The Victoria Sexual Assault Centre (VSAC) has reported a steady surge in demand for its services, prompting staff to cut back on long-term individual counselling.
Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the centre finds many survivors have been in crisis over the last two years, increasing the need for immediate trauma support.
“We have seen our waitlists grow and have struggled to meet these needs in our capacity as a non-profit organization,” VSAC said in a media release.
With this in mind, the centre says it can no longer offer long-term (one year) individual counselling to new clients or people already on the waitlist.
“We have already reached out to all of the survivors on our waitlists to let them know about these changes,” VSAC said, noting those who haven’t been notified can call (250) 383-3232 or email access@vsac.ca for details.
“This was a very hard decision for VSAC to make, and we know that this news will be very difficult for many of the survivors on our waitlist and in our community.”
One Reddit user, BasHtHeStuMpEdE, shared their story to the online community, which cued a discussion among those also impacted by the change.
“I have been on the waitlist for trauma therapy related to sexual abuse. I have been waiting for four years,” they wrote.
“I received an email yesterday saying that in the last few years since COVID started, they have had an increase of people coming forward with their trauma, and because of this, they are no longer offering long-term therapy.”
“I know many people out there are in the same boat as I am, and to all of those people who have been left in the dark,” the user added, “this is why.”
However, the centre points to other free services still available to survivors of sexualized violence, including individual crisis counselling and group counselling.
“If you are a survivor who is struggling, now or in the future, you can contact our Access Line at 250-383-3232 or access@vsac.ca connect with a counsellor for crisis support.”
According to VSAC, Victim Services provides services connected to the criminal justice system, including information and support with police reports and court appearances.
The Integrated Sexual Assault Clinic is also available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to all genders of survivors of recent sexual assault, 13-years and older. The Vancouver Island Crisis Line can be reached at 1 (888) 494-3888.
