart is excited about the partnership with the RCMP and thankful the Detachment jumped on board so quickly.

The Battlefords & Area Sexual Assault Centre provides free one-on-one counselling to anyone affected by sexual violence, whether they are the victim, a friend or family member.