Sexual assault and sexual violence are pressing civic issues that affect individuals of all ages and genders, with a particularly high incidence among women and children. These crimes are often stigmatized and complex, leading to significant underreporting, especially within multicultural and marginalized communities. Cultural values profoundly influence how these crimes are perceived and reported.

From May 12-18, 2024, awareness was focused on victims and survivors of crime. Skyrise Media Society and Middle Peace collaborated to host a seminar at the West Vancouver Public Library, highlighting the experiences of these individuals.

In today’s interview, we delve into the crucial topic of sexual assault to enhance awareness and understanding. Poran Poregbal and Samira Gholami, volunteer hosts of Today TV, welcomed Parisa Jahan, a counsellor specializing in supporting victims of sexual assault, to share her insights.

Parisa Jahan discussed the signs and symptoms children may exhibit when experiencing sexual assault. She emphasized the challenges faced by families lacking sex education, where seeking support can be more difficult. Parisa stressed the importance of sex education in aiding families to understand the necessity of prevention and awareness. She noted, "In families without sex education, children often struggle to communicate their experiences, making it vital for parents to be informed and supportive."

The conversation also highlighted the impact of sexual assault on women and its repercussions on family life. Parisa explained, "The secrecy, guilt, shame, and fear of being blamed are significant barriers for many survivors." She elaborated on the psychological and emotional toll these barriers impose, which can deter individuals from seeking help.

Additionally, the discussion addressed the fears of newcomers and refugees, who often hesitate to report sexual assaults due to concerns about jeopardizing their permanent resident applications. Samira Gholami pointed out, "Many newcomers fear that reporting sexual assault will affect their immigration status, leading to a culture of silence that protects perpetrators and harms victims."

Poran Poregbal added, "We need to create a supportive environment where victims feel safe to speak out, regardless of their immigration status. It's essential to break the cycle of fear and silence."

Samira Gholami and Poran Poregbal concluded by emphasizing the importance of awareness and comprehensive sex education to prevent sexual assault, particularly in multicultural and marginalized communities. They highlighted the barriers victims face, such as secrecy and fear, and called for a supportive environment where all victims feel safe to seek help.

Link: https://victimlinkbc.ca/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw34qzBhBmEiwAOUQcF21-8fBfufejjgWVnfk0H77f5L56dSqNO-OTC0H1ivn0vvL1uxirzxoCLisQAvD_BwE

Volunteer Hosts:

Poran Poregbal MA, RSW, RCC Doctoral Candidate in Counselling and Psychotherapy

Samira Gholami, BA, MA Candidate Psychotherapist, Co-Founder, Director of Operations Member of (CCPA)

Producer and Journalist:

Sherry Soltani

Skyrise Media Society