The Avalon Sexual Assault Centre works to “eliminate sexual assault/abuse and to change the current socio-political culture that fosters sexism, social injustice and other forms of oppression.” Their mission statement is to “provide services for those affected by sexual violence, with primary emphasis on support, education, counselling and leadership/advocacy services for women.”

Avalon was a tremendous help to Rehtaeh.

This morning I read in the Chronicle Herald that Avalon has been inundated with calls for help and counselling since news of Rehtaeh’s death broke.

“Prior to the tragic suicide death of Rehtaeh Parsons Avalon Centre did not have adequate resources to respond to the demand for counselling and educational services,” Susan Wilson, Avalon’s sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) coordinator, wrote in a public statement.

As a result, Avalon is petitioning the Nova Scotia government for emergency funding.

“Since this tragedy, Avalon Centre has been overwhelmed with requests for help,” Wilson wrote. “People are in crisis and need our help. We need the government’s help.”

Avalon has started a petition asking the government to provide emergency funding for counsellors, advocates and community prevention specialists to meet the demand. You can sign it here.

Avalon Services

Avalon is committed to confidential, non-judgmental and professional service. The majority of our services are free of charge, with the exception of our professional training services.

• Counselling
• Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner’s (SANE) Program
• Community/Legal Education and Professional Training

Donations to Avalon can be made at Canada Helps.

Contact Avalon

Office hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 to 4:30 p.m..

1526 Dresden Row, 4th Floor
Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3J 3K3
Phone: 902-422-4240
Fax: 902-422-4628
Email us: info@avaloncentre.ca

Avalon on Facebook

Chronicle Herald article: Avalon centre swamped in wake of Rehtaeh Parsons case