In 2023, Hamilton joined other Ontario municipalities in declaring an epidemic of  intimate partner violence and domestic violence. This also takes place in the context of increased attention to femicide across the country. Several local organizations are working to end sexual violence including the Sexual Assault Centre, also known as SACHA.

In this episode of Vital Signs, Rudi Wallace hosts Mirand Jurilj, Public Education Co-ordinator at SACHA, to talk about the organization’s history, its services, the annual Take Back the Night event, rape culture and how we all have a role to play in ending sexual violence.

SACHA 24-hour support line: 905-525-4162

Key quotes

“SACHA has always had a reputation of putting their values first and living through those values.”

“Every step that gets us closer to a world without violence keeps me doing this work…we say at SACHA that we all do this work until no one has to.”

“Sometimes if we can name something as an epidemic, we are bringing attention to the seriousness, the commonality and the lack of supports that are available.”

“We want to see survivors prioritized in all interactions in the city, making sure that we have more safe spaces and options for folks so that the types of supports they need area always available.”

“If you look at the rates, it’s one in three women, one in six men and one in two trans or non-binary people that experience sexual violence.”

“Take Back the Night has been happening in Hamilton for over 40 years. It is a community gathering, a protest and a celebration…of the ways communities show up for each other. Solidarity is the core of all we do.”

“We think of sexual violence as an umbrella…including the many different [discursive] forms of violence [like rape jokes] that happen everyday that contribute to overt forms of sexual violence.”

“Ending sexual violence starts with having a fundamental understanding of consent and then being able to recognize and challenge rape culture.”