Impact of sexual violence highlighted in new CSAC display

By Lethbridge Herald on May 6, 2025.

Herald photo by Alejandra Pulido-Guzman Kristine Cassie, executive director of the Chinook Sexual Assault Centre speaks to media about the "Impact unveiled: Beyond the silence," art exhibit to spread awareness of Sexual Violence Monday at the Yates Theatre Gallery.

Alejandra Pulido-Guzman
Lethbridge Herald

May is Sexual Violence Awareness Month, and the Chinook Sexual Assault Centre has launched a unique art show at the Yates Theatre Gallery to raise awareness of issues related to sexual violence and to celebrate the strength and resilience of those impacted by it. 

The art show “Impact Unveiled: Beyond the Silence” is curated from contributions by local artists sharing messages of survival, strength, empowerment and the emotions tied to these experiences, and will be on display until September. 

Kristine Cassie, executive director of the CSAC, spoke to media Monday about the importance of raising awareness about sexual violence and how different mediums can spark conversations about it. 

“Sexual violence is not a distant issue, it affects our families, our communities, and our very sense of safety,” said Cassie. “This past year we received 712 crisis calls and had referrals for our child and youth advocacy centre in the numbers of 248 children.”

Unfortunately, sexual assault and abuse are among the least reported crimes, with only six per cent reported to police agencies across Canada. 

“Yet, we know it impacts nearly one in two Albertans,” said Cassie. “We also know that our sexual assault services are essential services.”

Those services support both those who have been harmed and those who love them. The services are accessible and are researched-based, and recognize and value all people, regardless of how they present or their beliefs. 

“To every survivor out there, we see you, we believe you and we stand with you,” said Cassie. “Our commitment is unwavering; you are not alone.” 

Speaking about using different media to spark conversations about sexual violence, Cassie said any avenue used, whether an art show or anything else, helps bring the conversation to every facet of our everyday life, and that’s what needs to be done in this case. 

“Consent is something we should be talking about every day, so how do we normalize this and actually have those conversations and call it out when we are seeing it?” 

About a decade ago, post-secondary institutions would not allow posters on campus that had the words “sexual assault” on them, so the fact that today they can have a whole art exhibit demonstrates how far things have come in terms of being able to talk about it. But there is still more work to be done. 

Lauryn Evans, trauma support navigator with the CSAC said sexual violence is a reality that many carry, often in silence and wrapped in a blanket of shame and secrecy. The art show seeks to challenge this notion, and instead offer recognition, comfort, a safe space and courage.  

“We are incredibly grateful and appreciative of all artists that contributed to this art show,” said Evans. “Without their voices, generosity and bravery, this would have never happened. It is their voices that shape this space and will continue to do so.”

CSAC opened submissions for the art show to the general public. Some of the artists are survivors of sexual violence, while others are allies and advocates. 

“We wanted to honour the emotions that are tied to these experiences, which can be very traumatic for individuals and also to display healing, empowerment and strength,” said Evans.  

One of the contributors to the art show is local artist Cass Mitchell, who produced a unique graphic design which is also being featured on limited edition merchandise during Sexual Violence Awareness Month.

“The title I gave it is ‘Seen’ and it’s a mixed media piece on canvas,” said Mitchell. “There is an eye in the centre, all the people in the background you can’t see their eyes, and that is exactly what it represents, to be seen.”

We see people all the time, she said, but we don’t know their story and her piece represents seeing a brief moment of their life but not knowing their story, not seeing them. 

“The hope behind this is, this is the place where these conversations begin, and I really hope it doesn’t end there. I hope that this can go beyond these walls.”

For more information about Sexual Violence Awareness Month or the Chinook Sexual Assault Centre, please visit our website at: http://www.csacleth.ca