April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. We are pleased to announce our new partnerships with local groups that will help support our Safer Spaces policy and overall community wellness initiatives.

We believe EVERYONE has the right to experience the Winnipeg Folk Festival as a safe place, in a community full of inclusiveness, respect and kindness. We are excited to have the following organizations available on site to help our folkies feel safer while enjoying the Festival.

NorWest Co-op Community Health

NorWest’s Trauma Response Team will be in the Festival Campground to assist folkies who experience traumatic events. This team will be in place to identify, stabilize, and improve the psychosocial needs of those who are having a traumatic experience, encountering blatant/lateral violence or bullying, or faced with an event that triggers long-term trauma. The team will work collaboratively with individuals and communities to assess and determine the required response, equip them to take an active role in their recovery and provide information and referrals for coping, counselling and ongoing support.

Survivors Hope Crisis Centre

Sexual Assault Recovery and Healing (SARAH)

Survivor’s Hope Crisis Centre’s Sexual Assault Recovery and Healing (SARAH) workers will provide support in the Festival Campground and Festival site to individuals of any gender who have experienced sexual violence. They can provide immediate support, resources and information, as well as accompaniment and advocacy if someone wishes to connect with medical or legal support following a sexual assault.

REES

Respect, Educate & Empower Survivors

REES offers an online reporting system for unwanted sexualized behaviours. This system allows Festival participants to create a confidential record of the incident and control how, when, and if, the record is reported to the organization. Critical data and insights can be shared with the Festival about where the incidents occur so that ongoing prevention strategies can be developed. REES also provides information to survivors about community-based resources such as sexual assault centres, healthcare and other support services.

Remember: Volunteers are there to help!

When in need, seek a safety volunteer in a blue vest, they can provide support and connect you with additional resources.

Learn more about our Community Wellness initiatives and Safer Spaces policy.