Paul Bennett’s article How could Rehtaeh fall through the cracks? was published in the Chronicle Herlad on June 18, 2013. I appreciate very much what Paul has written but I would like to clarify one point:

Her downward spiral was marked by … encounters with the Halifax IWK teen mental health clinic and the Avalon Sexual Assault Centre.

Both Rehtaeh’s and my experience with the Avalon Sexual Assault Centre has been, and continues to be, outstanding. We were treated with the utmost respect and professionalism at all times and Rehtaeh spoke very highly of Avalon.

Avalon did not contribute in anyway to the problems Rehtaeh faced or to any of the bad experiences she had.

I cannot stress enough how much I appreciate everything they did for her, did for me as her father, and continue to do for victims of sexual assault.

This wonderful group of counsellors, educators, health practitioners and activists, exemplify perfectly what a support group should be. Rehtaeh knew they truly cared about her and that made all the difference in the world.

Please share:

Avalon Sexual Assault Centre has been inundated with calls for help, counselling , assistance at schools, disclosures, and other support. Many people are in need of help or are in crisis following the Rehtaeh Parsons story and resulting ongoing attention.

Prior to the tragic suicide death of Rehtaeh Parson’s Avalon Centre did not have adequate resources to respond to the demand for counselling and educational services. Since this tragedy, Avalon Centre has been overwhelmed with requests for help. People are in crisis and need our help. We need the Government’s help.

Please consider signing this petition:

http://www.change.org/petitions/premier-of-nova-scotia-darrell-dexter-provide-emergency-funding

Please distribute widely and consider making a donation.

Contact Avalon

1526 Dresden Row, 4th Floor
Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3J 3K3

E info@avaloncentre.ca
P (902) 422-4240
F (902) 422-4628