About Victoria Sexual Assault Centre

“I have much gratitude for the people who work at the centre, for I could not have done this work without them. I want to give special thanks to the counsellors. Thank you for helping me to find myself.”

– VSAC Client

The Tri of Compassion: A Race that Makes a Difference

For 22 years the Triathlon of Compassion has been a key fundraiser for the Victoria Sexual Assault Centre. Each year Tri of Compassion participants raise over $20,000 in pledges to support programs and services to support survivors of sexualized violence. And every dollar raise stays right here in our community!

Who is VSAC and what do they do?

The Victoria Sexual Assault Centre is a feminist organization committed to ending sexualized violence through healing, education, and prevention. We are dedicated to supporting women and all trans survivors of sexual assault and childhood sexual abuse, through advocacy, counselling, and empowerment.

VSAC programs and services

VSAC mission, values, and beliefs

In the words of a client, here’s how VSAC helps change lives:

It was scary at first (coming to the centre). What would it be like? Could I do it? Was I strong enough? Was I ready for this? First I shared some of my past sexual abuse with a warm, compassionate counsellor who assured me that I was not alone. For the first time, I was able to voice some of my deepest fears and half remembered memories from the past.

Then I found some groups at the centre: Skills for Healing and Building Strengths. In these groups I learned skills, like grounding techniques, coping strategies, relaxation, self-compassion, setting boundaries, and self-care. These groups gave me some tools to help me to look after myself better. I used these strategies and found that they actually work!

After these two groups I was ready for the next step: individual counselling. I had my own special counsellor. We met weekly for one hour. In these sessions, she helped me to look at what happened in my past, how it affected me then and how it affected me in the present.

I discovered that by looking at past trauma through the eyes of a mature woman (me) that could see it for what it was. And now, in the present, I can truly let it go. I was a sweet, innocent child, and in no way responsible for any of the abuse. But I carried it with me and it colored my life.

Now it no longer drives me and I can say for the first time in my life, I am free of it. I can truly embrace my life and myself and live without fear, and move forward with new awareness, courage, and love. And most important of all, I have love for myself.

I have much gratitude for the people who work at the centre, for I could not have done this work without them. I want to give special thanks to the counsellors. Thank you for helping me to find myself.

Sincerely,

Victoria Sexual Assault Centre Client