The Sexual Assault Centre of Edmonton (SACE) is appealing for public assistance as it struggles to keep up with the growing demand for its services, particularly free counselling for victims of sexual violence. Co-CEO Lena Betker stated that the centre has tripled in size since the Me Too movement but still faces significant challenges.
Rising Demand and Waitlists
Betker expressed frustration over having to place clients on waitlists, sometimes for up to six months, before they can receive help. “What we hate is when we have to tell someone, ‘thank you for telling us that’s happened to you, but now you have to wait six months or whatever it is before you can get the help for that,’” she said. Edmonton consistently has the second-highest rate of police-reported sexual assault in Canada, trailing only Winnipeg.
Services Provided
SACE, which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, offers crisis support lines, public education campaigns, and counselling and court support for victims as young as three. The most in-demand program is specialized trauma counselling, provided by psychologists and clinical social workers who offer up to 15 free sessions per victim. Without SACE, victims would face costs exceeding $3,500 at the recommended rate of $235 per hour.
Funding Challenges
Betker noted that demand for counselling continues to rise year over year, along with the complexity of cases. “It’s incredibly difficult for us to keep up with that demand at the current capacity we have and the funding that we currently have,” she said. Approximately 70% of SACE’s funding comes from the Alberta government. Last year, the centre faced a standoff with Children and Family Services Minister Searle Turton over a $1.8 million grant that was not renewed. Then-CEO Mary Jane James said the loss of funding forced SACE to lay off seven therapists, calling the impact “devastating.”
Fundraising Efforts
To diversify its funding base, SACE has launched a May fundraiser where people can sponsor teddy bears wearing teal ribbons, visually representing the number of victims waiting for support services. “We’re really trying to focus on getting those donors and getting more people rallied behind us, so that we’re a little bit less reliant on single streams,” Betker said.
