Sexual Violence Awareness Month
Less Than Half of Canadians Know What Consent Means. Do You?
The age of consent in Canada is 16, with exceptions for youth who are close in age to one another. For anyone under the age of 18, consent cannot be legally obtained if one person is in a position of power, authority, or trust over the other.
Consent refers to giving permission to participate in a sexual activity, but there are many factors that are involved in giving and getting consent as defined by law in Canada.
Consent to sexual activity must involve the following principles:
- Affirmative: Consent is more than “no means no.” There are many ways people can say or show a lack of consent to sexual activity. Only an enthusiastic “yes”, either through words or body language, means yes.
- Ongoing: Consent can be withdrawn at any time during sexual activity. Each participant has the right to stop at any point, without fear of judgment or repercussion.
- Conscious: All individuals providing consent must be awake and alert. Severely intoxicated people are not capable of providing legal consent.
- Specific: Consent only applies to one sexual activity at a time. It must be obtained each time the activity changes.
- Freely Given: Consent cannot be obtained through pressure, coercion, or manipulation. The person must want to participate of their own free will.
May is Sexual Violence Awareness Month.
Sexual violence is a significant issue that deeply affects individuals and communities across Alberta. It may include but is not limited to, experiences of sexual assault, harassment, abuse, and exploitation, as well as technology-facilitated crimes like sextortion, non-consensual intimate image-sharing, and child sexual abuse material.
Sexual violence impacts an estimated 1.8 million Albertans, including 325,000 children. Saffron Centre works to support the prevention of future sexual violence and the healing journeys of those who have been impacted by providing counselling, education, and specialized police and court support services.
This May, we have several initiatives designed to educate and raise awareness about sexual violence in our community. Join us throughout the month to learn more and support Saffron’s programs and services.
Why This Month Matters
This year, Saffron Centre has experienced our highest call volumes since the #MeToo movement began in 2016. Our team has extended work hours and stretched resources to meet the demand for services from survivors of sexual violence while struggling with funding setbacks. Now more than ever before, we need support from our community for the critical care we offer to individuals and their families who have experienced sexual violence.
Be Part of Sexual Violence Awareness Month
Walk or Run the Consent Event
Join us on May 24, 2025 at Broadmoor Lake Park with friends, family, and dogs to raise awareness and walk or run 3/5km. All proceeds go to Saffron Centre programming.
Join Our Coaster Campaign
Saffron is distributing drink coasters to restaurants across Strathcona County and St. Albert to raise awareness about sexual violence. Contact us to join the initative.
Wear a Teal Ribbon
We are handing out teal ribbons at every event we attend through May. Pick up a ribbon at our booth or stop into the Centre to grab some for your friends and family.
Take a Free Training
Saffron Centre’s Public Education Team is hosting two free trainings during Victims of Crime Week. Learn about managing disclosures of sexual assault by youth at our lunch n’ learn, or join us for our most popular adult training ever, Cyberworld.
Donate to Saffron Centre
Join Saffron in making a difference in the lives of those impacted by sexual violence. Every contribution, regardless of size, empowers our efforts to create lasting change.
All donations fund Saffron’s services for children, youth, and adults who have been impacted by sexual violence. Make a one-time donation, or consider becoming a monthly donor to support our programs.
Teal was chosen long ago as the colour of sexual violence prevention and awareness and represents the building of trust and healing. Today, the colour teal is widely known and associated with the awareness of sexual violence. As anti-sexual violence advocates, we wear teal ribbons through the month of May to bring attention to the prevalence and impact of sexual violence on our community.