A first-of-its-kind sexual violence support centre in B.C. is set to open in downtown Vancouver at the end of April.
The Salal Sexual Violence Support Centre will provide counselling, a 24/7 crisis line, and the Lower Mainland’s first-ever integrated sexual assault medical clinic. The centre, led by executive director Dalya Israel, aims to create a safe and grounded space for survivors, offering specialized services for Indigenous, queer, trans, nonbinary, Two-Spirit, gender diverse, and sex-working survivors.
This space is going to provide survivors with a safe, seen, and heard environment, said Trina Prince, a donor and past board chair, highlighting the significance of the centre. The demand for such a space has grown over time, with survivors needing urgent care and support after an assault.
With a waitlist for counselling already reaching two and a half years, the Salal Centre will prioritize those at high risk for faster triage. It will also facilitate reporting to the police and virtual court testimonies for victims. The exact location of the facility remains confidential for safety reasons.
The centre’s commitment to providing culturally safe and relevant services for Indigenous survivors reflects a broader goal of meeting diverse needs. Salal seeks to navigate the criminal legal system while creating a supportive environment for survivors of sexual violence.
