- What does it mean to provide anti-violence services within a feminist, anti-oppression framework?
- How does such an approach inform our work with survivors?
- Why is this type of approach important?
- How does this environment affect our work?
- SASC Accessibility
What does it mean to provide anti-violence services within a feminist, anti-oppression framework?
Feminism is a movement to end sexism, sexist exploitation, and oppression. The SASC provides services within a feminist framework because it informs our understanding on the nature of the patterns of violence that exist. A feminist framework also aids in our understanding of how those patterns come to exist, how those patterns are maintained, and how to approach working with survivors (female, male, and transgender people) in a supportive, empowering way.
An anti-oppression framework helps us further understand that these patterns are observed and exist on the basis of a variety of social factors and identities (including, but not limited to, one’s class, race, ethnic identity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or (dis)ability) that shape not only a survivor’s experiences and their reaction to them but also the larger social context in which these experiences take place.
While there are many different ways in which a feminist/anti-oppression perspective informs our approach, some of this includes the belief that sexual assault and other forms of violence derive in part from unequal power relations between people. For example, in a case of sexual assault, one person asserts power over another person and controls/tries to control what occurs in that situation. We also recognize that power imbalances between people in individual situations are often re-enforced by larger, systemic power imbalances that create and maintain the patterns of violence we see in society.
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How does a feminist, anti-oppression framework inform our approach to working with survivors?
We recognize that while sexual assault and other forms of violence can happen to anyone, certain groups of people are more at risk for experiencing violence because of their social location in society.
We also recognize that there is an inherent power imbalance between someone seeking support as the result of an experience of violence and a person providing support. This dynamic can replicate feelings of powerlessness a survivor may have experienced during their assault. Therefore when we work with survivors we try to empower them and help them reclaim their sense of personal power and control. One way we do this is by recognizing that our clients are their own experts. We work with survivors to identify their needs and support a survivor’s right to make their own choices about what they feel is best for them.
We view sexual assault and other forms of violence within the larger context of inequality. We feel that various forms of violence are an expression of societal inequality which help to maintain systemic power imbalances. Such power imbalances can be seen in sexism, racism, ableism, classism, homophobia, transphobia, ageism, amongst other forms of oppression.
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Why is a feminist, anti-oppression framework important in sexual assault work?
In order to end sexual assault and other forms of violence, we must understand where it comes from and how it is held in place/maintained by various forms of oppression. Our anti-oppression analysis provides us with an understanding of why some groups of people are more targeted by violence than others, as well as what specific forms of violence they may experience based on their identity and how their access to support services may be impacted and/or limited after experiencing violence.
We believe in creating a supportive environment for all survivors. Here is how we create such an environment:
- We believe survivors. At SASC, our role is to provide non-judgmental, caring support to all people who identify as a survivor.
- We do not blame survivors for their experience of violence. No one asks to be sexually assaulted. The only person who is responsible for a sexual assault is the person who commits it.
- We view each survivor as the expert in their own healing journey and work with them to support their choices and decisions.
- We educate ourselves. We recognize that, while there may be commonalities between experiences of violence, each situation of violence is unique and will impact each person differently. We strive to keep our information current and continually seek new ways of supporting survivors.
- We do not pathologize (i.e., apply medical labels or terminology) survivors’ reactions or coping mechanisms to their experiences. Such reactions or coping mechanisms may develop as survival strategies to help them deal with the effects of an assault.
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How does this environment inform our approach?
Survivors may experience many effects after experiencing an assault, and we view all of these effects as a natural response to experiencing a very painful, often stigmatizing, trauma.
Survivors find many different ways to cope with the pain and trauma of an assault. Sometimes survivors may not feel like the ways they are coping with their experience are healthy. At SASC, we understand coping mechanisms as survival strategies that survivors use to try and deal with very difficult, painful situations.
As such, we do not view any ways of coping as indicating a personal deficit, flaw, or weakness in a person. We view coping mechanisms as attempts by a survivor to try and relieve pain and we work with survivors to identify what is working for them and what isn’t, as well as other ways of coping that they feel may be healthier for them.
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SASC Accessibility
The SASC is committed to the education, support, and empowerment of students, staff, faculty, and visitors of all genders who are survivors of sexualized violence, and their friends, family, and partners. Through our feminist, anti-oppression framework, we are dedicated to working towards ending all forms of violence. To access our services, we invite people to schedule an appointment.
The SASC is a Positive Space.
Getting to the SASC from inside the SUB
- It is possible to get to the SASC if you are already inside the SUB. The easiest way is to go to the stairwell by the Resource Groups at SUB 245, and follow the signs!
Wheelchair accessibility
- The SASC is somewhat wheelchair accessible. Anyone using mobility aids can access the SASC through the main entrance at 119A outside the SUB. Entering the SASC from outside the SUB does not require use of stairs. It is also possible to come to the SASC if one is already inside the SUB, however it may be tricky to find us, due to the many existing hallways and doors.
- At this moment in time, the main entrance to the SASC does not have a button to open the door automatically. However, if you call us beforehand we would be happy to open the door for you when you arrive at the SASC.
Languages
- As UBC is a community of many languages, please feel welcome to bring a translator with you. The SASC offers print resources in a variety of languages relevant to sexual assault and other forms of sexualized violence.
Visual and Auditory Accessibility
- The SASC itself is a quiet, confidential space. Please keep in mind that we share a hallway with some student clubs.
- If you are living with visual impairments and want to access the SASC, it may be useful to have someone assist you in finding the SASC for the first time. Alternatively, SASC staff member may meet you at a convenient place and guide you to the SASC.
Parking
- Across from the SUB there is a pay parking lot. More information is available here.
- Individuals wishing to access our services are responsible for their own transportation costs.
Proximity to public transit
- The SASC is located within a short walking distance of the Bus Loop, which is a major transit station at the UBC campus. For more information about bus schedules and transit accessibility, please visit the TransLink website: http://www.translink.ca/
Who else uses this space (staff, security, etc)
- The SASC is a relatively quiet, low-traffic area. Unless people are accessing our services, we discourage people from hanging out in the SASC space to ensure confidentiality.
- From time to time, SASC volunteers will be in the SASC space. SASC volunteers are committed to our mandate, and are thoroughly trained to uphold the SASC ethics.
- The AMS security officers often patrol the SASC area to ensure staff and people accessing our space are safe. Please note that, the AMS security officers are highly respectful of the SASC space.
Bathrooms
- For a guide to single-stall bathrooms at UBC, please check out this report here.
- There is a wheelchair accessible washroom near the SASC, and more washrooms with changing tables are located upstairs in the SUB.
Scent free zones and sharps containers
- The SUB, including the SASC, is not a scent-free zone.
- There is not a ‘sharps container’ available in the SUB or at the SASC.
Reporting Complaints and Comments
- The SASC is committed to ensuring the Centre’s space is open and accessible to all survivors of sexual assault. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about the Sexual Assault Support Centre, please contact us at 604-827-5180 or sasc@ams.ubc.ca
- If you have concerns or complaints about the SASC staff and do not feel comfortable contacting the SASC staff, please contact the AMS Director of Services.
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This information was last updated April 2012
Perspectives and Accessibility
What does it mean to provide anti-violence services within a feminist, anti-oppression framework?
Feminism is a movement to end sexism, sexist exploitation, and oppression. The SASC provides services within a feminist framework because it informs our understanding on the nature of the patterns of violence that exist. A feminist framework also aids in our understanding of how those patterns come to exist, how those patterns are maintained, and how to approach working with survivors (female, male, and transgender people) in a supportive, empowering way.
An anti-oppression framework helps us further understand that these patterns are observed and exist on the basis of a variety of social factors and identities (including, but not limited to, one’s class, race, ethnic identity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or (dis)ability) that shape not only a survivor’s experiences and their reaction to them but also the larger social context in which these experiences take place.
While there are many different ways in which a feminist/anti-oppression perspective informs our approach, some of this includes the belief that sexual assault and other forms of violence derive in part from unequal power relations between people. For example, in a case of sexual assault, one person asserts power over another person and controls/tries to control what occurs in that situation. We also recognize that power imbalances between people in individual situations are often re-enforced by larger, systemic power imbalances that create and maintain the patterns of violence we see in society.
Back to the top
How does a feminist, anti-oppression framework inform our approach to working with survivors?
We recognize that while sexual assault and other forms of violence can happen to anyone, certain groups of people are more at risk for experiencing violence because of their social location in society.
We also recognize that there is an inherent power imbalance between someone seeking support as the result of an experience of violence and a person providing support. This dynamic can replicate feelings of powerlessness a survivor may have experienced during their assault. Therefore when we work with survivors we try to empower them and help them reclaim their sense of personal power and control. One way we do this is by recognizing that our clients are their own experts. We work with survivors to identify their needs and support a survivor’s right to make their own choices about what they feel is best for them.
We view sexual assault and other forms of violence within the larger context of inequality. We feel that various forms of violence are an expression of societal inequality which help to maintain systemic power imbalances. Such power imbalances can be seen in sexism, racism, ableism, classism, homophobia, transphobia, ageism, amongst other forms of oppression.
Back to the top
Why is a feminist, anti-oppression framework important in sexual assault work?
In order to end sexual assault and other forms of violence, we must understand where it comes from and how it is held in place/maintained by various forms of oppression. Our anti-oppression analysis provides us with an understanding of why some groups of people are more targeted by violence than others, as well as what specific forms of violence they may experience based on their identity and how their access to support services may be impacted and/or limited after experiencing violence.
We believe in creating a supportive environment for all survivors. Here is how we create such an environment:
Back to the top
How does this environment inform our approach?
Survivors may experience many effects after experiencing an assault, and we view all of these effects as a natural response to experiencing a very painful, often stigmatizing, trauma.
Survivors find many different ways to cope with the pain and trauma of an assault. Sometimes survivors may not feel like the ways they are coping with their experience are healthy. At SASC, we understand coping mechanisms as survival strategies that survivors use to try and deal with very difficult, painful situations.
As such, we do not view any ways of coping as indicating a personal deficit, flaw, or weakness in a person. We view coping mechanisms as attempts by a survivor to try and relieve pain and we work with survivors to identify what is working for them and what isn’t, as well as other ways of coping that they feel may be healthier for them.
Back to the top
SASC Accessibility
The SASC is committed to the education, support, and empowerment of students, staff, faculty, and visitors of all genders who are survivors of sexualized violence, and their friends, family, and partners. Through our feminist, anti-oppression framework, we are dedicated to working towards ending all forms of violence. To access our services, we invite people to schedule an appointment.
The SASC is a Positive Space.
Getting to the SASC from inside the SUB
Wheelchair accessibility
Languages
Visual and Auditory Accessibility
Parking
Proximity to public transit
Who else uses this space (staff, security, etc)
Bathrooms
Scent free zones and sharps containers
Reporting Complaints and Comments
Back to the top
This information was last updated April 2012