February 2017 AASAS E-News Flash

In This Issue:

• Building a Community of Practice – Train the Facilitator
• First Responder Trainings – Locations and Dates

Train the Facilitator – 2017

Camp Kindle was an idyllic setting for a gathering of professionals to learn how to facilitate First Responder to Sexual Assault and Sexual Abuse trainings. Nestled in a valley in the Foothills of Alberta, 26 of us came together to share knowledge and the best practices involved in this training.

Admittedly, as a practicum student, just getting my feet wet, I felt a little out of my depth at the beginning of our week together. It was most assuredly the confidence, expertise and warmth of the Mentors, Mentors in Training, and Facilitators in Training that set me at ease. Learning in a group of impassioned, experienced and gifted individuals was incredibly inspiring and created a large impression on my learning both professionally, and personally.

There had been no doubt in my mind after attending the training in December, 2016 that the trainers were going to be top notch individuals, and leaders of the pack when it comes to knowledge regarding sexual violence. It wasn’t until the Train the Facilitator training that I realized the full depth of the commitment of the individuals that share their expertise and passion at First Responder trainings. Eight to ten hour days were commonplace, and there was homework. Learning together, questioning with one another, and immersing ourselves in the content of the First Responder training made the time fly by. 

The impact of the training didn’t stop with me. After initial review, 100% of participants stated that they are willing to participate in the growing community of AASAS First Responder to Sexual Assault and Abuse Training practitioners.

Building a community of practice is often a difficult task. We are lucky to have been able to come together with a common purpose, goals, and combined experience of over 80 years, to expand the potential of a research based, effective training. A training that has been life changing for so many. The professionals, paraprofessionals and community members that receive this training are having their learning facilitated by the best of the best in the field of sexual violence. 

Author: Tiffany Goebel, AASAS Social Work Practicum Student

Upcoming First Responder to Sexual Assault and Sexual Abuse Trainings:

First Responder to Sexual Assault and Abuse Training is a 2 day workshop that will provide participants with education and skill development in the following areas:

Definitions, myths & laws about the various types of sexual abuse & sexual assault – child sexual abuse, responding to adults who were sexually abused as children, sexual harassment and sexual assault

Training in immediate & long term impacts of sexual abuse & sexual assault

Teaches skills to respond to disclosures of sexual abuse & sexual assault

March 8-9, 2017 – Bonnyville

April 3-4, 2017 – Edmonton

For information and register click here.

This training is intended to build the capacity of professionals, paraprofessionals and community members to assess and respond effectively to disclosures of sexual assault and sexual abuse. Survivors who receive safe and supportive responses to disclosures of sexual violence are more likely to reach out for help from medical and counselling services and/or report to police. First Responder to Sexual Assault and Abuse Training is a comprehensive two day training, inclusive of the full continuum of sexual violence and across the lifespan.