SAFE-May is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM)

May 2026 Newsletter

Hello Liz, welcome to the May edition of SAFE News for 2026!

May is always an important month for SAFE. This month in particular reminds us all we still await the Government’s response to the report The Office of the Federal Ombudsperson for Victims of Crime (OFOVC) released in November of 2025. SAFE issued a Special Edition newsletter on March 30th about this topic. We shared not only the report but information that concluded an 18-month systemic investigation on the experiences of survivors of sexual violence in Canada’s criminal justice system. The report: Rethinking Justice for Survivors of Sexual Violence: a systemic investigation.

May is: Sexual Assault Awareness Month The month is an opportunity to raise awareness, support survivors, and promote prevention efforts across the country to raise awareness about sexual violence, support survivors, and educate the public on prevention. YOU can support efforts by showing solidarity, believing survivors, and helping them connect with the appropriate resources.

Reserve Your Calendars Sunday, May 24th 12noon - 2pm Join us for our 3rd Annual SAFE Trail - a trauma-informed, beginner-friendly hike designed to support healing through nature, movement and mindfulness. Details will be added to our Events page shortly.

See SAFE Events Here

Source: Ontario Coalition of Rape Crisis Centres

Tips to Help a Friend Who Has Been Sexually Assaulted

If a friend or loved one tells you that they have been sexually assaulted, it is likely one of the hardest things they have ever had to tell you. It may take weeks, months or even years to feel ready to talk about what has happened. Most people have little experience helping someone through a traumatic event such as a sexual assault, so it is normal to be unsure of what to do. What is most important is that you care enough to want to help.

Sexual violence affects not only the survivor of the violence, but also those close to them such as friends, partners and family members. If someone you know has been sexually assaulted, you may experience some of the same emotions as the victim. Your love, support and understanding is what your friend needs.

Download Expanded Tips Sheets

Conversation Creates Awareness It’s survivor stories that serve as lessons for others who have experienced gender-based and/or intimate partner violence.

This month’s survivor story: Elisha Bonnis

SAFE doesn’t know Elisha directly, but her story hits home for us. For years, survivors have been saying the same thing: the criminal justice system is not working for us. Our latest blog was all about this topic. “The System” still rewards harm and Elisha’s story is yet another case of survival, courage and screams out the need for change.

“It was my birthday. I had organized a stand-up comedy show at the venue where I produced a monthly show in Gastown in Vancouver. It was a private event for friends, family and local comedians.

I had asked my closest comedian friends to perform for my birthday; he had contacted me and asked if he could perform because he had heard about the show. I added him to the lineup. Friends, family, comedian friends, brought me drinks and shots throughout the night. I was having fun but was becoming increasingly intoxicated. He offered to make sure he would get me home safe at the end of the night. I did not ask him. He offered this to my father, who was concerned about me and was trying to give me a ride home. It was only 11, many of my friends were still there, I didn’t want to leave. I told him it was very sweet of him to be a good friend, but wanted to make sure he understood nothing would be happening between us. More than once we had this conversation. I did not want to give mixed signals, so I made sure we were clear. He promised nothing would happen, that his only intention was to make sure I got home safe. He would get me inside and he would leave and cab to his place. That is not what happened. When he got me in the door, I thought he had left. I was dangerously intoxicated. I barely made it to my bed before I was unconscious. He had not left. In the past decade, the VPD Sex Crimes Unit investigated and recommended a charge of sexual assault. The Crown declined to charge, as he wanted a 95% certainty of conviction before he would even charge. I filed my civil sexual battery case in 2019. He counter-sued me for defamation, as things had become public in a comedy forum on Facebook - first by him, and then by me. 2 adjourned trials and one cancelled trial due to the judge shortage in BC brought us to the 4th scheduled trial in October 2025. After a month long trial, in which I testified for 6 days, 4 days of which was a gruelling, re-traumatizing cross examination, and every private aspect of my life all the way back to birth, was ripped apart in court. The judgment finally came out on March 13, 2026. The judge found: There was NO CONSENT There was NO CAPACITY TO CONSENT. And then… She dismissed my case because she believed that he could possibly have had a “mistaken belief in consent.” This is a shocking and unprecedented court decision. I will be appealing. I cannot appeal without the court transcripts, which will cost between $20,000 to $30,000. That is not including the over $150,000 it has taken to get me this far. I cannot believe this is not over.” Source: Facebook Elisha has established a GoFundMe campaign. Not just for her. This judgment is terrifying for all survivors of sexual assault. Elisha says: “Please help me to finish this battle that has taken over a decade of my life. We are almost there.” A more detailed article was published in the Williams Lake Tribune.

Read the article: She sought justice for sexual assault. B.C.’s judge shortage became her battle.

Applications Are Still Being Accepted To join SAFE’s Board of Directors

SAFE is an active, working board. Directors contribute in a defined area of responsibility and help move priorities forward between meetings. This is not a symbolic or advisory-only role — our Board members are engaged, collaborative, and committed to getting meaningful work done. SAFE’s Board includes individuals with lived experience as well as dedicated community members who bring professional skills, leadership experience, and specialized knowledge. We intentionally build a balanced Board that combines compassion with competence — ensuring survivor voices are present while also strengthening governance, sustainability, and long-term growth. We are especially seeking community members who can contribute specific skills and experience in areas such as governance, finance, law, fundraising, communications, strategy, operations, and relationship-building. Board service at SAFE is about using your strengths to support a mission grounded in empowerment, accountability, and impact.

Learn more about what Board Service at SAFE looks like

SAFE’s Board Application Form