“Why didn’t you say no? Why didn’t you fight back? But what were you wearing?”

One experience of sexual assault is one experience too many. We may not always know the right words to say, but we can all agree that sexual assault should never happen to anyone. One way to show zero tolerance for sexual assault is through our own words and actions.

Sexual violence can be a deeply traumatic experience, and how we respond to a disclosure is crucial to a survivor’s recovery. Based on experiences of Sexual Assault Care Centre (SACC) clients, survivors often lack support when they speak to family, friends, colleagues and official bodies about their experience. This can result in survivors internalising their feelings of shame and guilt (i.e. further subjecting survivors to possible secondary trauma), though the assault is never their fault.

To build a culture of support for those who have survived sexual violence, SACC is organising a Sexual Assault First Responder Training to help familiarise participants with trauma reactions and symptoms to better contribute to a survivor’s well-being. In this workshop, SACC will share more on the following:

1. Definition of sexual assault and harassment
2. Recognising Singapore’s legal framework
3. Understanding consent
4. Understanding the impact of sexual assault and trauma on survivors
5. Role of a sexual assault first responder
6. Providing support to survivors of sexual assault
7. Resources available for help
8. Key skills such as ensuring safety, active listening and empathy

As part of our Aim for Zero campaign, SACC is offering this workshop at a highly discounted price. Here, you will learn how to use the power of your words and actions to prevent the second wave of trauma for survivors. Details are as follows:

When: 2 February 2019, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. [4 hours]
Where: AWARE Centre, 5 Dover Crescent #01-22, S(130005)
Who should attend: Social sector professionals, or students above 16 years old studying a relevant discipline (e.g. psychology, counselling, social work etc.)
Cost: $5 (Lunch will be provided)

Slots for this workshop are limited to the first 20 sign-ups only. A second round of the workshop will be organised should there be an overwhelming response. Persons of all genders and nationalities are more than welcome to attend.

We strongly request that all participants commit to the full duration of the 4-hour workshop to ensure that everyone will get the opportunity to engage in interactive role-play sessions and learn useful skills.

Note: For participants who are unable to pay the sign-up fee, please contact Natasha at sacc-engagement@aware.org.sg to request a waiver.

This session is now full! Register your interest in attending future sessions here.