The Association of Alberta Sexual Assault Services (AASAS) is a provincial resource connected to sexual assault support in Alberta. If you found this page while looking for help, it likely means you are trying to understand where to turn for confidential support, information, or referrals.

Because the source page does not include a specific news update, service change, or announcement, the most important takeaway is this: AASAS is a relevant starting point for people seeking sexual assault support in Alberta, but you may need to confirm current services, hours, and local availability directly through the organization or a local crisis line.

For someone in crisis, even a small change in a support network can feel overwhelming. A provincial association can matter because it may help connect people to:

• sexual assault centres and counselling
• crisis support and advocacy
• information about reporting options
• referrals to local services
• education for survivors, families, and professionals

If you are trying to get help, a central organization can sometimes make the first step easier by helping you find the right local service faster.

This resource may be relevant if you are:

• a survivor of sexual assault or sexual violence
• a friend, partner, family member, or support person
• a parent or caregiver seeking help for a young person
• someone unsure whether what happened “counts” as assault
• a person who wants confidential information before deciding whether to report
• a professional looking for referral pathways in Alberta

You do not need to have a police report, physical injuries, or a clear memory of events to deserve support.

If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department if it is safe to do so.

If calling feels unsafe, consider:

• moving to a room with a lock
• texting or messaging a trusted person
• using a code word with someone you trust
• leaving the area if you can do so safely

If you are in Alberta, you can look for:

• local sexual assault centres
• crisis lines
• hospital-based sexual assault services
• community counselling and advocacy programs
• 211 Alberta for service navigation

If you are unsure where to start, a provincial association like AASAS may help you identify local options.

If you are not ready to call, you might:

• bookmark the website
• take a screenshot and delete it later if needed
• write down a phone number on paper
• ask a trusted person to save the contact for you

You may want urgent medical support for:

• injuries
• STI prevention or testing
• emergency contraception
• forensic evidence collection, if you want that option

You can usually ask questions before deciding anything. You do not have to report to police to receive medical care in many situations.

You can often choose:

• whether to talk to police
• whether to seek a forensic exam
• whether to tell family or friends
• whether to use your name or remain anonymous in some services

A good support service should explain options without pressuring you.

A trauma-informed service should:

• believe you and treat you with respect
• explain options clearly
• let you go at your own pace
• avoid forcing details you do not want to share
• help you make a plan for safety and next steps
• connect you to counselling, legal information, or advocacy

If a service feels rushed, dismissive, or unsafe, you are allowed to stop the conversation and try another provider.

• You do not owe anyone a full explanation right away.
• It is okay if your memory is fragmented, delayed, or unclear.
• It is okay to ask for a support person to be present.
• It is okay to hang up, leave, or pause if you feel overwhelmed.
• If the person who harmed you monitors your phone, email, or location, use a safer device or ask a trusted person to help.

If digital safety is a concern, consider clearing browser history, using private browsing, or accessing help from a safer device.

You can help by:

• listening without judgment
• believing them
• asking what feels safest right now
• offering to sit with them while they call
• helping them write down questions
• avoiding pressure to report or “move on”

Helpful phrases:

• “I’m glad you told me.”
• “You’re not alone.”
• “What would feel safest right now?”
• “I can help you find support if you want.”

This source page does not provide a specific announcement, so it is not possible to confirm whether AASAS has changed services, funding, hours, or referral pathways from the information provided alone. If you are relying on this resource for urgent help, verify current contact details and availability directly before assuming a service is open or able to respond immediately.

If you need support now, consider:

• 911 for immediate danger
• 211 Alberta for local service navigation
• local sexual assault centres and crisis lines in your region
• hospital emergency departments for urgent medical care
• a trusted person who can stay with you while you reach out

If you want, I can also help you turn this into a shorter directory-style page with Alberta-specific contact options and a survivor-friendly call script.