About the CKSACC

“Violence against women is not just a women’s issue, it’s a human rights issue. It’s an issue of social justice.”

– UN Women, 2024.

The Chatham-Kent Sexual Assault Crisis Centre (CKSACC) is a grassroots, equality-seeking organization that offers a continuum of services for people age 16 years or older, who have experienced the impact of sexual assault / harassment / exploitation / abuse.

We view sexual violence and gender-based violence as cultural and societal issues built on systems of power and oppression.

The CKSACC works to raise awareness and affect social, political, economic and cultural change toward the prevention and elimination of sexual violence and gender-based violence.

CKSACC Membership

The Chatham-Kent Sexual Assault Crisis Centre is proud to be an active member of the Ontario Coalition of Rape Crisis Centres (OCRCC). We are committed to providing support for folks individually and collectively and advancing equality and justice for all.

Funding

The Chatham-Kent Sexual Assault Crisis Centre is funded by the Ministry of Children and Community and Social Services (MCCSS) and the Ontario Government.

We gratefully acknowledge community donors and supporters for their ongoing involvement and support of our work.

For more information about donations please visit the Donate page.

Mission Statement

Operating from a systemic approach and maintaining a feminist perspective, the Chatham-Kent Sexual Assault Crisis Centre provides information, support and advocacy to survivors of sexual violence; works towards the eradication of sexual violence; and responds to needs identified by survivors for survivors.

Pronouns

We want you to know our personal pronouns. “Often people make assumptions about the gender of the person based on their name or appearance. Those assumptions aren’t always correct.” In creating an inclusive environment respectful of all gender identities, we are letting you know how you can refer to our staff members without you having to make assumptions.

For more on personal pronouns and why they matter visit here: My Pronouns.org – What and Why

Herstory

The North-American anti-rape movement emerged strongly with the women’s liberation movement of the 1960’s. Women gathered in groups and began discussing their common experiences. They realized the impact that the experience of rape, and the fear of sexual violence had on the lives of women.

Women established Rape / Sexual Assault Crisis Centres (SACC’s) throughout the province in response to the lack of appropriate, supportive services for rape survivors in the healthcare, mental health, social service, and justice systems.

In Chatham-Kent, with the assistance of the Sexual Assault Centre in Sarnia, a small group of volunteers established the Chatham-Kent Sexual Assault Centre on October 3, 1985. The tiny office was staffed primarily by volunteers, their efforts coordinated by one part-time employee. In October of 1990, the Chatham-Kent SAC was incorporated as the Chatham-Kent Sexual Assault Crisis Centre (CKSACC).

Over the years, SACC’s have responded to the changing needs of survivors as they have identified their experiences of sexual violence. SACC’s have been instrumental in addressing attitudes that normalize sexual violence and blame victims and pushing for legal reform in matters related to gender-based violence.

For more information about our Herstory, see CKSACC Recognizing 25 Years of Services & Activism 1985-2010.