About KSAC
In Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton, and Northumberland
We offer:
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Crisis Support
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Advocacy and Accompaniment
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Individual Counselling
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Group Counselling
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Workshops
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Prevention Education
We work with local agencies to provide responsive healing supports and prevention education events.
We work with people of all genders aged 16+ who have experienced any form of sexual violence or harm, whether recent or historic. This can include (but is not limited to) gender-based sexual violence, childhood sexual abuse, non-contact sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, workplace sexual harassment, other forms of sexual harassment, and all forms of sexual assault.
Our work is grounded in an intersectional, feminist, anti-racist, anti-oppressive framework. Our work is also rooted in trauma and violence informed principles of safety, transparency, choice/collaboration, and resilience. We strive to offer a safe environment for healing and to foster the development of trust through ethical practice and confidentiality.
We recognize that each person is the expert in their own life and we’re ready to walk alongside survivors as they make the choices that are best for them. We encourage people to recognize their personal resilience and to honour the challenges they have experienced as they move forward with their unique healing journey.
History of the Centre
The Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre was founded in 1977 at the request of the Trent University Administration following a number of sexual assaults against women reported on campus. Women students developed a steering committee and liaised with the broader community and other Rape Crisis Centres. The Centre was originally named Peterborough Rape Relief Centre.
On April 10, 1984, the Centre was incorporated under the name of Peterborough Rape Crisis Centre. The Centre’s name was changed to the Sexual Violence Support and Information Centre of the Kawarthas on July 1, 1994 and was once again changed on November 8, 1997 to Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre.
The Centre was staffed solely by volunteers from 1976 until 1985 when a full time Centre Coordinator was hired. In 1987, a part-time bookkeeper and part-time Public Education Coordinator were hired. It was not until 1989 that a part-time group facilitator and a part-time counsellor were added to the staff. Volunteers continue to be an integral part of the Centre.
Today, the Centre has full-time counselling, community engagement, and administrative staff. The name of the organization and its location have changed throughout the years, but the vision of the organization continues to be as a leader in the building of a safe, healing and equality-based community.
Our Funders
KSAC is proud to receive funding from the Ministry of Children and Community and Social Services, Government of Canada – Public Safety Canada, United Way, Trent University, Fleming College, Ontario Trillium Foundation, the Canadian Women’s Foundation, and the City of Peterborough.
Contact Us
- 360 George Street North, 4th Floor, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
- Office Line: 705-748-5901
- [email protected]
24 Hour Crisis Support Line
People of All
Backgrounds, genders, sexualities, ages and abilities are treated with respect and dignity in a nonjudgmental and supportive environment at Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre.
