Letter from the editors: Skylight by Pinegrove
In our Oct. 4, 2018 issue, we published an album review of Pinegrove’s newly released album Skylight. We sincerely apologize for any hurt or trauma it may have brought up for our readers after the sexual coercion accusations surrounding the lead singer were brought to light last year. We apologize for our oversight through the publication process and that we saw this review to print.
As a paper, we honour and believe survivors.
One of our values is to incite robust discussions about sexual assault and the nuances of understanding this issue, particularly in the era of #MeToo. We hope our previously published articles about the movement have garnered increased dialogue around sexual assault.
The Reflector is consciously aware of our role in the discussion surrounding sexual assault. Moving forward, we will give those discussions a bigger, more nuanced platform — or none at all. We hope to grow from the incident as a paper and avoid further oversight — especially of this nature — in our publication.
If you are struggling to reconcile your relationship with the music scene, we have published an article titled “You’ve got that one song that I like” detailing songs for survivors of sexual assault. We would also recommend reading the article if you have not yet considered the impacts of sexual allegations coming out about a band or artist on survivors and the process of navigating broken trust.
We want to emphasize that if you are going through personal experiences, you are not alone. If you or someone you know is looking for resources for dealing with their own trauma, here are several resources to consider:
Community Resources
Connect Family & Sexual Abuse Network
24-hour crisis line: 403-237-5888 or toll-free 1-877-237-5888
- One phone call connects you to Calgary’s network of services and support.
- Provides access to comprehensive services and support for those impacted by domestic violence, sexual violence and sexual abuse.
Counselling resources for adults
Calgary Communities Against Sexual Abuse (CCASA)
24-hour crisis line: 403-237-5888 or toll-free 1-877-237-5888
- 24-hour information and support.
- Short term counseling (ages 12+).
Calgary Counselling Centre
Telephone: 403-691-5991 (business hours)
- Long term sexual abuse counselling for individuals, families or couples.
The Distress Center
24-hour crisis line: 403-266-HELP (4357)
- 24-hour Information and support
- Access to free counseling services for individuals, groups and families.
Eastside Family Counseling Centre
24-hour crisis line: 403-269-9699
Telephone: 403-299-9696
Address: 255, 495 36 St. N.E., Northgate Mall
- No fee – immediate walk-in counseling for youth, individuals and families.
- Monday to Thursday 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Saturday 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association
Telephone: 403-263-4414
- Professional, culturally-sensitive counselling for immigrant women and their families who are experiencing transition challenges, relationship problems, abuse and trauma.
Calgary Seniors’ Resource Society – Senior Connect
24-hour seniors’ help line: 403-264-7700
Telephone: 403-266-6200
- Helps seniors who might be at risk to connect to community support services that help them to live safely and independently in their homes.
Counselling resources for children and youth
Kids Help Phone
24-hour crisis line: 1-800-688-6868
- 24-hour online and counseling available for those 5-20 years old.
ConnecTeen
24-hour crisis line: 1-403-264-8336 (TEEN)
- 24-hour Information and support for teens.
- Peer support 5 – 10 p.m. daily, online or over the phone.
Alberta Children’s Hospital – Child Abuse Service
Telephone: 403-955-5959
- Treatment for children 0-12 who have been abused or at risk for being abused.
Health resources
Calgary Sexual Assault Response Team (CSART)
Telephone: 403-955-6011
Address: Sheldon M. Chumir Health Centre, 1213 4th Street SW (24-hour service)
- Specialized doctors and nurses provide comprehensive care to individuals who have experienced sexual assault (rape) or abuse within the past 72 hours.
- Clients may choose what services they wish to receive.
Sexual and Reproductive Health Clinical Services – Family Planning Services
Telephone: 403-228-7430 (Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)
- These confidential clinics offer STD testing, treatment, emergency contraception and support.
Calgary Sexual Health Centre
Telephone: 403-283-5580
Address: 304, 301 14 St. N.W.
- Information, support and referrals by telephone to individuals who prefer to call or who are unable to access our services in person. Counselling and education services available.
Resources for court appearances
Child Witness Court Preparation Court Program
Telephone: 403- 289-8385
- Providing tools and resources to help children and teens prepare for their day in court.
Calgary Crown Prosecutor’s Office – Public Assistance Unit
Telephone: 403-297-3912 / 403-297-3913
- Providing information on court proceedings to victims and witnesses during the Criminal Justice process. We liaise between the witnesses and the crown prosecutors as they are unable to communicate directly.
Calgary Communities Against Sexual Abuse (CCASA)
Telephone: 403-237-5888 or toll-free 1-877-237-5888
- The Police And Court Education and Support (P.A.C.E.S.) Program provides specialized information, education, and court support.
All information courtesy of organizations referenced.
