Support for abuse victims is just a phone call away

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Taking the first step in the journey of healing from sexual abuse is only a phone call away, thanks to the Native Healing Connection.

Through the Native Healing Connection program, people who have been sexually abused-or are still being abused-can call a toll-free number, and be connected with counselors or other trained people in their community who can help them along their healing path. All calls made to the toll-free number are completely confidential.

Patrick Scott is manager of Aboriginal programs with World Vision Canada, the organization that funds the Native Healing Connection.

The program was started in 1998, with funding at that time coming both from World Vision Canada and a national coalition of churches. When the coalition cut its funding for the project in 1999, World Vision decided to continue funding it on its own, Scott said.

"The line was initiated in part of the climate of all the residential school disclosures that were beginning to happen, in a sense that there needed to be something easily accessible for people. But certainly the results are not entrenched in the residential school situation. The problem is widespread," Scott said.

"We have limited money for it, so it probably isn't as substantive as it could be. But I think most people appreciate that there are a lot of people still living with wounds from either previous experiences of being sexually abused, or more current experience, and having no safe place to turn," Scott said.

The toll-free number, he explained, can help people to take the first step of disclosure -admitting for the first time that they have been abused.

"The purpose of the Healing Connection isn't to be the primary source of counseling. And I think that's important for people to understand. What it is, is it's the door opener, which allows people then to find the resources that they need within their own context," Scott said.

Callers will be referred to a professional counselor or other trained helper, who they can go to for help in starting their healing journey. Organizers are currently looking at the possibility of training peer counselors who would work to help others in their communities.

"We feel it is important to provide that kind of option for people who would otherwise not have an option," Scott said.

"No one is ever turned away from the service if they choose to call," Scott said. To contact the Native Healing Connection, call 1-888-600-5464. In Edmonton, call 433-6286.